MercedesAMG Breaking news, exclusive interviews & reports - Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/mercedesamg/ Motorsport Week is an independent, FIA accredited motorsport website delivering the latest Formula 1, Formula E, GP2, GP3, WEC, IndyCar, Nascar, Formula 3, WRC, WRX, DTM, IMSA and MotoGP news and results. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:15:48 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png MercedesAMG Breaking news, exclusive interviews & reports - Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/mercedesamg/ 32 32 Iron Lynx ‘looking at the positives’ on promising Sao Paulo weekend https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/23/iron-lynx-urges-look-at-the-positives-on-promising-sao-paulo-weekend/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/23/iron-lynx-urges-look-at-the-positives-on-promising-sao-paulo-weekend/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=216946 Iron Lynx focused on the positives despite a difficult outcome at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo

Iron Lynx reflected on the key positives from one of their most promising race meetings in Sao Paulo, despite their poor race results.

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Iron Lynx focused on the positives despite a difficult outcome at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo

Iron Lynx reflected on the key positives from one of their most promising race meetings in Sao Paulo, despite their poor race results.

“We have to look at the positives,” said Iron Lynx team principal and CEO Andrea Piccini.

“This weekend we had a much better pace and we made good use of it in qualifying, where we achieved a valuable P4.

“Despite still being a bit off in terms of pure performance compared to Aston Martin and Lexus, we were very consistent, and we had superior tyre management.

“All drivers were making positive steps, despite the fact that most of them were driving for the first time at Interlagos, which is a very technical circuit.

“Today, the pace and strategy could have brought us to the podium.

“We are getting there, and we will continue working ahead of the three final rounds of the season.”

Iron Lynx finished in 18th, last in the LMGT3 category, along with a retirement during the fifth FIA World Endurance Championship round.

Iron Lynx represent Mercedes-AMG as the latest manufacturer to join the WEC
Iron Lynx represent Mercedes-AMG as the latest manufacturer to join the WEC – Credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI

Despite achieving similar results as the Qatar 1812 km season-opener, the finishing results told only half the story.

The team showcased competitive form by matching their best qualifying effort for the #61, since they also qualified fourth for the previous round, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Iron Lynx misses out after ‘promising weekend’

During the race, both the #60 and #61 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 Evos achieved satisfactory tyre management.

Iron Lynx opted for an aggressive strategy with the #61 Mercedes-AMG, which started in fourth place, early in the race.

Bronze-graded Martin Berry kept the car within the top five before switching to Mercedes-AMG factory driver Maxime Martin, who put the car up to second position whilst others opted to eat into the Bronze-graded driving time of 1 hour 45 minutes.

Lin Hodenius continued in the middle of the race after serving penalties for Full Course Yellow infringements as Martin was keen to secure at least a points finish.

An untimely technical issue retired the #61 Mercedes-AMG in the sixth and final hour, whilst the #60 machine finished last with its relatively new driver line-up.

“It was definitely a promising weekend,” added Martin.

“We have been quite competitive for the whole weekend, and it’s again a good step from race-to-race.

“We are happy with that; we had a good qualifying and a good beginning of the race – we were in the top positions.

“Unfortunately, a technical issue forced us to retire. It’s a good lesson, it’s promising, we’re getting better, so we look forward to the next race.”

READ MORE – #12 Cadillac takes first Cadillac WEC victory at Interlagos

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Lin Hodenius on Le Mans night: ‘I thought they were exaggerating’ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/06/13/lin-hodenius-on-le-mans-night-i-thought-they-were-exaggerating/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/06/13/lin-hodenius-on-le-mans-night-i-thought-they-were-exaggerating/#respond Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=211840 Lin Hodenius is embarking on his maiden FIA World Endurance Championship season and is a Le Mans 24 Hours rookie

Lin Hodenius told Motorsport Week about his impressions of the renowned night-time on his 24 Hours of Le Mans event debut with Iron Lynx.

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Lin Hodenius is embarking on his maiden FIA World Endurance Championship season and is a Le Mans 24 Hours rookie

Lin Hodenius told Motorsport Week about his impressions of the renowned night-time on his 24 Hours of Le Mans event debut with Iron Lynx.

The FIA World Endurance Championship season debutant was greatly impressed by the challenges of night-time driving at the primarily unlit Circuit de la Sarthe.

“I’ve done night driving before, but those were on fully lit tracks,” said the #61 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 Evo driver.

“Everyone warned me Le Mans would be dark, and I thought they were exaggerating – but they weren’t! It’s really dark.

“Finding braking points and apexes, especially from Tertre Rouge to the Porsche Curves, becomes tough.

“But it’s the same track, and after three laps, you adjust.

“Hypercars just fly by — no stress – but LMP2s really require more attention, especially in the dark when all you see are headlights.

“You don’t know who’s behind you or how fast they’re approaching — it’s a challenge.”

Hodenius showcased improvement in the #61 Mercedes-AMG by securing a place in the final Hyperpole qualifying session.

After Hodenius’ fifth place, team-mate Maxime Martin took fourth with his 3:54.998 lap time, meaning that they start on the second row.

“It’s definitely more of a mental than physical challenge,” he said when asked by Motorsport Week.

“Endurance racing is about rhythm. You don’t want to push too hard too early.

“Instead, build up your tyres, build up your own pace, and settle into consistency.

“Concentration is key — every lap, especially at night. I haven’t done Nurburgring [24 Hours] yet, but I will be doing Spa [24 Hours], which is also dark in parts.

“Of course, Le Mans is the big one — the 24-hour. But Spa helps as a good preparation.

“That said, Le Mans is the real deal — nothing really compares.

READ MORE – Corvette ‘stronger’ for Le Mans after year of development

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Iron Lynx announces fresh driver line-up for #60 Mercedes-AMG https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/06/03/iron-lynx-announces-fresh-driver-line-up-for-60-mercedes-amg/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/06/03/iron-lynx-announces-fresh-driver-line-up-for-60-mercedes-amg/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:35:24 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=210726 WEC rookies (L to R) Fran Rueda, Lorcan Hanafin and Andrew Gilbert will co-pilot the #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3

Iron Lynx has announced a fresh driver line-up in their #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 for the rest of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.

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WEC rookies (L to R) Fran Rueda, Lorcan Hanafin and Andrew Gilbert will co-pilot the #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3

Iron Lynx has announced a fresh driver line-up in their #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 for the rest of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.

After Claudio Schiavoni missed the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps due to an injury, the team decided to utilise an all-new driver crew for the #60 Mercedes-AMG for the remaining four rounds of the 2025 campaign.

Andrew Gilbert, Fran Rueda and Lorcan Hanafin are all new to the WEC, although they bring useful experience for the WEC’s newest manufacturer.

Hanafin is already competing for Iron Lynx in the European Le Mans Series and will step up to the FIA WEC, as Bronze-graded Andrew Gilbert has experience in GT Open, Le Mans Cup and Ferrari Challenge.

Rueda, a race winner with respectable GT experience, recently competed with Gilbert at the British GT’s Silverstone 500 in Kessel Racing’s #74 Ferrari 296 GT3.

Team principal and Iron Lynx CEO, Andrea Piccini, said: “We want to welcome Andrew, Fran and Lorcan to our FIA WEC team.

“We are looking forward to working with them at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and for the final part of the season.

“I think they will merge very quickly with the team, and we hope to give them the best Le Mans debut experience.

“On the other hand, we are very grateful to Claudio for allowing us to seek stability for the final part of the year with a consistent driver line-up.

“We hope to see him return to the track as soon as possible and to have him supporting us in Le Mans.

“We think consistency will be beneficial both to end the season in a solid fashion and to prepare for 2026.”

#60 Mercedes-AMG grants WEC and Le Mans debut

Iron Lynx’s #60 Mercedes-AMG are one of a trio of ‘Silver Arrows‘ at the fourth round of the 2025 WEC, the 24 Hours of Le Mans next week on 15-15 June.

Gilbert said: “It has always been my dream and goal to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and I cannot believe it is going to happen this year.

The #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 joins the #61 and #63 at the manufacturer's Le Mans return
The #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 joins the #61 and #63 at the manufacturer’s Le Mans return – Credit: Iron Lynx

“It all happened really quickly. I am super excited to be joining the Iron Lynx team for the great race and to complete the FIA WEC season with them.

“It is also special that I get to do this with Fran, who has been with me since the start of my racing journey.”

Rueda added: “Joining Iron Lynx to compete in FIA WEC and in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the #60 Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside Andrew Gilbert, is a dream come true for me.

“I have admired this team for years, and to now be part of this journey, fighting for one of the biggest races in the world, means everything to me. I’m ready to give it my all.”

Hanafin concluded: “I am incredibly honoured to be joining Iron Lynx for Le Mans and for the remainder of the 2025 WEC season.

“Alongside Andy and Fran, we are looking to build on the fantastic progress the team has already made from Qatar and keep aiming high.”

READ MORE – ‘Ticking off Le Mans’ – Grove father-son duo gear up for ultimate challenge

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‘Ticking off Le Mans’ – Grove father-son duo gear up for ultimate challenge https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/05/27/ticking-off-le-mans-grove-father-son-duo-gear-up-for-ultimate-challenge/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/05/27/ticking-off-le-mans-grove-father-son-duo-gear-up-for-ultimate-challenge/#comments Tue, 27 May 2025 15:15:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=209057 Father-son duo Stephen and Brenton Grove are five-time class-winners at the glorious 12 Hours of Bathurst

Quintuple Bathurst 12 Hours class-winners Stephen and his son Brenton Grove are gearing up for their Le Mans 24 Hours debut with Iron Lynx.

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Father-son duo Stephen and Brenton Grove are five-time class-winners at the glorious 12 Hours of Bathurst

Quintuple Bathurst 12 Hours class-winners Stephen and his son Brenton Grove are gearing up for their Le Mans 24 Hours debut with Iron Lynx.

The father-son duo are taking on the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time with Iron Lynx and Mercedes-AMG, on 14-15 June.

They spearheaded the Grove Racing banner in Australia, competing in Supercars and GT World Challenge Australia. Now, they bring that Bathurst pedigree to one of sportscar racing’s ultimate challenges: the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Next month, the Circuit de la Sarthe will host the 93rd edition of the world’s oldest endurance race.

The Stuttgart manufacturer is returning to the race since 1999, albeit in the LMGT3 category with Iron Lynx as part of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign.

So the Grove family duo will compete at Le Mans in Iron Lynx’s third #63 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 with works driver Luca Stolz completing the line-up.

Mercedes-AMG entered the FIA WEC this year and remains the only manufacturer, unlike their eight rival LMGT3 makes, to lack a season’s worth of experience with the torque sensors.

Moreover, Iron Lynx’s new direction with LMGT3 came after their split with Lamborghini at the end of last year.

WEC debut: A late call-up, a big step

The Grove father-son duo debuted in the championship at the recent third WEC round, the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Stephen opened up exclusively during their WEC debut and the upcoming Le Mans endeavour with Motorsport Week.

“It’s fantastic,” he said, “for us, it was always the preparation for Le Mans.

“This (WEC Spa) opportunity came up late.

Stephen Grove (right) and his son Brenton will compete at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps ahead of their 24 Hours of Le Mans effort together
Stephen Grove (right) and his son Brenton competed at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps ahead of their 24 Hours of Le Mans effort together – Credit: Iron Lynx

“I was in Australia on [the previous] Sunday, and then we decided to come, so there wasn’t a lot of time [to prepare].

“But we did as much simulator work and data downloading as we could.

“It’s a fantastic first WEC round for me. The setup’s great, it’s run well [on the car].”

Spa-Francorchamps threw an incident-ridden second free practice session, including an unfortunate impact with the tyre barrier for Stephen at the top of Eau Rouge-Radillion, which heavily damaged his Mercedes-AMG.

However, after FP3 and qualifying, Stephen was unfazed, in high spirits and excitement.

“The car’s good and there’s a bit to learn with the torque sensors, et cetera, but it’s more about the regulations and the rules, the processes, and what you should and shouldn’t be doing.

“That took a while to learn, because every series is different.

“… You can pass before the start line in every other series, but here you can’t. So, just learning the nuances and differences in this series.”

The Le Mans dream: A Grove family mission in the making

“We’ve raced together for a long time now, but Le Mans was probably the only race we really wanted to do together.

“We’ve done Bathurst 13 times, the Dubai 24 Hours many times, Abu Dhabi 12 Hours… We’ve raced in South Africa together, pretty much everywhere.

Heavy rain characterised much of last year's Le Mans 24 Hours
Heavy rain characterised much of last year’s Le Mans 24 Hours – Credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI

“So the only place we hadn’t raced together was Le Mans, and it’s pretty hard to get into.

“To go there as father and son is going to be something special.

“And yeah, the window is closing on how much longer we can race together.

“I’m trying to stay competitive as I get older, and he’s young and building a career within our family business, so there’s a real balance.

“But yeah, if we can tick off Le Mans, then we’ve pretty much ticked everything off.”

The exhilaration of Bathurst

Mount Panorama in Bathurst, Australia, is one of the most iconic racing venues in motorsport, renowned for its challenging nature.

The iconic Bathurst 1000 from the Supercars championship and the 12 Hours of Bathurst events are amongst the most prolific endurance racing events.

Bathurst is one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport
Bathurst is one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport – Credit: © Wieldt / xpb.cc

“It’s super, super fast,” Stephen described the circuit.

“The first few years, we did it (the 12-hour race) in a Porsche Cup car, and then moved into a GT3.

“We’ve won it five times in class, which is a lot. But it’s very knife-edge, especially across the top [of the hill] – there’s just no room for error.

“A bit like Eau Rouge, you’ve got to get back to the inside curb, or else you’re in trouble.

“So Bathurst is very much like that.

“I’ve never raced at the Nordschleife, but I would imagine Bathurst would be up there as one of the hardest tracks in the world.”

Getting to grips with Goodyear tyres

SRO utilise tyre compounds from their partnership with Pirelli for such key races as the 24 Hours of Spa, whereas the ACO has worked with Goodyear for their LMGT3 machinery.

Goodyear rubber on LMGT3 machinery has been a unique adaptation, arguably the most challenging for Stephen.

Goodyear are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year
Goodyear is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year – Credit: Fabrizio Boldoni / DPPI

“That’s been the hardest thing,” he admitted.

“Qualifying was the first time I drove on a new set.

“I’d done six laps before, but they were on two really old tyres. So that was the first time I drove them new.

“They came up [to temperature] quickly, I was quite surprised.

“After about half a lap, you could start pushing – the first lap was more of a build-up lap, and then you could really go for it.

“I get that we don’t run tyre warmers, but I still like them.

“When we’ve done Spa [24 Hours] before, you could just go out of the pits and push straight away.

“So there’s quite an art, especially during the race, to go out and push.”

Iron Lynx and AMG: Building momentum ahead of Le Mans

Iron Lynx’s trajectory of progression is distinct from the other eight LMGT3 teams/manufacturers.

This is due to their newfound introduction to the Mercedes-AMG package, which in itself is new to the WEC.

Furthermore, Iron Lynx’s results so far reflect that with a DNF and a non-classification in Qatar, but a double-race finish in Imola, followed again by a double-finish in positions 11th and 12th at Spa.

The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps precedes the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps precedes the 24 Hours of Le Mans – Credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI

Spa marked the first time Iron Lynx finished ahead of any of their LMGT3 competitors, showcasing a promising upward trajectory ahead of the greatest hurdle they will face – Le Mans.

Le Mans not only tests performance over an extended period, but far more, including driver fatigue and vehicle reliability.

Despite the prowess of 21 Hypercars turning up the heat at La Sarthe, LMGT3 hosts the most entries at 24 cars.

Three of the 24 runners will be of Iron Lynx’s Mercedes-AMGs, which enhances hope for Stuttgart’s finest for their return to Le Mans in 26 years.

For Stephen and Brenton Grove, Le Mans is the final frontier – the one they’ve long dreamed of conquering together.

With their WEC debut now behind them and momentum building at Iron Lynx, the Grove duo aren’t just showing up at Le Mans – they’re aiming to make it count.

READ MORE – Mercedes-AMG ‘Silver Arrow’ liveries unveiled for Le Mans comeback

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Mercedes-AMG ‘Silver Arrow’ liveries unveiled for Le Mans comeback https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/05/13/mercedes-amg-silver-arrow-liveries-unveiled-for-le-mans-comeback/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/05/13/mercedes-amg-silver-arrow-liveries-unveiled-for-le-mans-comeback/#comments Tue, 13 May 2025 07:46:41 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=208099 Mercedes-AMG are entering three LMGT3 machines for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship

Iron Lynx has unveiled a trio of Silver Arrow liveries for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans as Mercedes-AMG marks its return to the event.

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Mercedes-AMG are entering three LMGT3 machines for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship

Iron Lynx has unveiled a trio of Silver Arrow liveries for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans as Mercedes-AMG marks its return to the event.

Mercedes-AMG is returning to the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14-15 June for the first time in 26 years.

They have been the latest manufacturer to join the FIA World Endurance Championship‘s LMGT3 category where Iron Lynx has run the machinery.

An additional third car will run at the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours after Iron Lynx earned an invitation, as all three entrants – #60, #61 and #63 – will field liveries inspired by the Sauber-Mercedes C9, which won the 1989 edition.

Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, said: “For Mercedes-AMG, the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a significant moment – 26 years after the brand with the star last competed.

“In 1989, Mercedes-Benz celebrated a major success with a one-two victory.

“We are paying tribute to the legendary Sauber-Mercedes C9 and this triumph from back then in a very special way.

“The three Mercedes-AMG LMGT3s represent the present in Customer Racing, but with their special Silver Arrow design inspired by the past, they also pay tribute to a piece of history.

“I am delighted that we are able to continue this history at Le Mans.”

Mercedes-AMG, the FIA WEC and Iron Lynx

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, added: “The FIA WEC project and the collaboration with Iron Lynx have been intense from the very beginning.

“We are very proud of where we are right now, because there is a clear trend and a continuous learning curve.

“We can build on this foundation and continue to develop.

“A race like the 24 Hours of Le Mans is not just about fast lap times, but also about the perfect cooperation between the team, technology and drivers.

“That will also be an intense task, but one that we are looking forward to.”

Iron Lynx will have Claudio Schiavoni, Matteo Cressoni, and Matteo Cairoli in the #60 entrant, whilst Martin Berry, Lin Hodenius, and works driver Maxime Martin will drive the #61 and father-son pairing Stephen and Brenton Grove will drive with another factory name, Luca Stolz.

READ MORE: Alessio Rovera delivers Ferrari LMGT3 victory at WEC 6H Spa

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Iron Lynx completes WEC line-up and showcases new Mercedes-AMG liveries https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/02/11/iron-lynx-completes-wec-line-up-and-showcases-new-mercedes-amg-liveries/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/02/11/iron-lynx-completes-wec-line-up-and-showcases-new-mercedes-amg-liveries/#respond Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:46:01 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=197036 Mercedes-AMG are competing in the second ever season of the LMGT3 category

Iron Lynx has completed their FIA World Endurance Championship driver line-up and have showcased their new Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 liveries.

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Mercedes-AMG are competing in the second ever season of the LMGT3 category

Iron Lynx has completed their FIA World Endurance Championship driver line-up and have showcased their new Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 liveries.

The team has announced their full line-up ahead of their maiden campaign with the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 package which is debuting into the WEC.

Claudio Schiavoni, Matteo Cressoni and Matteo Cairoli will co-drive the #60 Mercedes-AMG entrant whilst Christian Ried, regarded as the longest serving WEC driver since participating in the inaugural 2012 season, will join ex-BMW pilot Maxime Martin and Lin Hodenius in the #61 Mercedes-AMG.

Andrea Piccini, Iron Lynx Team Principal and CEO, said: “We are very satisfied with how the driver lineup has shaped up, and for the positive collaboration that we have established so far with Mercedes-AMG as we prepare for this new programme.

“So far we have really enjoyed working on the process and preparations.

“On the one hand, we will continue with the experienced combination of Claudio and Matteo, and we will add Matteo Cairoli, who already competed with us last year. He is a really quick driver and has a wealth of FIA WEC experience.

“On the other hand, we will bring back the driver with the most starts in the series, Christian Ried, pairing him with a young racer entering his rookie season, Lin Hodenius.

“He was extremely impressive straight away in testing and we selected him among all potential candidates despite his young age and limited endurance racing experience.

“Joining him and Ried, Maxime Martin will provide incredible value. In addition to being a long-time friend, he is one of the world’s strongest competitors in endurance racing.”

The Prologue test takes place on 21-22 February with the Qatar 1812 km (approximately 10-hours) season-opener on 28 February.

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IMSA GTD champion Philip Ellis cites ‘disadvantage’ for Mercedes-AMG on new torque sensors https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/20/imsa-gtd-champion-philip-ellis-cites-disadvantage-for-mercedes-amg-on-new-torque-sensors/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/20/imsa-gtd-champion-philip-ellis-cites-disadvantage-for-mercedes-amg-on-new-torque-sensors/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:30:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=194652 Mercedes-AMG conquered the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship season in the GTD class

Philip Ellis alluded to a possible disadvantage for IMSA's Mercedes-AMG customer teams on Stuttgart's lack of experience with torque sensors.

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Mercedes-AMG conquered the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship season in the GTD class

Philip Ellis alluded to a possible disadvantage for IMSA’s Mercedes-AMG customer teams on Stuttgart’s lack of experience with torque sensors.

The Winward Racing driver previewed the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship campaign ahead of the season-opener, the 24 Hours of Daytona on 25-26 January.

“Well I think there’s a lot of new challenges as well with the torque sensors coming so it’s a new ball game,” he replied to Motorsport Week amidst other members of the media.

“We had the same or something similar [in 2024] with new tyres.

“So everybody kind-of started on zero and we had a really good start with the tyres in Daytona already, came off with a win and I think that carried us on to the next couple of wins very early in the season – which gave us a good cushion where other teams had to catch up a little bit more.

“And we’re hoping to do the same again with the torque sensors now, but I think we have a bit of a disadvantage maybe with Mercedes.

“We’re not in WEC where they already have the system running as do other manufacturers.

“So it’s a new learning game for us, some catch-up to do I think and it will be very tough, but I think everybody in the team knows that we have a good team, a good group of people and a good engineering team as well that will help us get there.”

Torque sensors implemented for IMSA 2025

In the 2025 IMSA season, GT cars across 11 manufacturers are fitted with MagCanica UHA (Ultra High Accuracy) driveshaft torque sensors so that IMSA can further regulate each powertrain’s performance.

Mercedes-AMG revealed to Sportscar365 about the resolution of data communication issues on their Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evos after the first day of the Roar Before the 24.

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) implemented the systems on the new LMGT3 class for last year, which saw teams adapt and grasp with them during the opening half of the season ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Winward Racing won four races in the 2024 IMSA season
Winward Racing won four races in the 2024 IMSA season – Credit: Kevin Dejewski

United Autosports McLaren driver James Cottingham told Motorsport Week in an exclusive interview about their struggles with adapting to the new implementations which hindered progress during the early rounds, as Manthey begun their dominant campaign as clear favourites for the title – much like Winward Racing in last year’s IMSA season.

Winward’s efforts to defend their championship plus wins at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring may come at more difficulty as all nine other GT manufacturers had experience in the WEC’s LMGT3 class last year.

Moreover, Mercedes-AMG are the newest manufacturer joining the WEC and the LMGT3 category for this year even though they missed out on the inaugural season for the successor to the GTE-Am category.

Nevertheless, Winward Racing will attempt to pursue a consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona this year against 21 other GTD class competitors.

READ MORE: Dane Cameron revels in ‘weight off shoulders’ for Daytona 24H

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Maxime Martin joins Iron Lynx for Mercedes WEC debut season https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/16/maxime-martin-joins-iron-lynx-for-mercedes-wec-debut-season/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/16/maxime-martin-joins-iron-lynx-for-mercedes-wec-debut-season/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:22:57 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=191665 Maxime Martin will join Iron Lynx for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season

Maxime Martin has joined Iron Lynx for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 campaign with Mercedes-AMG machinery.

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Maxime Martin will join Iron Lynx for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season

Maxime Martin has joined Iron Lynx for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 campaign with Mercedes-AMG machinery.

After recently departing BMW, the 38-year-old joined Iron Lynx as their first driver for the upcoming WEC campaign.

Mercedes-AMG are making their first appearance in the championship in the LMGT3 category, which is entering its second year.

Through doing so, they have partnered with Iron Lynx who have competed in the past six editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours which is one of the rounds on the WEC schedule.

“I’m very happy to join Iron Lynx for the 2025 WEC season, said Martin.

“Mercedes-AMG is a new manufacturer for me and for the team, and I’m definitely looking forward to the year ahead.

“Iron Lynx has a remarkable history, and I have been teammates with Andrea Piccini in the past.

“It will be special to be back with him as the Team Principal. I cannot wait to get started in Qatar and try to win some races.”

Andrea Piccini, Iron Lynx Team Principal and CEO, added: “I have always held Maxime in very high regard.

“We have a friendly relationship, and we also had the chance to race together in 2013, finishing second in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring.

“He’s a really strong driver, extremely quick, and particularly able to master challenging conditions.

“I have seen him do exceptional things throughout the years without any mistakes, which makes him a top contender, especially in long-distance races.

“If we add his experience and team-player ability, I honestly think he’s one of the best possible choices for any team, and I’m proud to welcome him to Iron Lynx for the 2025 season.”

Iron Lynx will announce three more drivers in due course of the 2025 FIA WEC season.

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Andrade encouraged by Daytona chances with BoP change https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/01/26/andrade-encouraged-by-daytona-chances-with-bop-change/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/01/26/andrade-encouraged-by-daytona-chances-with-bop-change/#respond Fri, 26 Jan 2024 23:16:49 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=149607

Lone Star Racing’s Rui Andrade told MotorsportWeek.com that he believes the late-change Balance of Performance power increase to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 was warranted, based on their lack of pace in the qualifying session for the Daytona 24 Hours, the traditional season opener for the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. When speaking to MotorsportWeek.com, the Angolan driver […]

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Lone Star Racing’s Rui Andrade told MotorsportWeek.com that he believes the late-change Balance of Performance power increase to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 was warranted, based on their lack of pace in the qualifying session for the Daytona 24 Hours, the traditional season opener for the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.

When speaking to MotorsportWeek.com, the Angolan driver described how their turbocharged rivals can mask the potential of their powertrains.

“You can hide the pace of the car by reducing the pressure of the turbo, and you can obviously hide a little bit of the engine power there.

“And we knew right from the get-go that the restrictor and the weight added to the Mercedes would have kind of put us out of the window, and thankfully IMSA could see it on the pace that we were not in a very competitive window.”

Andrade will drive the #80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside Salih Yoluc, Adsam Christodoulou, and Scott Andrews. Christodoulou found qualifying challenging, with the #80 Mercedes-AMG starting fourth from last.

“We’ve done some long stints, especially doing a lot of double stints in the tyres, which this year will be mandatory compared to last year – whereas people could just go flat out with new tyres every stint,” Andrade continued.

“And the Mercedes is really good in the tyres, the brakes are really good – really consistent as well.”

The recent BoP change shows 15kg taken away for the Mercedes-AMG, even though it still weighs the most at 1375 kg. The next heaviest car is the Lexus RC F GT3, 5kg lighter, putting Mercedes-AMG on the back foot almost immediately.

Furthermore, the restrictor diameter was increased to 34.5, which is the smallest out of the GTD manufacturers, a reminder of one of the oldest GT cars in the field.

Andrade debuted in IMSA last year with an LMP2 campaign for Tower Motorsports, having completed an Endurance Cup campaign with them.

“I’m not coming in here as a complete rookie,” he said ahead of his second consecutive Daytona 24 Hours.

“I know more or less what to expect. The level of competition is just as high as it was before.

“But I also have more faith in my own skills and I have a lot of faith in my teammates in the car as well.

“So just overall much calmer than it was the first time.

And yeah, really excited to go racing and see what we can do.”

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WeatherTech Racing announces mixed-marque GTD Pro effort for Daytona https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/01/03/weathertech-racing-announces-mixed-marque-gtd-pro-effort-for-daytona/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/01/03/weathertech-racing-announces-mixed-marque-gtd-pro-effort-for-daytona/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:10:08 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=79362

WeatherTech Racing will contest the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GTD Pro category with two cars: one from Porsche and one from Mercedes-AMG. The Florida-based squad, which won both the Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in the GTLM class in 2021, will be competing in the Florida classic with a host […]

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WeatherTech Racing will contest the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GTD Pro category with two cars: one from Porsche and one from Mercedes-AMG.

The Florida-based squad, which won both the Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in the GTLM class in 2021, will be competing in the Florida classic with a host of factory drivers from both marques supporting Cooper MacNeil.

MacNeil will be driving in both cars throughout the twice-around-the-clock enduro. The American driver will be joined by Julien Andlauer, Matteo Cairoli and Alessio Picariello aboard the #79 Porsche 911 GT3 R, also sharing the Porsche with Andlauer for a full-season campaign.

The #97 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, meanwhile, will be driven by MacNeil, Maro Engel, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella. The Hinsdale native has raced Mercedes machinery in IMSA before with Riley Motorsports in 2017.

Both cars will be operated by the German Proton Competition operation, which also ran the team’s GTLM effort during the 2021 season.

“The Rolex 24 is the equivalent of our Super Bowl,” MacNeil said. “Winning this race has been one of my racing goals since I started. I’ve won Sebring twice, Petit Le Mans three times, been on the podium at Le Mans twice, been a multiple series champion, and now need to win the Rolex 24.

“I’ve finished second at the Rolex 24 but they don’t give a watch out for second place. With two cars from different brands I think we have good shot at being on the top step of the podium come Sunday afternoon on the 30th.”

“I am looking forward to the challenge of driving both cars and considering our driver line-up I like our chances.”

“For the remainder of the season I will run the No. 79 WeatherTech Racing Porsche 911 GT3 in GTD Pro with Julien Andlauer.”

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