Rui Andrade – the 2023 LMP2 title-winner in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the first African driver to triumph in two different categories in the series – is feeling motivated for the challenge that lies ahead after moving from TF Sport to Iron Lynx for the forthcoming campaign.
One of the most decorated Silver-rated drivers in the sport, Andrade raced to a trio of podium finishes this year including victory at Fuji – his fifth career success – alongside Charlie Eastwood and Tom Van Rompuy, as the trio secured fifth position in the final LMGT3 standings.
Having since swapped the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R for the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3, the reigning European Le Mans Series (ELMS) LMGT3 class champion is eager to add even more trophies to his cabinet.
“I’m very excited to embark upon a new journey with Iron Lynx!” enthused Andrade, who hails from Angola. “I’ve competed against them for many years and have always respected their professionalism and performance, so I’m very happy to finally be racing with them. It’s always an honour to race in FIA WEC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and to do so with such a great team behind me is a privilege. I can’t wait to get started!”
The 26-year-old will share the #61 entry with incumbent Iron Lynx duo Martin Berry and Maxime Martin. The Australian will be entering his sophomore campaign with the team, having notably claimed four pole positions and two rostrum results in ELMS competition this year before partnering Belgian ace Martin and Lin Hodenius to the runner-up spoils in the FIA WEC season finale in Sakhir, barely three-quarters-of-a-second shy of victory.
“I’m really looking forward to being back with Iron Lynx,” acknowledged Melbourne-born Berry. “Our Bahrain podium showed we have the pace to fight at the front, and that’s exactly what we’re coming back to do – fight for the championship. It’s great to have Rui joining Maxime and myself. We built a solid foundation in 2025, so now it’s about taking the next step.”
“I’m excited for 2026,” echoed Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver, Martin, who played a key role in the development of the new-to-FIA WEC model this year. “The 2025 season was a tough one, but we really improved throughout and it all came together with a great ending in Bahrain. Now, I’m looking forward to continuing the work we have started, fighting for podiums and being in the mix for the championship.”
Dutch teenage talent Hodenius – recently appointed a Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver – similarly rejoins the fold following a promising rookie campaign in GT racing with the Italian outfit. He will be flanked in the #79 car by another familiar face in the form of experienced Iron Lynx stalwart Matteo Cressoni, who returns to FIA WEC for the first time since Imola last April and is confident of making ‘steady progress’ and springing ‘some good surprises’.
The pair will be bolstered by new-signing Johannes Zelger, who most recently contested the Asian Le Mans Series in a Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) and impressed Iron Lynx in last month’s Bahrain Rookie Test.
“Honestly, it’s quite astonishing to think I began my racing career only four years ago, and it’s incredible to be about to begin my first season in the world’s premier endurance championship,” enthused the Verona native. “I really can’t wait to jump in the car in Qatar!
“The decision to commit to the team and the project was very easy – the vibes were great straightaway. My goal is to grow step-by-step with the help of my team-mates and to improve my pace to achieve some good results as the season goes on.”
“We are delighted to get to work again ahead of the 2026 season and to introduce our full driver line-up,” added Iron Lynx Team Principal and CEO, Andrea Piccini. “We are happy to welcome Johannes to the team. Despite not having a lot of mileage in the car, he showed real potential in the Rookie Test.
“Having Matteo back will make a great difference, because his speed and professionalism need no introduction, and we know what a true team player he is. In addition, we will continue to rely on Lin. We have believed in him since the very beginning, and we are sure he will help us to take a step in 2026 as he assumes a leadership role.
“Martin is returning for his second year, which is great news considering how quickly he became a top competitor in the series and a pillar for the team, and we are delighted to have Rui on-board. He has achieved so much in his career so far, and we look forward to trying to increase our roll of honour.
“Last but not least, Maxime was key to our operation in 2025, and we expect him to remain so next year. I don’t need to say how much respect I have for him. I’m looking forward to working together again.”
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