believes his expertise of the Oreca-based Acura prototype will assist Ford “pace up the early growth” of its Hypercar challenger.
The 2-time Daytona 24 Hours winner will signify the American producer within the World Endurance Championship’s high class in 2027, transferring throughout from the Acura GTP programme that will probably be “paused” on the finish of the present 12 months.
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Blomqvist has raced for Honda’s luxurious model since 2022 and has developed a powerful understanding of the ARX-06, in addition to an in depth working relationship with the Oreca engineers who collaborated on the venture.
As Ford prepares for its high-profile return to the highest echelon of sportscar racing, it has additionally joined forces with the French constructor for the event of the as-yet-unnamed, V8-powered LMDh contender.
Blomqvist believes his information of the Acura will show invaluable as Ford prepares to roll out its automobile in August forward of the beginning of the 2027 marketing campaign in March.
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Whereas he stays contracted to Acura till the top of the 12 months, he’ll participate within the majority of Ford’s take a look at programme because of particular dispensation from Honda.
“Now we have tried lots of issues over time. Basically, the backbone and the suspension are all mainly the identical,” the British-born Swede defined.
“I am hoping lots of issues translate. I do know lots of issues. We do not have to hassle losing our time as a result of I already know they won’t work, or the place to essentially hone in on or give attention to, or possibly some weak areas that we will probably enhance on while the automobile remains to be contemporary.
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“I believe that is simply the stuff that form of quickens lots of early growth, and particularly early like set-up growth work that you will find yourself doing, otherwise you will not have the ability to do early on since you’re focussing on reliability of sure areas.
“I believe the foundations in that space needs to be fairly first rate from the beginning, however there’s clearly a ton of labor forward of us, the software program facet of issues is clearly one thing we received to do from scratch.”
Fourth LMDh venture for Oreca#60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian: Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun
#60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian: Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun
Blomqvist joins a star-studded line-up that additionally consists of fellow Acura driver Nick Yelloly, reigning IMSA SportsCar champion , former System 1 driver Logan Sargeant, Le Mans 24 Hours winner Mike Rockenfeller and rising star Sebastian Priaulx.Yelloly joined Acura final 12 months after a spell at BMW, the place he raced the Dallara LMP2-based M Hybrid V8.
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All LMDh producers should construct a automobile on a chassis equipped by one of many 4 licensed suppliers: Oreca, Multimatic, Dallara and Ligier.
Oreca has confirmed to be a preferred selection amongst producers, with Acura, , Genesis and now Ford all working with Hugues de Chaunac’s organisation for his or her WEC/IMSA initiatives.
Blomqvist hopes Oreca may help Ford hit the bottom operating in testing, having already labored efficiently with a number of producers because the LMDh platform was launched in 2023.
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“The Acura was the primary automobile with Oreca and so they’ve clearly had years with us,” he mentioned. “All these small bits that possibly weren’t working appropriately, or possibly small reliability points, have been ironed out over time with Alpine and Genesis.
“So, we’re hoping that it is solely going to be higher with one other growth cycle.”
Whereas the LMDh laws enable producers to acquire a number of spec components, Ford nonetheless has to design and develop the majority of the automobile, together with the interior combustion engine.
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Blomqvist is below no phantasm in regards to the problem Ford faces, however is optimistic in regards to the Blue Oval’s long-term objectives because it chases its first outright Le Mans win since 1969.
“Clearly, it is extra from the engine again and the electronics, the software program, and growing the workforce and the operations,” he mentioned.
“That is going to be an enormous programme. It will be lots of people. There’s going to be lots of work within the subsequent few months earlier than the top of the season and the early testing. There is a ton of labor forward of us, so you have to put all the correct folks in place. That is been Dan Sayers’ job over the previous god is aware of what number of months.
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“So, look there’s undoubtedly an enormous job forward of us, however I am actually enthusiastic about this programme so much.
“I believe we’re simply seeing the hospitality down there and the trouble they’ll put into this. They’re coming right here to win. The heritage speaks for itself.
“Clearly, the primary 12 months is at all times going to be difficult. We’re all properly conscious of that, however this isn’t a short-term gig.”
Tom Blomqvist, Ford Racing
Tom Blomqvist, Ford Racing
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