Ian James’ Heart of Racing Team has confirmed its driver line-up for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Team Principal Ian James will be joined by Daniel Mancinelli and Alex Riberas in the team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to compete in the new LMGT3 class.
James, who will contest all eight rounds of the 2024 World Endurance Championship, is delighted to have Mancinelli and Riberas back in the team’s GT3 entry for the new season.
“we’re going to continue the way we finished off last season,” he said. “Alex, Dani and myself, I think we make a good team together. We learned a lot last year in WEC and we look forward to continuing that this season and, with the introduction of the GT3 class, see what we can achieve.
Daniel Mancinelli joined the team at Spa in 2023 and has extensive GT racing experience after five years in the Italian GT Championship.
“I’m super happy and proud to be back in WEC with the Aston Martin Vantage LMGT3,” said Mancinelli. “I had a great time last year with my mates Alex and Ian. Our bond both in and outside the car has been phenomenal, which reflects the successful spirit of HORT as being more than just a team; it’s family.
“The last race in Bahrain we got a podium finish, ending in a great way the GTE era and HORT debut in the WEC. I’m very excited for the first race in Qatar in March.”
Alex Riberas will combine his WEC programme with the team’s IMSA commitments where schedules allow. Mario Farnbacher will step in for Riberas when the Spanish pilot is unavailable as well as joining Riberas and Ross Gunn for the IMSA endurance events.
“Competing in WEC is a dream come true,” said Riberas. “I always wanted to race in the full WEC championship season and this will be my first time so it’s an honour and a privilege to be part of it.
“It’s really hard to see and to expect where we’re going to be against the competition but regardless, it’s a phenomenal project and really exciting for this new adventure.”
The opening round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship takes place in Qatar on March 1st and 2nd.
