Ayhancan Güven will make his FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) debut in 2026 with Manthey, and the Turkish driver is already targeting a strong start as the team aims to secure a third consecutive LMGT3 title.
The Eifel-based Porsche powerhouse has dominated the category since its introduction, winning both championships to date. With the new season approaching, Manthey has now confirmed its complete driver line-up as it looks to extend that success.
Güven targeting strong start in new championship as he steps up to WEC for 2026 with Manthey
Reigning DTM champion Güven will share the #91 ‘Manthey DK Engineering’ Porsche 911 LMGT3 R with Timur Boguslavskiy and James Cottingham. The 27-year-old Turkish driver, a Red Bull athlete and Porsche factory driver, already has significant endurance racing experience, including winning the LMP2 title in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2023.
Looking ahead to the challenge, Güven believes the team’s experience and strong driver combination can deliver immediate results.
“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!”
Cottingham joins proven championship-winning outfit
Cottingham arrives at Manthey after competing with United Autosports and narrowly missing out on his first victory earlier this year in Lusail. Now, he joins one of endurance racing’s most successful GT teams.
Manthey’s record includes six class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including wins in the two most recent editions of the iconic race. For Cottingham, the opportunity to compete with such a decorated team represents a major step forward in his career.
Boguslavskiy sees Manthey move as key opportunity
Boguslavskiy also views his move to Manthey as a pivotal moment. The Russian driver previously raced with BMW machinery but now joins Porsche’s dominant GT operation as he prepares for his third FIA WEC season.
He believes the team’s professionalism and proven success could help unlock further potential.
“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.”
Shahin returns alongside defending champions
Manthey’s second entry, running under the ‘The Bend Manthey’ banner, will feature defending champions Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera alongside Yasser Shahin.
The Australian Bronze-rated driver previously raced with the team in 2024, when he secured victories at Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Le Mans before finishing second in the championship standings.
Reflecting on his return to the team, Shahin highlighted both the familiarity within the squad and the strong partnership with his co-drivers.
“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.”
Manthey aiming to continue LMGT3 dominance in 2026 WEC with Güven, Cottingham, Boguslavskiy, Shahin, Lietz and Pera
With experienced champions and ambitious newcomers across both cars, Manthey enters the 2026 FIA WEC season as one of the favourites in the LMGT3 category.
If the team can maintain its momentum from the past two seasons, the Porsche squad could once again find itself fighting for victory and potentially securing an unprecedented third consecutive championship.
