Mercedes announces shock return to Le Mans
Mercedes-AMG will make a shock return to the FIA World Endurance Championship next season, after the German marque has announced that it will enter two cars in the colours of Italian outfit Iron Lynx.
Iron Lynx has confirmed that it will be switching to Mercedes-AMG for its 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign, racing two Mercedes-AMG GT3s in the LMGT3 class.
Commenting on the announcement, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Christoph Sagemüller noted: “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! Our successful Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the experienced Iron Lynx team is the right pairing and we have set another milestone in our Customer Racing success story.”
The FIA WEC replaced the LMGTE category with the LMGT3 class for the 2024 season, allowing homologated GT3s to compete in the championship.
The announcement means that Mercedes will join the LMGT3 grid alongside Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren and Porsche.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 must fulfil special FIA WEC LMGT3 homologation criteria to be able to participate as Mercedes-AMG LMGT3. It must notably integrate the use of drive shafts with torque sensors and carry out the corresponding development work.
Wind tunnel tests will also be required to ensure compliance with the performance window laid down in the championship rulebook. Mercedes-AMG Motorsport has already started the necessary processes which are scheduled to be completed in time for the new season.
The Qatar 1812 Km will launch the 2025 FIA WEC season on 28 February., whereas the highlight of the eight-round season will undoubtedly be the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans that will take place 11-15 June 2025.
