As the second season of the FIA WEC’s LMGT3 championship unfolds, a palpable shift in the competitive landscape is evident despite the return of the majority of the teams. The dominance of Manthey and Porsche, who reigned supreme in the 2024 season with their EMA and Pure Rxcing 911s, may well be threatened.
The Balance of Performance will no doubt play a significant role, alongside the anticipated introduction of Goodyear’s Medium Plus compound. The latter is set to debut at Interlagos and will be employed at CoTA and Bahrain. Yet, the critical differentiators may well be the reshuffled driver lineups, a result of substantial off-season movement.
Identifying a Bronze-graded standout alongside a Silver-graded speedster, whom insiders suggest should have been upgraded to Gold, is crucial to the season’s success. Analyzing these fresh lineups provides insights into which manufacturers stand a chance in this tightly contested category.
One of the biggest headlines is the return of Ben Keating to the WEC full-time. The seasoned Texan, who claimed victory just two years ago in the GTE Am with Corvette Racing, is back in action with the GM brand and TF Sport. He teams up with Jonny Edgar and Daniel Juncadella in the No. 33 Z06 LMGT3.R.
Keating’s return to the WEC comes after a year in IMSA LMP2 with United Autosports. His decision to commit to a full WEC campaign was influenced by a series of factors, including his enjoyment of the WEC rules, the thrill of driving the Corvette, and his relationship with TF Sport.
Keating mentions the importance of a strong start to the season. With the opening race offering one and a half times the points, it’s crucial to perform well right from the beginning. Keating is also particularly optimistic about the potential of his teammate, Jonny Edgar, a 21-year-old Briton, new to GT racing, who impressed at the Prologue.
United Autosports, the McLaren partner team, enters the 2025 season with a markedly different atmosphere. The late formation of the team and limited testing opportunities marked their previous season, but the team is hopeful for an upswing with the addition of former British GT Champion Darren Leung to their roster.
Despite his departure, BMW remains a formidable contender with their M4 LMGT3 Evos. The No. 46 car, driven by Ahmad Al Harthy and Valentino Rossi, now also features BMW factory driver Kelvin van der Linde, a recommendation from WRT boss Vincent Vosse.
Vista AF Corse and Heart of Racing, both race winners in 2024, aim for more consistency this season. Ferrari trios, unchanged from last year, and Heart of Racing, with the addition of AMR factory driver Mattia Drudi, are expected to pose a stiff challenge to their competitors.
Manthey, despite losing Pure Rxcing, still has a fighting chance. Their 911 LMGT3 R 992 has proven to be a formidable machine in skilled hands. Iron Dames shifting from Lamborghini to Porsche and 1st Phorm, with American racer Ryan Hardwick switching from Ford and Proton, form the rest of the Manthey attack.
With the start of a new season, the FIA WEC’s LMGT3 championship promises nail-biting competition and thrill. Keep an eye out for shifts in the balance of power, new partnerships, and the emergence of new talent as the races unfold.