ELMS LMP2 Program ‘Important’ for Ford’s Rockenfeller, Priaulx

Photo: Marc Urbano/Ford

Ford Racing’s supported venture into the European Le Mans Series with a LMP2 entry will be an “important” element to the manufacturer’s FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar debut according to two of its drivers.

Both Mike Rockenfeller and Seb Priaulx, who along with ex-Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant, were confirmed last month as the first three drivers for Ford’s 2027 Hypercar effort, will share a Proton Competition-entered Oreca 07 Gibson with FIA Silver-rated driver Jonas Ried in the six-round ELMS season.

It will mark an opportunity for both drivers to get seat time in a prototype, as well as come to grips with ACO-rules racing ahead of the WEC campaign.

“To do the European Le Mans Series in the LMP2, to build the team but personally, it will be great for me to spend time in a prototype again,” Rockenfeller told Sportscar365.

“It will be important for both of us as drivers to be in the same ruleset and also to race a prototype.

“It’s definitely different to be in a top category of a field in terms of traffic management, feeling the car and so-on.”

Priaulx will also undertake a dual WEC program in one of Proton’s Ford Mustang GT3 EVOs in the LMGT3 class this year.

“It’s going to be good to learn the LMP2 over the course of the year, and WEC, just to keep my brain fresh for the WEC rules,” he told Sportscar365.

“It’s quite a bit different to the IMSA in that aspect. I think it’s going to be busy but a busy driver is normally a quick driver.

“With all of the Hypercar development work as well this year is going to keep me busy. I’m excited for that.”

The ELMS LMP2 effort will include mechanics and engineers from both Ford Racing and its Hypercar logistical partner Venture Engineering.

While it will mark Priaulx’s LMP2 debut, prototype veteran Rockenfeller has several previous starts in the class, most famously in Penske Racing’s Porsche RS Spyder program.

“To work together with the team, to build up the team, to work with the engineering group and to get up to speed to be in the race mode, is important,” added Rockenfeller.

“Of course testing and development is one part. But you can test forever and you’re never finished. I think it’s always important that you keep that racing mentality and try to also operate like that in a test as much as you can.

“Other brands have taken a similar route, but especially for us since we’re building our own race team, it’s very important and one of the key parts of this program, to get started.”

Priaulx Hopeful of Having Rockenfeller as 2027 Hypercar Co-Driver

The 25-year-old Englishman, who co-drove with Rockenfeller in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship last year, which was highlighted by a GTD Pro class win in Detroit, is also hopeful to be paired up with the German driver in WEC competition next year.

“It’s good to have Rocky there,” said Priaulx. “He’s got so much experience. He’s done pretty much every single category you can think of.

“It will be nice to have someone to lean on, at the beginning of the program. That’s when the tricky part is, really.

“Once you get going, you hopefully get a good base.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the driver lineups are in the future but it’s going to be exciting.”

When asked if he would prefer to keep the pairing together for 2027, Priaulx said: “For sure, definitely.

“It’s obviously not always down to me. But I think it’s a good point. We get on very well. For the team, it’s a no-brainer not to put us together but let’s see what happens.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John