Blomqvist, Yelloly, Campbell Complete Ford Hypercar Lineup

Photo: Drew Gibson

Acura IMSA GTP refugees Nick Yelloly and Tom Blomqvist as well as Porsche factory star Matt Campbell have been confirmed as the final three drivers in Ford Racing’s FIA World Endurance Championship lineup for its Hypercar class debut next year.

Announced on Friday at Le Mans, the trio join the previously announced Logan Sargeant, Seb Priaulx and Mike Rockenfeller in the Detroit manufacturer’s lineup.

Campbell, the reigning IMSA GTP champion with Porsche Penske Motorsport, had been widely reported to be joining Ford’s Hypercar program for several months, although Yelloly and Blomqvist are more recent signings following the news that Acura would pause its WeatherTech SportsCar Championship effort at seasons’ end.

Sportscar365 understands that several other drivers, including Toyota WEC ace Mike Conway, were considered prior to the availability of both Yelloly and Blomqvist, which became clear in mid-March.

Fellow Acura GTP star Colin Braun was also understood to have been under evaluation for a race seat.

“With the additions of Matt, Nick and Tom alongside Logan, Rocky and Seb, we have finalized a driver lineup capable of winning races,” said Ford Racing global director Mark Rushbrook.

“We aren’t just returning to Le Mans to participate – we are returning to fight for overall victory, and this complete roster gives us the perfect foundation to achieve that goal.”

Ford Racing WEC Hypercar program manager Dan Sayers added: “Having Matt, Nick and Tom onboard early is a massive boost.

“Their combined feedback in the simulator and during our upcoming testing phases across Europe will be vital as we transition from the virtual world to the track.

“They all have a proven track record of extracting performance from brand-new platforms and providing the precise technical feedback needed to refine our in-house developed control systems.”

Campbell, who was reassigned to a partial-season program with Porsche Penske this year in anticipation of his new signing with the ‘Blue Oval’ said he’s “extremely excited and proud” to be joining the program.

“Ford has a longstanding history of success in top levels of motorsport and at Le Mans, which is something I am also chasing, and I believe Ford is the right place to achieve that goal together,” he said.

“We have a lot of laps to turn later this year, but the work has already started and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

For Yelloly, the reigning LMP2 class winner in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it will mark his third different LMDh program after starting with BMW from 2023-24 before switching to Acura for the last two WeatherTech Championship seasons.

“Being part of the lineup who are bringing back the legendary Blue Oval to Le Mans is a big honor and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” he said.

“I’m itching to get going with the whole team and can’t wait to get this show on the road.”

Like Campbell, Blomqvist is a former top-class IMSA champion, while also being a two-time Rolex 24 at Daytona winner.

“Joining Ford Racing at the start of such an ambitious program is an incredibly exciting opportunity,” he said.

“To be part of the project from the outset, help shape its development and work towards the shared goal of bringing Ford back to the top step of the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is very special.

“Ford’s heritage in endurance racing speaks for itself, and I’m proud to represent the brand as we begin this exciting new chapter together.”

As previously announced, on-track testing for the yet-to-be-named LMDh car, powered by an in-house 5.4-liter Coyote V8 engine, will begin in August at various circuits across Europe.

The final driver pairings have yet to be confirmed.

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