24h Le Mans
Twenty-three cars are entered in the LMGT3 category at the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans (12-16 June): Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren and Porsche will compete through private teams. Here's what you need to know about the 15 LMGT3 outfits set to hit the track.
The LMGT3s have replaced cars built in compliance with LMGTE regulations. This new GT category will focus on amateur drivers and private teams. The cars have undergone several modifications specific to the FIA WEC, including torque sensors, luminescent numbers and three classification diodes on their flanks (leader light system).
#27 - Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 – Ian James (USA) – Daniel Mancinelli (ITA) – Alex Riberas (ESP)
To take on BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren and Porsche in the new LMGT3 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the FIA WEC, Aston Martin Racing has designed an updated Vantage GT3. The car is fielded by American team Heart of Racing and has been outfitted with an all-new aerodynamics package, a completely overhauled suspension system and cutting-edge electronics. At the 2024 Qatar 1812 km, Ian James/Daniel Mancinelli/Alex Riberas finished second in their category. The Seattle-based team has set its sights on victory at this year's 24 Hours before entering its Valkyrie Hypercar next season.
#31 - BMW M4 LMGT3 – Darren Leung (GBR) – Sean Gelael (IDN) – Augusto Farfus (BRA)
#46 - BMW M4 LMGT3 – Ahmad Al Harthy (OMN) – Valentino Rossi (ITA) – Maxime Martin (BELG)
Belgian outfit Team WRT is a GT3 veteran after competing in the category for the past 15 years. Vincent Vosse's crew has been entrusted with BMW's programme in the FIA WEC and will also enter two BMW M Hybrid V8s in Hypercar. The M4 LMGT3 has proven fast and reliable, winning the 2023 24 Hours of Spa, and making Team WRT a contender for the win. However, the outfit is well aware of how unforgivable Le Mans can be. Its ORECA 07-Gibson was forced to retire in the final lap of the race back in 2021. Luckily, the sister car slipped into the lead and claimed the top step on the LMP2 podium. Nine-time world grand prix champion Valentino Rossi will take the wheel of the #46 at the 2024 24 Hours. Last year, he won the GT3 category at Road to Le Mans. Team WRT currently figures in second place in the FIA Endurance LMGT3 Teams Championship.
#44 – Ford Mustang LMGT3 – Christian Ried (DEU) – Ben Tuck (GBR) – Christopher Mies (DEU)
#77 – Ford Mustang LMGT3 – Ryan Hardwick (USA) – Zacharie Robichon (CAN) – Benjamin Barker (GBR)
#88 – Ford Mustang LMGT3 – Giorgio Roda (ITA) – Mikkel Pedersen (DNK) – Dennis Olsen (NOR)
Proton Competition is beginning a new chapter after running Porsches in LMGTE Am since 2011. The German team has formed a partnership with Ford to field two Mustang LMGT3s in the FIA WEC and a third in the 24 Hours. The American carmaker can most likely count on Christian Ried's team to take its Mustangs to the LMGT3 top 5. However, the car is still in the development phase and its best result so far is ninth place for the #77 at the 6 Hours of Imola and TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
#54 – Ferrari 296 LMGT3 – Thomas Flohr (CHE) – Francesco Castellacci (ITA) – Davide Rigon (ITA)
#55 – Ferrari 296 LMGT3 – François Heriau (FRA) – Simon Mann (USA) – Alessio Rovera (ITA)
Third in the FIA Endurance LMGTE Teams Championship last season, the Italian team is back, this time with two Ferrari 296 LMGT3s. The #54 will once again be shared by Thomas Flohr/Francesco Castellacci/Davide Rigon (official Ferrari driver). The car's best result this year was fifth place in the Qatar 1812 km. The #55 will be driven by Simon Mann/Alessio Rovera (official Ferrari driver)/François Heriau. Vista AF Corse is a constantly improving team, as demonstrated by a win at the 2023 6 Hours of Fuji. The team is taking on the new LMGT3 category with humility, but with confidence in its potential.
#59 – McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo – James Cottingham (GBR) – Nicolas Costa (BRA) – Grégoire Saucy (CHE)
#95 – McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo – Hiroshi Hamaguchi (JPN) – Nicolás Pino (CHL) – Marino Sato (JPN)
McLaren will return to the 24 Hours by way of the LMGT3 category this year. The British marque has called upon United Autosports to run two 720S LMGT3 Evos in the FIA WEC and at Le Mans. McLaren won the 1995 24 Hours and United Autorsports the LMP2 category in 2020. The legacy is reflected in the duo's 2024 campaign and the livery of the #59 will pay tribute to the 1995 winning car. United Autosports founder Zak Brown also serves as the managing director of McLaren Racing. James Cottingham/Nicolas Costa/Grégoire Saucy finished fourth at the 2024 TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, and is in 11th place in the FIA Endurance LMGT3 Teams Championship.
#60 – Lamborghini Huracan LMGT3 Evo2 – Claudio Schiavoni (ITA) – Matteo Cressoni (ITA) – Franck Perera (FRA)
Like BMW, Ford, Lexus and McLaren, Lamborghini is competing in the new LMGT3 category at the 24 Hours and in the FIA WEC. The marque based in Sant’Agato Bolognese in northern Italy has joined forces with Iron Lynx to enter one Huracán LMGT3 Evo2. The #60 will be driven by Claudio Schiavoni/Matteo Cressoni/Franck Perera. The trio finished third in this category at the 2024 TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and will seek to achieve at least that classification at the 92nd 24 Hours.
#66 – Ferrari 296 LMGT3 – Giacomo Petrobelli (ITA) – Larry ten Voorde (NLD) – Salih Yoluç (TUR)
This British team boasts an impressive 13 participations in the 24 Hours, and is gearing up to take on the LMGT3 category with a Ferrari 296 LMGT3 entrusted to Giacomo Petrobelli/Larry ten Voorde/Salih Yoluç. The crew reached the top step on the LMGTE Am podium with Ferrari in 2017. The outfit has also competed in the European Le Mans this season with three other drivers. JMW Motorsport finished sixth in the 2023 FIA WEC, and was forced to retire at the 24 Hours after an accident.
#70 – McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo – Brendan Iribe (USA) – Ollie Millroy (GBR) – Frederik Schandorff (DNK)
This year marks the British team's third start in the 24 Hours. Entered in the GTD category in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, it owes its invitation to Le Mans to Brendan Iribe, winner of the North American championship's Bob Akin Trophy. Early in the season, Inception Racing finished 13th in GTD at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. A top 10 spot in LMGT3 at the 24 Hours is certainly within reach.
#78 – Lexus RC F LMGT3 – Arnold Robin (FRA) – Timur Boguslavskiy – Kelvin van der Linde (ZAF)
#87 – Lexus RC F LMGT3 – Takeshi Kimura (JPN) – Esteban Masson (FRA) – José María López (ARG)
This French outfit, winner of more than 50 national and international championship titles, is taking on a new challenge: fielding two Lexus RC F LMGT3s in the FIA WEC and 24 Hours. The move is no surprise for team principal and former endurance racing driver Jérôme Policand, a true GT3 expert. Toward its goal of reaching the summit of the discipline, Akkodis ASP Team is putting its faith in two high-performance, complementary crews ripe with experience and moxy. This includes José María López, winner of the 2021 24 Hours with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at the wheel of the #87. The #78 car finished 10th in the 2024 TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
#81 – Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R – Tom van Rompuy (BEL) – Rui Andrade (AGO) – Charlie Eastwood (IRL)
#82 – Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R – Hiroshi Koizumi (JPN) – Sébastien Baud (FRA) – Daniel Juncadella (ESP)
Corvette fans need not worry. The American marque will in fact take the start in this year's 24 Hours, with two Z06 LMGT3.Rs. Corvette Racing has chosen British team TF Sport to run its new GT in the FIA WEC. Tom Ferrier's outfit won the LMGTE Am category at Le Mans in 2020 and 2022 with Aston Martin. The #81 clinched the pole at the 2024 Qatar 1812 km thanks to Tom van Rompuy, proof the Z06 LMGT3.R can deliver fast lap speeds. How will it do across 24 hours?
#85 – Lamborghini Huracán LMGT3 Evo2 – Sarah Bovy (BEL) – Michelle Gatting (DNK) – Rahel Frey (CHE)
A highly experienced all-female driver line-up will share this Lamborghini. Since 2019, Iron Dames have continued to demonstrate their speed, winning the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain with a Porsche 911 RSR-19 and finishing fourth in LMGTE Am at the 24 Hours after fighting for victory. They're out for revenge this time. Sarah Bovy/Michelle Gatting/Rahel Frey will take turns at the wheel of the Huracán LMGT3 Evo2 painted in a one-of-a-kind livery. Iron Dames are currently eighth in the FIA Endurance LMGT3 Teams Championship, a classification that fails to reflect their real potential.
#86 – Ferrari 296 LMGT3 – Michael Wainwright (GBR) – Daniel Serra (BRA) – Riccardo Pera (ITA)
A new participation, a new car and most importantly a new challenge for GR Racing. This British team has switched its Porsche 911 RSR-19 for a Ferrari 296 LMGT3 entered in the 2024 European Le Mans Series. The outfit finished second at the 4 Hours of Barcelona and fifth at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet this season. Both results provide GR Racing with a sense of confidence heading into the 92nd 24 Hours.
#91 – Porsche 911 GT3 R LMGT3 – Yasser Shahin (AUS) – Morris Schuring (NLD) – Richard Lietz (AUT)
#92 – Porsche 911 GT3 R LMGT3 – Aliaksandr Malykhin (KNA) – Joel Sturm (DEU) – Klaus Bachler (AUT)
Porsche will compete in LMGT3 thanks to Manthey Racing, a team the German carmaker knows well since it previously prepared and entered 911 RSRs in the LMGTE Pro category. Manthey secured a win at the 2013 24 Hours thanks to Marc Lieb/Richard Lietz/Romain Dumas. After taking part in DTM and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the outfit knows the 911 GT3 R inside and out, and with a win at the 2024 Qatar 1812 km, third place at the 6 Hours of Imola and second at the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the #92 is leading the FIA Endurance LMGT3 Teams Championship ahead of Team WRT. The #91 won the race in the Belgian Ardennes. Manthey EMA and Manthey PureRxcing are the favourites to win this category at the 92nd 24 Hours.
#155 – Ferrari 296 LMGT3 – Johnny Laursen (DNK) – Conrad Laursen (DNK) – Jordan Taylor (USA)
This Swiss team has participated in GT at Le Mans with Ferrari since 2017. That year and the following, Spirit of Race finished second in LMGTE Am, and is currently competing in the European Le Mans Series, but with three other drivers and the racing number 55. The outfit finished fifth at the 4 Hours of Barcelona before going on to win the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. Danish drivers Johnny and Conrad Laursen will count on the experience level of former Corvette Racing driver Jordan Taylor at Le Mans.
#777 – Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 – Satoshi Hoshino (JPN) – Erwan Bastard (FRA) – Marco Sørensen (DNK)
This Japanese team is once again entered in the FIA WEC and 24 Hours after being forced to retire at Le Mans last year with a failed battery. It's a fresh start this season with a new Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 entrusted to Satoshi Hoshino/Erwan Bastard/Marco Sørensen (LMGTE Am winner at the 2022 24 Hours with TF Sport). The #777 Aston Martin kicked off the season well by finishing third at the Qatar 1812 km. The outfit is seeking a top 10 category finish, if not better.
1. Manthey PureRxcing – #92 Porsche 911 GT3 R LMGT3 – 72 points
2. Team WRT – #31 BMW M4 LMGT3 – 37 points
3. Heart of Racing – #27 Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 – 37 points
4. Team WRT – #46 BMW M4 LMGT3 – 36 points
5. D’Station Racing – #777 Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 – 30 points
2024 24 Hours of Le Mans entry list.
