Motorsport | WEC: Mercedes-AMG announces Iron Lynx deal

Mercedes-AMG enters the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Iron Lynx. The return to Le Mans after 26 years makes a Lamborghini exit very likely.

With a year’s delay, Mercedes-AMG has managed to enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and with a spectacular team: Iron Lynx will be competing in the 2025 WEC season with the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3, which is what happens now It is almost certain that Lamborghini’s exit from the WEC has already become apparent.

Mercedes-AMG had already hoped for a starting place in the LMGT3 category for 2024, but was the first manufacturer to have to cancel because the field was full with 37 vehicles.

For a long time it looked as if there would be no room for Mercedes-AMG even with an increase to 40 slots in 2025 because Aston Martin is getting involved and several hypercar manufacturers will have to bring a second car.

But then it became clear that Lamborghini would be withdrawing from the WEC and a private hypercar Porsche would no longer be there. Now there was enough space. Nevertheless, it is a last-minute entry, as Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, explained in Macau that no entry had been made yet.

WEC: Mercedes-AMG boss speaks of a “milestone”

Now he says: “I would like to thank the ACO, the FIA ​​and Iron Lynx for the targeted discussions. The WEC registration is extremely positive news for the entire Mercedes-AMG customer sport program.”

“With the homologation of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the LMGT3 class, all other customer racing teams now also have the opportunity to secure a starting place in the endurance classic in Le Mans.”

What he means by that: The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is homologated with torque sensors. In the end, that was just a formality anyway, as these sensors are already mandatory in the GT3 classes of the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, adds: “It’s no secret that we have been toying with bringing the brand with the star back to Le Mans for some time. With the 2025 season and entry into the FIA ​​WEC The time has come – after 26 years we are returning to the Sarthe!”

“With our successful Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the experienced Iron Lynx team, we have put together a harmonious package and set another milestone in the success story of our customer sports program.”

WEC: Iron Lynx continues in IMSA with Lamborghini

Iron Lynx will now have two tracks in 2025, as the Lamborghini SC63 will continue to be used in IMSA.

This in itself is nothing unusual, for example Proton Competition will use private Porsche 963s in the Hypercar/GTP class and Ford Mustangs in the LMGT3 class in 2024.

“We are very proud to welcome Mercedes-AMG as a partner,” says Iron Lynx team boss Andrea Piccini. “Not only are they a great brand, they are also highly motivated, determined and hungry for success. With this strong support, I am confident that we will be competitive right from the start.”

“Endurance racing is ingrained in our DNA and the WEC is definitely its pinnacle, so we are honored and excited to be involved again.”

According to unconfirmed rumors, Mercedes-AMG is also said to be working on an LMDh project. Participation in the WEC 2025 in the LMGT3 class at least does not make such an assignment any less likely. Mercedes has avoided the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the 1999 CLR accidents.

Mercedes-AMG can leverage its racing technology and ‍knowledge in a way that supports the development of customer racing initiatives. It creates more‍ opportunities for privateer teams to compete at a‌ high level, increasing accessibility to ​the WEC’s prestigious events. This will likely encourage other manufacturers to follow suit,⁢ leading to greater diversity in car⁣ models and technology on⁣ the grid, ‌which is beneficial for the overall health of endurance racing as a ⁤whole.

1. What do you think are the main reasons behind Mercedes-AMG’s decision to enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Iron Lynx? How ‍does this reflect on the current‌ state of the motorsport industry?

– Guest 1: I believe Mercedes-AMG’s decision to⁢ enter the WEC with Iron Lynx is a strategic move to further solidify their position ‌in the luxury automobile market and to⁣ showcase their performance capabilities on ⁣a global stage. The motorsport industry is highly competitive, ​and participating in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans is crucial for building brand⁣ awareness⁣ and credibility⁤ among⁤ enthusiasts and potential customers. ⁢Moreover, the partnership with Iron Lynx allows them to tap ⁢into the team’s experience and expertise, which can⁤ benefit their overall customer racing program.

– Guest 2: I⁣ agree with Guest 1. Mercedes-AMG’s decision also reflects the growing trend of OEMs⁢ (Original ⁤Equipment Manufacturers) participating in motorsport as a marketing tool. With the increased focus on⁤ electrification and sustainability in the auto ⁤industry, showcasing their electric ‌vehicle technology⁤ in a high-profile endurance race like the WEC can help to boost their image as a leader in this field. Additionally, the dynamic nature of endurance racing provides a unique platform for Mercedes-AMG to test‌ their⁣ products under extreme conditions, which ‍can ​then translate into‍ improvements for their road cars.

2. How significant is the homologation of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the LMGT3 ​class in relation to their entry into the WEC? What are the implications for other customer racing teams?

– Guest‌ 1: The homologation of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the LMGT3 class is crucial for securing a ​starting ⁤spot at Le Mans, as well as providing an affordable entry point ‌for other teams to join the championship. By making the GT3 ⁢eligible for the WEC, ⁣Mercedes-AMG is essentially opening up a new avenue for customer racing teams to participate in⁢ the series. This can ⁣potentially attract more teams ​to the championship, increasing the overall grid size and competitiveness.

– Guest 2: The homologation of the GT3 also ensures that