Heart of Racing Team has completed its driver roster for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign, confirming Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Barrichello and Jonny Adam as part of a refreshed and ambitious line-up.
The announcement finalises the team’s six-driver squad as the long-time Aston Martin partner prepares to field two cars in the series for the first time. The team confirmed bronze-rated drivers Ian James and Gray Newell in December, while Barrichello, Adam, Mattia Drudi and Zacharie Robichon complete the expanded entry.
As a result, the American outfit signals clear intent to strengthen its presence at endurance racing’s highest level.
Barrichello continues his WEC rise with Heart of Racing in 2026
Barrichello and Adam will share driving duties with series newcomer Gray Newell in the #23 Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3. The Brazilian arrives at the team after an impressive debut FIA WEC season in 2025. Driving for Racing Spirit of Léman, the 24-year-old secured two pole positions and thrilled home fans with a podium finish at São Paulo.
More recently, he added another major result to his résumé by reaching the podium in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
“It’s such a pleasure to be returning to FIA WEC this year with such a special group of people,” the 24-year-old enthused. “I’m really excited to get going, and I’m beyond grateful to Heart of Racing for the opportunity they have given me.”
Adam brings experience and proven success
While Barrichello represents the future, his new team-mate Jonny Adam brings a wealth of endurance racing experience. The 41-year-old Scot previously competed in 36 FIA WEC races between 2015 and 2019. During that period, he delivered Aston Martin’s first GTE Pro class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017, securing the triumph in dramatic late-race fashion with the factory Vantage GTE.
Adam later joined TF Sport in the GTE Am category and collected four additional class wins during the 2019–2020 ‘Super Season’, including another victory at Le Mans. His decorated career also includes four British GT Championship titles.
“I’m super-excited to be joining Heart of Racing Team in 2026 and returning to FIA WEC,” remarked the 41-year-old, who also counts no fewer than four British GT Championship crowns on his glittering career CV. “Teaming up with Dudu, who had some awesome performances last season in LMGT3, alongside supporting Gray’s first year and [racing in] the 24 Hours of Le Mans is something I’m really getting fully involved in.
“The goal is to gain experience along the way and hopefully have some successful results for the team. With this line-up, I believe that’s entirely possible.”
Supporting a rising talent
Barrichello and Adam will also play a key role in supporting Gray Newell as the American rookie adapts to FIA WEC competition. The Colorado driver impressed during his first season racing the Aston Martin Vantage in 2025, securing three podium finishes in the GT World Challenge America Pro-Am class alongside Aston Martin factory driver Darren Turner.
He also gained valuable experience behind the wheel during the FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain last November. Team Principal Ian James believes the combination of youth and experience will provide the ideal environment for Newell to develop.
“We know Gray has the potential to shine in FIA WEC, based on his performances in other categories and because he’s grown up as a driver within the THOR family,” reflected Team Principal James, who will be flanked in the #27 entry once again by 2022 IMSA GTD champion Robichon and last season’s Le Mans LMGT3 pole-sitter Drudi, a former winner of the 24 Hours of Spa.
“The best chance we can give Gray is to pair him with someone super-fast and renowned for his ability to nurture less experienced co-drivers to get the best out of them. There is no-one in the business more suited to that role than Jonny. Meanwhile, Dudu’s performances last year were outstanding. This is a very strong line-up, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve with our two Vantages in 2026.”
Aston Martin backs two-car expansion as Heart of Racing takes on 2026 WEC campaign
Aston Martin has welcomed Heart of Racing’s decision to expand to a two-car programme for the upcoming season, seeing it as a positive step for the brand’s LMGT3 campaign. Adam Carter, the marque’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, believes the combination of established talent and rising stars creates a formidable package.
“Heart of Racing sets a high standard with its approach to GT racing, and Aston Martin is delighted to see – and fully supports – its expansion to two cars for this year’s LMGT3 assault,” added the illustrious marque’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter.
“We are pleased to see Jonny Adam return to FIA WEC. His record speaks for itself, and he sets an outstanding example for new drivers to learn from. Dudu Barrichello, meanwhile, has earned his place in the team following his performances in 2025. We’re excited to see what these two Vantages can achieve on the most prestigious stage of all.”
Countdown to the 2026 season
The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season will begin with the Qatar 1812km on 28 March. After the opening round, the championship will travel to Imola on 19 April and Spa-Francorchamps on 9 May before the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13–14 June. The second half of the season includes races at Interlagos, Circuit of the Americas and Fuji, before concluding with the traditional eight-hour finale in Bahrain on 7 November.
With a strengthened line-up and expanded programme, Heart of Racing will aim to make its mark across the eight-round campaign.
