Iron Lynx is set to step into new territory this weekend, joining the Asian Le Mans Series as the championship moves to Europe following unrest in the Middle East earlier this year.
The team will compete in the series for the first time with two cars and promising, high-profile partnerships, looking to build on the success of its European Le Mans Series programme. The three-round series, which features two four-hour races per weekend, kicks off at Circuit Paul Ricard on the French Riviera.
The team will field line-ups similar to those that starred in Europe. The #62 car will carry the QMMF by Iron Lynx colours, representing the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, after finishing third in the ELMS with one memorable win at Silverstone
Abdulla Al-Khelaifi will be the Bronze driver of choice. With five pole positions to his name, the Qatari is looking to continue breaking records for his country. Lining up alongside him, German racer Julian Hanses takes on the Silver role, while Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Maxime Martin brings his vast skills and experience as the Platinum.
The #88 car, fielded in partnership with Craft-Bamboo Racing, will carry the Vimana Racing colours. Zimbabwe’s Ameerh Naran is the team’s Bronze driver and will continue his development at the highest level of endurance racing.
Mikkel Pedersen will compete as the Silver for the full season. The 18-year-old single-seater convert already has strong endurance results under his belt and makes his full-season GT debut. With nominated driver Sérgio Sette Câmara facing a clashing commitment in Brazil, the Platinum role at Paul Ricard will be taken by Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Luca Stolz, who raced with the team at last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Andrea Piccini - Team Principal & CEO: “We are excited to join the Asian Le Mans Series, which we expect to be an interesting challenge. We are competing in a full GT3-class championship for the first time, running on different tyres from what we are used to, and against teams that are more experienced with the package. However, we are confident in our preparations and we know we can rely on two very competitive lineups, so we are looking forward to the start of the season."
