Lorcan Hanafin will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after securing a late opportunity with TF Sport’s Johor Motorsports JMR-backed Corvette entry.
The Silver-rated British driver will join Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Ben Green in the No. 2 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the LMGT3 class. Hanafin replaces Malaysian driver Afiq Ikhwan Yazid, who had originally appeared on the line-up for the entry.
The call-up gives Hanafin his second Le Mans start after he made his debut at the event last year with Iron Lynx’s Mercedes-AMG programme. Although he will race with TF Sport and JMR for the first time, he already knows the Corvette platform from his 2025 GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup campaign with Steller Motorsport.
Hanafin prepares for second Le Mans appearance
Hanafin will return to La Sarthe with valuable experience from his first appearance at the French endurance classic. However, this year brings a new team environment, a new driver pairing and a fresh opportunity in the LMGT3 field.
Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Ben Green will both make their Le Mans debuts, while Hanafin adds previous event experience to the line-up. His familiarity with the Corvette should also help him settle quickly into the programme as TF Sport and JMR prepare for one of the most demanding races on the calendar.
“I raced Le Mans for the first time last year and it’s a very special event,” said Hanafin. “The scrutineering, the driver’s parade, the circuit itself and the whole atmosphere in the town is really special.
“I’m very excited to be working with Prince Jefri, Ben Green and the whole JMR team this year. I think we can get a good result – we’ve got a very good line-up, JMR builds a very fast racecar and the team is very strong, with numerous podiums and race wins around the world.
“We just need to be consistent, fast, stay out of trouble, and make sure we’re in the fight when the sun comes up.”
JMR also revises Spa 24 Hours line-up
In addition to its updated Le Mans entry, JMR has confirmed a change to its Bronze Cup line-up for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa on June 27-28.
The team had initially listed Princes Jefri and Abu Bakar Ibrahim, Ben Green and Yazid in the No. 0 Corvette. However, JMR has now confirmed that Jordan Love will take Yazid’s place for the Belgian endurance classic.
Love brings significant experience with JMR. The Australian has represented the team in GT World Challenge Asia and other programmes across the past two seasons. He also raced JMR’s Corvette at Spa last year, after previously contesting the event in 2024 with Triple Eight JMR’s Mercedes-AMG entry.
Love targets strong Spa return
Love will make his sixth appearance at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa as he continues his association with JMR. He will also return for his second year in the Corvette, giving the team continuity as it targets a strong Bronze Cup result.
The Australian expects another difficult race, with Spa’s weather, night running and traffic often shaping the outcome. However, he believes JMR has the pace and line-up to fight near the front if it avoids trouble.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return for my sixth time to the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, my third year with JMR and my second year in the Corvette,” said Love.
“Last year a few technical issues held us back, but we were extremely fast and the package was good. Spa is an incredibly unpredictable race with challenging weather, racing through the night, and the sheer intensity that we hold for the entire 24 hours.
“Just seeing the checkered flag is a huge achievement, but we know that with the pace of our car and our driver line-up we’re capable of a podium result, and possibly a win.”
Suzuka 1000km plans confirmed
JMR has also confirmed plans to contest the Suzuka 1000km, the fourth round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge season.
The team will enter a Pro-Am Corvette for Princes Jefri and Abu Bakar Ibrahim, alongside Green. The race will mark Green’s Suzuka 1000km debut after he missed last year’s event because of a DTM clash.
JMR also hinted at further news around its Suzuka programme. Its announcement referenced “further exciting team updates to come”, suggesting the team could add another Pro entry for the Japanese endurance race.
JMR expands major endurance programme
The revised Le Mans and Spa line-ups underline JMR’s growing commitment to major international endurance events. Hanafin’s late addition gives the team another experienced GT driver for Le Mans, while Love’s return strengthens its Spa 24 Hours effort.
At the same time, the confirmed Suzuka 1000km programme keeps JMR active across another major endurance platform. With Le Mans, Spa and Suzuka now all part of its plans, the team has built a busy schedule around the Corvette as it targets strong results across several of GT racing’s biggest events.
