Just like last year, Iron Lynx will field a trio of Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 entries in next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – round three of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign on 10-14 June – and just like last year, they will all pay homage to icons of the past.
The colour silver is synonymous with Mercedes’ participation in the twice-round-the-clock La Sarthe contest – the undisputed highlight on the annual FIA WEC calendar. The renowned Stuttgart-based marque triumphed in the race in 1952 and 1989, achieving a one-two finish on both occasions.
Last year, the three-pointed star returned to La Sarthe for the first time in more than a quarter-of-a-century in partnership with customer outfit, Iron Lynx, reviving the evocative ‘Silver Arrows’ legacy to great acclaim in its design concept and seeing two of its three cars reach the chequered flag in 12th and 15th positions in-category.
Twelve months on, the #61 – piloted by Martin Berry, Rui Andrade and Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver, Maxime Martin – will sport a bold and aggressive black theme at the rear, while the sister #79 car shared by Johannes Zelger, Matteo Cressoni and Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver, Lin Hodenius will be bright and dynamic with yellow accents.
Flanking the two permanent FIA WEC entries will be a third Mercedes, carrying the colours of the Qatari flag as Team Qatar makes its maiden appearance in the prestigious event. After already joining forces in the European Le Mans Series, Iron Lynx and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) will mark another landmark moment for the Middle Eastern nation in northern France.
The #62 car will be crewed by Abdulla Al Khelaifi – who has qualified on pole in LMGT3 for both ELMS races to-date in 2026 – the Qatari’s full-time team-mate Julian Hanses and Giuliano Alesi, son of legendary ex-Formula 1 driver, Jean Alesi.
“It’s a great pleasure for us to bring the Silver Arrows back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second consecutive year,” acknowledged Iron Lynx Team Principal and CEO, Andrea Piccini. “I particularly like that we are doing it by featuring three distinct personalities. We are also delighted to partner with Team Qatar. The first time at Le Mans is always unique, and I really hope it will be an unforgettable experience.”
“I’m very pleased to see three Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 cars once again on the grid for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans,” echoed Stefan Wendl, Head of Customer Racing for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. “Continuing the story of the Silver Arrows in 2026 through the liveries of all three cars, following our debut last year, underlines the special significance this race holds within our motorsport heritage. Building upon the experience gained last year, we are aiming to confirm our sporting progress with a strong result.”
In addition to its exploits alongside Iron Lynx in ELMS competition, Team Qatar has enjoyed recent success in the 24H Series – including class victories in the 24H Dubai, 6H Abu Dhabi and 12H Mugello.
“Team Qatar’s participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an important moment for Qatari motorsport and reflects the country’s growing presence on the international stage,” commented Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of both QMMF and Lusail International Circuit.
“This programme is about more than participating in a race – it represents a long-term investment in developing racing talent, building international experience and creating a pathway for future generations to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
“Through our partnership with Iron Lynx and collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, we are creating opportunities to learn, grow and establish a stronger foundation for Qatar in global endurance racing. We are proud to see Team Qatar compete in one of motorsport’s most iconic events and look forward to what this journey can achieve.”
The three Iron Lynx paint schemes were revealed today in conjunction with Le Mans Ultimate, the official game of the FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans. The liveries will soon be available for in-game use.
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