Ford Racing Advances in WEC Hypercar Development
Dearborn, MI — Ford Racing is steadily progressing towards its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar debut planned for next year, with key developments in engine testing and simulation activities.
The latest advancement involves the 5.4-litre V8 Coyote engine, which marks Ford’s first in-house performance race engine. Currently, it has completed initial dyno testing but has yet to be integrated with the spec LMDh hybrid system. Dan Sayers, Ford’s WEC Hypercar programme manager, stated, “The first engine has completed build and was on the dyno… We’re just now starting development of certain aspects for performance.”
Sayers emphasized the importance of synchronizing the hybrid system with the engine, indicating that this integration will occur in the coming weeks. “We haven’t mated the two together… but that is going to be coming up in the next three to four weeks,” he noted.
Despite the complexity of the project, Sayers indicated that no significant challenges have arisen, attributing this to careful planning. “It’s actually the magnitude of tasks that need to be done… we’re conscious of the amount of testing that we want to maximize,” he explained, highlighting the balance needed between virtual development and actual track testing.
Ford Racing plans to commence on-track sessions in Q3 2023, with tests scheduled in both Europe and the USA, according to Sayers. “We expect to be building the car in the next three or four months,” he stated, confirming a rigorous test plan to precede competitive racing.
Simulators have been actively employed to establish an early performance baseline for the drivers, with regular sessions ongoing. Logan Sargeant, one of the confirmed drivers, remarked on the simulator’s utility, stating, “We’re able to tick through those things, make sure that they’re working, and make adjustments.”
To prepare for WEC rules, Ford Racing has partnered with Proton Competition in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), aiming to keep its team race-ready while maximizing developmental opportunities. “It’s definitely a secondary focus to Hypercar,” Sayers clarified. “The primary objective is just to get everything ready for the WEC programme.”
As the team continues to circle in on its objectives, a driver lineup will be finalized in the coming months. The current roster includes Sargeant, Sebastian Priaulx, and Mike Rockenfeller, with Sayers indicating that further announcements would focus on balancing experience and youth in their driver selection process.
In summary, Ford Racing is making significant strides in its WEC Hypercar development, underscoring a commitment to precision and performance as it gears up for its debut season in 2024.
