The World Endurance Championship grid will welcome a new renowned manufacturer from the 2025 season. This Wednesday, November 20, the WEC took everyone by surprise by announcing the arrival of Mercedes on the grid next year via a short communication on its social networks. The German manufacturer has confirmed that its participation will be in GT3. Iron Lynx will take care of the operation of the two examples of the star firm. The Italian firm having until now been linked to Lamborghini, this announcement seems to confirm the upcoming withdrawal of the manufacturer from Sant'Agata Bolognese (Italy) from the World Endurance Championship, even if the latter has not yet communicated.
For Mercedes, this will be the brand’s big return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time since 1999. “ I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their in-depth discussions, says Stefan Wendl, head of customer racing at Iron Mercedes. I am also very happy that we were able to convince Iron Lynx of the enormous potential of our customer program. Intense cooperation over a short period has already resulted in participation in the FIA WEC. This is extremely positive news for Mercedes-AMG as a whole. The homologation of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the LMGT3 category means that all other customer teams now have the opportunity to secure a place on the starting grid for the Le Mans endurance classic. »
The German-Italian ticket has already confirmed two drivers for the 2025 season: Claudio Schiavoni will be at the wheel of the No. 60 while Matteo Cressoni will drive No. 61. The Iron Dames will continue in the WEC in GT3, but with Porsche. “ We are extremely proud to welcome Mercedes-AMG among our partners, rejoices Andrea Piccini, Team Principal of the transalpine structure. In addition to being an extraordinary brand, they are very motivated, determined and hungry for success. With such support, I am confident that we will be able to hit the ground running and be competitive from the start. We look forward to receiving our new Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 racing cars, beginning our preparation work for 2025 and continuing our commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Endurance racing is ingrained in our DNA, and the FIA WEC is certainly the pinnacle of that, so we are honored and excited to be a part of it once again. »
If Mercedes is content with an entry in LMGT3 for the moment, it is very likely to see the German manufacturer embark on a program to move into the premier category in the years to come, which the firm with the star has not not yet confirmed.
ALSO READ > Rodin interested in participating in the WEC in the Hypercar category
Related News :