Jonny Adam Returns to FIA WEC with The Heart of Racing for 2026 Season
Date: October 2023
Location: Seattle, WA
Jonny Adam, a veteran of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and two-time Le Mans GT class winner, will rejoin The Heart of Racing (THOR) in 2026 as part of their LMGT3 lineup. He will pilot the #23 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 alongside Brazilian Dudu Barrichello and American rookie Gray Newell.
This marks the first season THOR will field two cars in the LMGT3 category, aiming for both a Le Mans victory and a championship title. The #23 entry will run alongside the returning #27 Vantage, which features team principal Ian James, 2022 IMSA GTD champion Zacharie Robichon, and Aston Martin works driver Mattia Drudi.
Adam, 41, is a seasoned competitor with 36 WEC races under his belt. His previous stints with Aston Martin Racing saw him achieve a pivotal win in the 2017 GTE Pro category at Le Mans. Adam expressed enthusiasm for returning to WEC: “I am super excited to be joining The Heart of Racing in 2026… The goal is to gain experience and hopefully have some successful results.”
Dudu Barrichello joins THOR after an impressive rookie season in 2025, where he secured two LMGT3 pole positions and a podium finish at his home event in São Paulo. He also made a strong impression during his IMSA debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“I’m really excited to get going, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Barrichello.
Newell steps up to world championship competition after several successful seasons in SRO-run series in the U.S., having achieved multiple podiums in the GT World Challenge America. Ian James praised Newell’s potential, emphasizing the strategic pairing with experienced drivers like Adam to nurture his growth.
Aston Martin’s endurance racing chief, Adam Carter, highlighted the significance of THOR’s expanded two-car program: “Aston Martin is delighted… Jonny Adam’s record speaks for itself, and Dudu Barrichello has earned his place due to his performance in 2025.”
The 2026 season promises to be an exciting chapter for The Heart of Racing as they aim for significant achievements in endurance racing.
