Jack Hawksworth is set to make his debut in the LMGT3 category at the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans for the Akkodis ASP team, following the announcement that Jose Maria Lopez will replace the injured Mike Conway at Toyota.
The current GTD Pro class champion of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has been competing with the Lexus RC F for the past seven seasons, partnering with Vasser Sullivan team since 2019.
With the FIA World Endurance Championship adopting the GT3 formula for this year’s LMGT3 category, Lexus will make its debut at Le Mans.
After achieving a podium in the recent sprint race in Detroit alongside teammate Ben Barnicoat, the 33-year-old driver will make his first appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, bringing valuable experience from all 10 previous editions of the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The news came from the announcement that the current World Endurance Hypercar champion, Mike Conway, will not participate in Le Mans due to an injury, resulting in Jose Maria Lopez returning to Toyota GR010 Hybrid #7.
As Lopez was originally scheduled to drive in his full-time WEC seat at Akkodis ASP, Hawksworth will take his place, joining Takeshi Kimura and Esteban Masson in the Lexus #87.
A statement from Toyota said: “Toyota GAZOO Racing shares Mike’s deep disappointment with this situation and will continue to provide him with close support as he works towards a full recovery.
“All team members are looking forward to seeing Mike, who has been part of the team family since 2014, back in the cockpit as soon as possible.
“Mike’s close friend and former teammate, Jose Maria Lopez, who raced for Toyota GAZOO Racing from 2017 to 2023, will return to the cockpit of the GR010 HYBRID #7, starting with Sunday’s official test.
“Toyota GAZOO Racing expresses its sincere gratitude to Akkodis ASP for allowing him to be released from his commitments in LMGT3.
“Mike will immediately begin an intensive rehabilitation program under the supervision of the Toyota Gazoo Racing medical team, with the aim of returning to FIA World Endurance Championship action as soon as he is able.”
Track activities will begin on Sunday, June 9, with two three-hour sessions on Test Day, followed by a combination of free practice and qualifying sessions leading up to the main race on June 15 and 16. Hawksworth will compete against 22 other LMGT3 category competitors in the inaugural Le Mans race.
