Ayhancan Güven, who will make his FIA World Endurance Championship debut next season with Manthey, says he is ‘confident’ of fighting for glory from the outset, as fellow new-signing Timur Boguslavskiy described joining the multiple title-winning team as a ‘significant step’ in his career.
The Eifel-based Porsche powerhouse has been crowned in both LMGT3 campaigns to-date, and this morning confirmed its full driving line-up for 2026, when it will endeavour to complete the hat-trick.
Reigning DTM champion Güven will partner Boguslavskiy and James Cottingham in the #91 ‘Manthey DK Engineering’ 911 LMGT3 R. The Turkish star – a Red Bull athlete and Porsche factory driver, who lifted the LMP2 laurels in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2023 – is optimistic that the trio can get off to a fast start.
“I’m really excited for the 2026 FIA WEC season together with James and Timur,” enthused the 27-year-old Istanbul native. “I have been successful with Manthey in the DTM and endurance racing, and as I enter FIA WEC for the first time, I feel confident within the team and ready to build upon those past successes.
“It will be a new championship for me, but as always, we will work hard and be well-prepared for the first round in Qatar. From there, we will assess our performance and improve it race-by-race. We’re putting together a strong package, and with great chemistry, our goal must be to fight for the title!”
United Autosports refugee Cottingham – who came within a whisker of claiming a maiden victory in Lusail earlier this year – admitted that he feels ‘extremely privileged’ to have joined forces with a team that has triumphed in-class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on no fewer than six occasions, including the race’s most recent two editions. Boguslavskiy, meanwhile, regards the move from BMW machinery to the all-conquering Porsche as a potential career breakthrough.
“Teaming up with Manthey marks a significant step, as I have always hoped to liaise with a winning team in FIA WEC,” commented the two-time LMGT3 podium-finisher. “I experienced Manthey’s exceptional performance and professionalism during a test at Hockenheim in 2024, and heading into my third season in the championship, I feel ready and more determined than ever to fight together with my team-mates to give our best.”
In the sister car – running under ‘The Bend Manthey’ banner – defending champions Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera will be flanked by Yasser Shahin. The last time the Australian Bronze-rated racer competed for the German outfit – in 2024 – he prevailed at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans and finished second in the championship standings.
“I’m thrilled to be heading back to Manthey for the 2026 season in the LMGT3 category of the FIA World Endurance Championship,” Shahin enthused. “It’s like picking up from right where we left off after that amazing run. Manthey’s track record speaks for itself, and getting behind the wheel with them again feels fantastic, especially with the supremely competent Richard and Riccardo as co-drivers.
“My recent test with the team (in Bahrain after the 2025 season finale) was a total reunion vibe – familiar faces, that same winning energy and sliding into the #92 car like no time had passed. This squad is incredible, and I can’t wait to chase more success together.”
Watch FIA WEC live or on-demand via the official FIA WEC TV app – your full-access pass to the FIA World Endurance Championship including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. Don’t miss a moment. For further information, check out the app.
