Aston Martin THOR Team Expands FIA WEC Effort for 2026
The Aston Martin THOR Team will enhance its presence in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2026, fielding an expanded two-car lineup in the LMGT3 class while continuing its Hypercar program with the existing driver roster.
The team’s foray into LMGT3 will see them enter two Vantage AMR LMGT3 cars after successfully campaigning a single entry for the past two seasons. Notably, the team secured a class victory at Lone Star Le Mans in 2024 and consistently finished in the top five of the teams’ championship.
Team principal Ian James confirmed that he will return as the Bronze-rated driver in the #27 Vantage AMR LMGT3, sharing the car again with Mattia Drudi and Zacharie Robichon. Rookie driver Gray Newell, son of team co-founder Gabe Newell, will pilot the new #23 entry following his debut in the recent FIA WEC Rookie Test.
Newell, a 28-year-old who has demonstrated significant potential in various North American series, expressed his gratitude: “I was very surprised but honoured to be asked to race for The Heart of Racing team in WEC in 2026. … There is a lot to learn, but I trust their judgment completely.”
James remarked on Newell’s Rookie Test performance: “Gray was impressive… it’s a big step up for a rookie in WEC. We will do all we can to ensure a successful transition.”
The second Vantage entry replaces Racing Spirit of Leman, which exited the WEC after a single season, during which it achieved two pole positions and a podium finish in São Paulo.
In the Hypercar category, the Aston Martin THOR Team will once again utilize its pair of Valkyries, retaining the same driver lineup. The #007 Valkyrie will see Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble compete throughout the season, with Ross Gunn participating in the endurance races. The #009 entry will welcome back Marco Sørensen and Alex Riberas, with Roman De Angelis joining for select events.
Aston Martin’s program has demonstrated steady progress, including a season-best fifth-place finish at Fuji and multiple Hyperpole appearances. As the team prepares for 2026, James emphasized the valuable knowledge gained in the first year of the Valkyrie program: “We generated a hugely valuable hub of understanding about Valkyrie that will be beneficial as we move into season two.”
The team aims to build on its fourth-place finish in the LMGT3 championship and target a better standing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans using the insights from the past season.
Images courtesy of Aston Martin
