Mercedes-AMG to Join LMGT3 Grid With Iron Lynx

Photo: FIA

Mercedes-AMG will be represented in the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship next year, having inked a deal with Iron Lynx to field a pair of Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evos.

Announced on Wednesday, the Italian team will make the switch from Lamborghini machinery, in a move that’s also expected to include the withdrawal of the Lamborghini SC63 from WEC competition.

Claudio Schiavoni and Matteo Cressoni have been the first two drivers announced for the Mercedes-AMG effort, and will drive the Nos. 60 and 61 cars, respectively in the 2025 season that kicks off at Qatar in February.

Iron Lynx will run as a two-car operation, with the Iron Dames widely expected to join Manthey as a Porsche 911 GT3 R entry.

“We are extremely proud to welcome Mercedes-AMG as a partner,” said Iron Lynx team principal Andrea Piccini. “In addition to being an amazing brand, they are highly motivated, determined, and hungry for success.

“With such strong support, I am confident we will be able to hit the ground running and be competitive from the start.

“We cannot wait to receive our new Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 race cars, start our preparation work for 2025, and continue our commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship and to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Endurance racing is rooted in our DNA, and FIA WEC is definitely its pinnacle, so we are honored and excited to be part of it once again.”

As previously reported by Sportscar365, the German manufacturer was actively working to get onto the grid next year, particularly due to Lamborghini’s uncertainties that had opened up grid slots.

“I would like to thank ACO and the FIA for the focused discussions,” said Mercedes-AMG Head of Customer Racing boss Stefan Wendl. “ I am also very happy that we were able to convince Iron Lynx of the enormous potential of our Customer Racing program.

“An intense cooperation over a short period has already delivered an FIA WEC entry. This is extremely positive news for Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing as a whole.

“Homologation of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the LMGT3 class means all other customer teams now also have the chance to secure a place on the grid at the endurance classic in Le Mans.”

Head of Mercedes-AMG Christoph Sagemueller added: “It’s no secret that we’ve been very keen for some time to bring the three-pointed star back to Le Mans.

“The 2025 season with the FIA WEC entry is the right moment – we are returning to the Sarthe after 26 years.

“The first FIA WEC season with LMGT3 cars has already been extremely interesting and we want to bring even more excitement to the field in future.

“Our successful Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the experienced Iron Lynx team is the right pairing to set another major milestone in our Customer Racing success story.

“I am already very much looking forward to the new season what means that Mercedes-AMG will be represented at all major 24-hour races in 2025. Our ‘new start’ at the 24h of Le Mans will certainly be a highlight.”

Lamborghini, which was not mentioned in Iron Lynx’s press release, has yet to make an official announcement on the future of the SC63, although Sportscar365 understands that the Italian squad is poised to part ways with the prototype program as well, ending its multi-year contact early.

Entries for next year’s WEC season closed on Monday.

Source: Sports Car 365