Iron Dames Withdraw from Road to Le Mans Due to Health Issue
Iron Dames has officially withdrawn its #83 Porsche 911 GT3.R (992) from the upcoming Road to Le Mans, following a recent health issue involving driver Vanina Ickx. The decision comes after Ickx, a veteran with seven entries in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, received medical advice prohibiting her participation in the event. This would have marked her return to the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans since achieving a personal best 7th place overall in 2011.
The team confirmed that rather than seek a last-minute replacement, it chose to withdraw the car that Ickx was scheduled to share with teammate Marta García Lopez. Consequently, the competitive field for the Road to Le Mans has been reduced to 57 cars, of which 14 are in the GT3 class.
In an official statement, Iron Dames expressed disappointment: “We regret to announce that the 2025 Iron Dames Michelin Le Mans Cup line-up of Vanina Ickx and Marta García will not take part in next week’s Road to Le Mans. This difficult decision, which saddens the entire team, follows a recent health issue for Vanina. On medical advice, she will not be competing at Le Mans. We’re pleased to share that she is doing well and is expected to return to racing very soon.”
As it stands, García and Ickx occupy sixth place in the GT3 drivers’ standings after the first two rounds of the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Following the event at Le Mans, the series will observe an eight-week hiatus before resuming at Spa-Francorchamps.
The two 60-minute Road to Le Mans races are slated for Thursday, June 12, and Saturday, June 14, as part of the Le Mans support program.
