Iron Lynx and Mercedes AMG Embrace Change at Spa
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium—Iron Lynx has enacted significant roster changes for this weekend’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) race at Spa, coinciding with challenges stemming from driver health. Claudio Schiavoni, recovering from back pain, has ceded his seat in the #60 Mercedes AMG LMGT3. This vehicle will now be piloted by Stephen and Brenton Grove, utilizing a car typically reserved for the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
In the #61 entry, Martin Berry makes his WEC debut, replacing the soon-to-be-retired Christian Ried, marking a new chapter for both the driver and the team.
Michelin Tire Strategy Adapts to Resurfaced Spa
Michelin has introduced Soft and Medium compound tires for the 18-car Hypercar grid, in response to significant track resurfacing that has occurred since the 2024 race. Approximately 3.5 km of the 7.004 km layout has been revitalized, enhancing lap times and consistency.
Pierre Alves, Endurance Program Manager at Michelin, emphasized, “The resurfacing is beneficial for performance…especially in cooler temperatures,” spotlighting the circuit’s need for effective tire strategies due to its high-speed nature and demanding sectors. The left rear tire experiences the highest loads of the season, critical for teams to consider during the race.
Goodyear Celebrates Milestone at Spa
Goodyear commemorates the 100th anniversary of its Blimp with a special presence at Spa. The iconic airship will feature in a tour celebrating its centennial across various motorsport events. Additionally, the LMGT3 cars will debut commemorative sidewall designs initiated at NASCAR’s Darlington race earlier this year.
Hydrogen Initiatives Highlighted
This weekend’s event introduces a ‘Hydrogen Village’ in the paddock, showcasing a mobile TotalEnergies hydrogen station. It will refuel the Alpine Alpenglow and Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Yaris H2 Concept, with both showcasing zero-CO2 emissions through on-track demonstrations. The scheduled runs are Friday and Saturday, emphasizing a push towards sustainable motorsport.
Plans for a dedicated hydrogen prototype category by 2028 have been announced, though delays may affect timelines moving forward.
Balance of Performance Released
The Balance of Performance adjustments for the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes have been released ahead of the race, ensuring a competitive field.
This report encapsulates the latest developments and strategic insights ahead of the highly anticipated WEC race at Spa, where performance nuances and innovations define the competitive landscape.
