Tom Blomqvist believes his expertise of the Oreca-based Acura prototype will assist Ford “velocity up the early growth” of its Hypercar challenger.
The 2-time Daytona 24 Hours winner will characterize the American producer within the World Endurance Championship’s prime class in 2027, shifting throughout from the Acura GTP programme that shall be “paused” on the finish of the present yr.
Blomqvist has raced for Honda’s luxurious model since 2022 and has developed a robust understanding of the ARX-06, in addition to an in depth working relationship with the Oreca engineers who collaborated on the challenge.
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 automotive in August forward of the beginning of the 2027 marketing campaign in March.
Whereas he stays contracted to Acura till the top of the yr, he’ll participate within the majority of Ford’s check programme because of particular dispensation from Honda.
“We now have tried loads of issues through the years. Essentially, the backbone and the suspension are all mainly the identical,” the British-born Swede defined.
“I am hoping loads of issues translate. I do know loads of issues. We do not have to hassle losing our time as a result of I already know they may not work, or the place to essentially hone in on or give attention to, or possibly some weak areas that we will doubtlessly enhance on while the automotive continues to be recent.
“I believe that is simply the stuff that type of accelerates loads of early growth, and particularly early like set-up growth work that you’re going to find yourself doing, otherwise you will not be capable of do early on since you’re focussing on reliability of sure areas.
“I believe the foundations in that space ought 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 acquired to do from scratch.”
Fourth LMDh challenge for Oreca
#60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian: Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun
Photograph by: Brandon Badraoui / Lumen through Getty Photos
Blomqvist joins a star-studded line-up that additionally contains fellow Acura driver Nick Yelloly, reigning IMSA SportsCar champion Matt Campbell, former Method 1 driver Logan Sargeant, Le Mans 24 Hours winner Mike Rockenfeller and rising star Sebastian Priaulx.Yelloly joined Acura final yr after a spell at BMW, the place he raced the Dallara LMP2-based M Hybrid V8.
All LMDh producers should construct a automotive on a chassis equipped by one of many 4 licensed suppliers: Oreca, Multimatic, Dallara and Ligier.
Oreca has confirmed to be a preferred alternative amongst producers, with Acura, Alpine, 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.
“The Acura was the primary automotive with Oreca they usually’ve clearly had years with us,” he stated. “All these small bits that possibly weren’t working accurately, or possibly small reliability points, have been ironed out through the years with Alpine and Genesis.
“So, we’re hoping that it is solely going to be higher with one other growth cycle.”
Whereas the LMDh rules enable producers to acquire a number of spec components, Ford nonetheless has to design and develop the majority of the automotive, together with the inner combustion engine.
Blomqvist is beneath no phantasm in regards to the problem Ford faces, however is optimistic in regards to the Blue Oval’s long-term targets 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 staff and the operations,” he stated.
“That is going to be a giant programme. It will be lots of people. There’s going to be loads 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 individuals in place. That is been Dan Sayers’ job over the previous god is aware of what number of months.
“So, look there’s undoubtedly a giant activity forward of us, however I am actually enthusiastic about this programme quite a bit.
“I believe we’re simply seeing the hospitality down there and the hassle they’ll put into this. They’re coming right here to win. The heritage speaks for itself.
“Clearly, the primary yr is all the time going to be difficult. We’re all effectively conscious of that, however this isn’t a short-term gig.”
Tom Blomqvist, Ford Racing
Photograph by: Ford
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