The Heart of Racing is gearing up for a high-stakes 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign, and they’ve just confirmed their LMGT3 driver lineup. The Seattle-based, U.S.-flagged Aston Martin customer team has signed Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi to race alongside team principal/driver Ian James, setting the stage for what could be a breakout season with the Evo-spec Aston Martin Vantage.
With a strong mix of experience, momentum, and talent, the trio is ready to challenge for podiums and victories in the ultra-competitive LMGT3 class.
Zacharie Robichon Returns for Full-Season WEC Run
Robichon, the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech GTD champion, has been a part of Heart of Racing’s program for over a year—competing in IMSA’s GTD class in 2024 and taking part in the team’s Dubai 24 Hours, Rolex 24 At Daytona, and Bathurst 12 Hour efforts.
Now, the Canadian is set to complete his first full-season WEC campaign with Heart of Racing.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the Heart of Racing for a little over a year now,” said Robichon, who previously raced for Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang program in WEC.
“I’m excited to finally be able to complete a full season together with Ian and Mattia in WEC. This championship is one that I love, and to have the chance to compete with Aston Martin and the Heart of Racing Team is one that cannot come soon enough.”
Robichon’s speed and consistency make him a valuable addition, and with his extensive GT3 experience, he could play a key role in the team’s title challenge.
Mattia Drudi Set for WEC Debut
Joining the Heart of Racing full-time in 2025, Italian Mattia Drudi will make his WEC debut at the Qatar season-opener.
Drudi is no stranger to high-level endurance racing, having won the Centenary edition of the Spa 24 Hours last year with Aston Martin. He also raced with Heart of Racing at the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona, further cementing his bond with the team.
“I’m super excited to be making my FIA WEC debut with the Heart of Racing Team,” Drudi said.
“Zach was one of the best Silver-rated drivers in 2024, and Ian has been one of the quickest Bronze-rated drivers. I think overall we have a really strong lineup. The Aston Martin Vantage was one of the strongest and most competitive cars last year. I can’t wait to get the season started in Qatar later this month.”
With Drudi’s race-winning pedigree and deep knowledge of GT3 machinery, his addition could be the final piece of the puzzle for Heart of Racing’s WEC ambitions.
Ian James Leads the Charge for Year Three in WEC
Veteran Ian James, both team principal and driver, is returning for his third year in WEC. Having been part of the team’s inaugural 2023 entry, James is well-versed in the challenges of the LMGT3 class.
Last season, he enjoyed significant success, securing:
🏆 Heart of Racing’s first-ever WEC pole position
🥇 A home-soil victory at Lone Star Le Mans (COTA)
🥉 Podium finishes in Qatar and São Paulo
“I’m excited to see what the 2025 season holds for our team,” James said.
“Zach and Mattia are both great drivers and have already shown what they can do this season at Daytona. We have a solid crew working on our Aston Martin; they have been on our car since we started in WEC. This season we will be building on the success we had the previous two seasons.”
With a dialed-in team, a competitive car, and a hungry driver lineup, James believes Heart of Racing is ready to challenge the LMGT3 elite in 2025.
What’s Next? WEC Season Kicks Off in Qatar
The Heart of Racing Team will be on track for the WEC season prologue in Qatar on February 20th, before the Qatar 1812km on February 28th—the first endurance showdown of the year.
The LMGT3 grid is stacked, but with Robichon, Drudi, and James behind the wheel, Heart of Racing has the firepower to be a serious contender in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Can Heart of Racing Take the Fight to the LMGT3 Giants?
With one of the strongest Aston Martin customer lineups, a proven race-winning package, and momentum from recent success, Heart of Racing could be a dark horse for the WEC LMGT3 championship.
Will they turn their promising lineup into podiums and wins? The battle begins in Qatar.
