Ford Racing Tested LMDh Hypercar at Silverstone
The prototype completed a two-day evaluation featuring its first track run with fully functional headlights.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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Ford Racing recently concluded its third test of the LMDh-spec Hypercar at Silverstone, marking a key milestone in the vehicle's development program. The car, powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine, successfully navigated mixed weather conditions over two days.
Why it matters
This rigorous testing phase is critical to refining the vehicle's mechanical reliability and performance ahead of its competitive entry. The data gathered during these sessions informs the engineering refinements necessary to prepare the prototype for international endurance racing.
The vehicle features a 5.4-liter V8 engine and has now completed 3 total tests across various European circuits. The program is currently evaluating performance in diverse weather conditions before moving to Monza later this month.
The players
Ford Racing
The performance division responsible for engineering and racing high-output automotive platforms globally.
Logan Sargeant
A professional test driver who participated in the development of the new LMDh-spec vehicle.
Nick Yelloly
A professional test driver tasked with evaluating the Hypercar's performance at Silverstone.
Sebastian Priaulx
A test driver providing feedback on the vehicle's handling during multi-day testing sessions.
The details
The Silverstone session saw test drivers Nick Yelloly, Sebastian Priaulx, and Logan Sargeant rotating through the vehicle to collect performance data. For the first time, the team operated the prototype with active headlights, allowing them to test visibility during longer track stints in varying sunshine and rain. Logan Sargeant conducted solo testing on the second day, focusing on vehicle behavior and endurance, which remains a core objective for the program's long-term development.
Timeline
September 2026: The two-day Silverstone test occurred this week.
October 2026: The team will conduct testing at Monza.
End of 2026: Testing program shifts to North American venues.
2027: The Hypercar will make its WEC race debut.
The Home Front
The development of this prototype adheres to the specific technical requirements established by the FIA World Endurance Championship LMDh regulations. This testing cycle mirrors standard industry practice for manufacturers seeking to meet strict global endurance performance and hybrid integration benchmarks.
While these professional performance prototypes are not for retail, owners of high-performance V8 vehicles should maintain a regular schedule for fluid and cooling system inspections. Professional diagnostics are recommended for any irregularities in engine performance or electrical light systems on complex modern powertrains.
The takeaway
Ford Racing continues to validate its 5.4-liter powertrain through iterative track testing ahead of the 2027 season. Enthusiasts can track the development cycle by monitoring official manufacturer updates as the team transitions to North American testing locations later this year.
What happens next
The development program will transition to testing at Monza in October 2026 and move to North American venues by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the latest engineering developments, visit the Performance Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
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