Angolan endurance racing star Rui Andrade is set to begin a fresh chapter in his FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) career after joining Italian outfit Iron Lynx for the 2026 LMGT3 season. The 26-year-old, who made history as the first African driver to win in two different FIA WEC categories, brings a wealth of experience and a strong record of podium finishes.
Andrade, the 2023 LMP2 title-winner, enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign, including a victory at Fuji alongside Charlie Eastwood and Tom Van Rompuy, which helped secure fifth place in the LMGT3 championship standings. The move to Iron Lynx sees him swap his Chevrolet Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R for the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3, offering the prospect of continued success at the front of the field.
“I’m very excited to embark upon a new journey with Iron Lynx!” enthused Andrade. “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!”
Andrade strengthening the #61 Iron Lynx entry in 2026 WEC LMGT3 campaign
Andrade will share the #61 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 with incumbent duo Martin Berry and Maxime Martin. Berry, returning for his second season with Iron Lynx, impressed in 2025 with four ELMS pole positions and two podium finishes, culminating in a narrow runner-up result in Bahrain.
“I’m really looking forward to being back with Iron Lynx,” acknowledged 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.”
Belgian ace Maxime Martin, who played a pivotal role in developing the new Mercedes‑AMG LMGT3 for the FIA World Endurance Championship, is equally motivated for 2026.
“I’m excited for 2026,” echoed Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver, Martin. “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.”
#79 entry: Youth meets experience as Iron Lynx embark on 2026 WEC LMGT3 campaign
The #79 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 will feature Dutch teenage talent Lin Hodenius, recently appointed a Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver, alongside experienced Iron Lynx stalwart Matteo Cressoni. The pair will be complemented by new signing Johannes Zelger, who impressed during the Bahrain Rookie Test after competing in the Asian Le Mans Series in a Porsche 911 GT3 R (992).
Zelger shared his excitement for the step up to FIA WEC: “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. 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.”
Cressoni’s return after missing part of the 2025 season provides invaluable experience, while Hodenius brings fresh talent and energy, creating a balanced crew ready to compete for podium finishes.
Iron Lynx focused on 2026 success
Team Principal Andrea Piccini emphasised the strength and cohesion of Iron Lynx’s expanded driver roster for the upcoming season: “We are delighted to get to work again ahead of the 2026 season and to introduce our full driver line-up. 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.”
With this blend of experience, youth, and fresh talent, Iron Lynx enters the 2026 FIA WEC LMGT3 season well-prepared to challenge for podiums and championship success across its two entries.
