Ford’s journey back to the top class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is well underway. Although the still-unnamed Ford LMDh Hypercar prototype doesn’t hit the Circuit de la Sarthe for 10 months, it is already taking virtual laps.
The Coyote-branded, 5.4 litre V-8 that will power the new Oreca-based LMDh race car fired up for the first time on an engine dyno several weeks ago, paving the way to the first testing for the complete car last month. Ford Racing shared something special from its dyno testing: a quick glimpse of its DIL simulator, which is also a key component of current preparations:
click to play video
A recent article shared on Ford’s 'From The Road' blog describes more details about what is happening in the above video, and why it matters for developing the new car.
All details aside, it’s a joy to simply listen to the engine churning away at 9,000 rpm. The DIL simulator clip doesn’t reveal much, but it gained some attention since the small, visible bodywork elements provided a sneak peek impression ahead of Ford’s official on-track reveal on August 17. And, of course, it confirms that Ford’s DIL simulation programme is fully underway.
The new car is scheduled to race for the first time when the FIA World Endurance Championship season kicks off early next year, which will then build up to Ford’s long-awaited return to Le Mans on June 12.
Read the full article on the Road & Track website.
