Ford runs Le Mans hypercar tests at Silverstone

A Ford hypercar, which aims to reclaim the firm's past glory at the iconic Le Mans race, has been put through its paces at Silverstone.

The US car firm has not entered the top category of the 24-hour endurance race for nearly 60 years.

Its return in 2027 rekindles memories of the famous rivalry with Ferrari in the 1960s, which was the subject of a Hollywood film starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale.

Hypercar team member Andy Williamson, from Venture Engineering in Witney, Oxfordshire, said the first UK tests were "very positive".

Ford's famous 1966 victory at the annual French race, where the firm's three GT40s finished together in the lead, upset Ferrari's previous dominance.

It turned out to be the first of four consecutive wins.

History was made in 1969 when Ford driver Jacky Ickx broke with tradition by refusing to run to his car for safety reasons.

He won the race despite setting off in last place after his walking start.

Dan Sayers, Ford Racing hypercar team principal, said testing at the Northamptonshire race circuit was going well so far.

"Today's been quite useful because being in the UK it's rained," he said.

"And so [we're testing] tyre specs, crossovers from a wet track to a dry track.

"Hypercar is the pinnacle of sports car racing.

"It's the highest level that all manufacturers want to go and succeed at and it's basically what runs at Le Mans."

Venture Engineering has engineers working on the car and is also responsible for housing and transporting it.

Williamson said: "We had a very good two days. We exceeded our targets for mileage and time on the track.

"Everyone was very positive and happy."

Previously, the hypercar was tested in France and Portugal.

It is due to return to Silverstone in April 2027 before competing at Le Mans in June.