Aston Martin is preparing for the Vantage’s 14th consecutive campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship, as the British manufacturer looks to build on another competitive season in the series. The Aston Martin programme will once again be run by long-time partner The Heart of Racing, which will expand to a two-car LMGT3 operation in the 2026 WEC. The move reflects growing confidence within the organisation as Aston Martin aims to convert its consistent pace into race victories.
Strong foundation from recent seasons
The Vantage AMR LMGT3 has already demonstrated its capabilities in the FIA WEC. In 2024, the car claimed victory from pole position at the Circuit of the Americas, underlining its potential at the front of the field.
Although the 2025 season did not yield another win, the team remained highly competitive. Three pole positions – including one for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – and two podium finishes highlighted the car’s performance. At the season-ending race in Bahrain, Mattia Drudi, Zacharie Robichon and Ian James finished less than two seconds away from victory after an intense eight-hour contest.
Newell steps up after impressive rookie test
The Heart of Racing Team Principal Ian James will return as the Bronze-rated driver in the #27 entry for a third full campaign. Meanwhile, the team will also operate the #23 Vantage, previously run by Racing Spirit of Léman.
That car’s line-up will include American driver Gray Newell, who caught the team’s attention during the FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain last November.
“I was very surprised but honoured to be asked to compete for The Heart of Racing in FIA WEC,” admitted the 28-year-old, who makes the step up following a strong maiden season at GT3 level, reaching the GT World Challenge America Pro-Am rostrum three times alongside Aston Martin ‘works’ driver Darren Turner in 2025.
Newell explained that although the Rookie Test hinted at the possibility of future opportunities, he did not expect the promotion to happen so quickly.
“When I was given the chance to drive in the Rookie Test, I had a sense that this might be the long-term goal, but I wasn’t anticipating being moved up so fast. I feel a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.”
He also acknowledged the trust placed in him by the team as he prepares to compete at endurance racing’s highest GT level.
“For the team to be placing this level of trust in me is an immense honour, and I’m ready to meet the moment. There is a lot to learn, but Ian and the team have always known exactly how far to push me, and I trust their judgement completely. It’s time for a new chapter!”
Team prepared to guide rookie through step up
James praised Newell’s pace during the Bahrain test and believes the American has the potential to succeed in the championship. At the same time, he acknowledged that the transition to the FIA WEC will require careful preparation.
“Gray was impressive during the Rookie Test, where he set times that would likely have given him the chance to fight in Hyperpole for the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain,” added James.
However, the Team Principal emphasised that competing in the championship presents a steep learning curve.
“That said, it’s a big step for a rookie to race in FIA WEC and there will be a lot for him to learn. We will do all we can to make that transition successful and to continue to help Gray to build upon the potential he has shown so far in his racing career.”
At the same time, James remains determined to improve upon the team’s 2025 championship result.
“As for me, FIA WEC represents some unfinished business; we will focus hard on improving upon last year’s fourth position in the LMGT3 championship and to have another crack at standing on the 24 Hours of Le Mans podium.”
Aston Martin’s rich WEC legacy
Across five generations and 13 seasons, Aston Martin’s GT challenger has become the most decorated racing car in the brand’s history.
The Vantage has secured 53 class victories in the FIA WEC – the second-highest total of any manufacturer. Alongside those wins, the programme has delivered 11 titles, 69 pole positions and five class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the world championship began in 2012.
Notably, the car has claimed wins in every category it has contested, from LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am to the current LMGT3 class.
Carter confident in expanding partnership
Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter, believes the expansion of the partnership with The Heart of Racing represents the right step forward for the programme. He highlighted the team’s expertise and commitment to success as key reasons behind the decision to expand the operation.
“The Heart of Racing is an outstanding partner and the right one to spearhead the Aston Martin Vantage’s attack in 2026,” he asserted. “We are fully aware of the team’s quality, the depth of engineering expertise and the intensity of its approach to achieving success – and, of course, its track record supports its ambition.”
As a result, Aston Martin fully supported the move to field two cars in the championship this season.
“Therefore, it made perfect sense for THOR to expand to a two-car operation in FIA WEC this season. Aston Martin is proud to have THOR represent it in GT racing at the highest level, and we hope and expect to see exciting results from this expanding partnership.”
With a strengthened presence on the grid and a blend of experience and emerging talent, Aston Martin enters the 2026 FIA WEC season aiming to add further success to the Vantage’s already remarkable endurance racing legacy.
