Ford schedules LMDh shakedown for Q3 2026 ahead of 2027 WEC debut

Ford’s LMDh/Hypercar development program is on track for a planned 2027 World Endurance Championship debut, with programme manager Dan Sayers saying the first on‑track shakedown is scheduled for Q3 2026 and the program remains on schedule. Ford has already announced three initial drivers — Mike Rockenfeller, Seb Priaulx and Logan Sargeant — and Sayers said the complete driver lineup is likely to be confirmed toward the end of 2026.

The car is based on an ORECA LMP2 chassis and will be powered by Ford’s in‑house, naturally aspirated 5.4‑liter Coyote V8. That engine has been built and started on an engine dyno and is undergoing dyno testing, while the spec LMDh hybrid hardware is running on a full powertrain dyno to validate software communications, wiring looms and system characterizations. Engineers are using bench testing and simulators alongside dyno work to accelerate calibration and performance development; the in‑house V8 has not yet been integrated with the spec hybrid system and the combined powertrain has not yet been tested on track.

Homologation work has begun and Sayers said the first test car should be built within three to four months, followed by a rollout and a week of debugging in the south of France before the initial on‑track shakedown. Ford plans a structured, endurance‑focused test program concentrated first in Europe — including planned 30‑hour endurance runs — then a shift to the U.S. for more rigorous durability testing such as a second 30‑hour run at venues including Sebring early in the new year. The manufacturer intends to prepare two test cars and has an extensive test schedule already booked ahead of the 2027 campaign.