Deletraz to Again Replace Lynn at JOTA for 24H Le Mans

Louis Deletraz will tackle this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Hertz Team JOTA Cadillac V-Series.R after Alex Lynn’s neck surgery was postponed.

Lynn had already missed the opening two rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship season amid what was described as an “ongoing neck injury” with Deletraz taking the Briton’s place in the No. 12 Cadillac at Spa earlier this month.

But the team had previously stated that Lynn would be back in the car for Le Mans, however this is now no longer the case.

Deletraz, who also races a Cadillac in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Wayne Taylor Racing, will now again team up with Will Stevens and Norman Nato at Le Mans.

He had been due to tackle the LMP2 class in the French endurance classic at the wheel of the AO by TF Oreca 07 Gibson — which will feature a new Mobil 1 livery and will be referred to as ‘Rockie’ — after winning the Pro-Am LMP2 division last year, but will instead race in the top Hypercar category.

Deletraz’s place in the AO lineup alongside Dane Cameron and PJ Hyett will be taken by LMP2 regular James Allen.

As well as tackling Le Mans, Deletraz will also take part in JOTA’s test at Silverstone on Tuesday.

“It’s obviously hugely disappointing not to be racing at Le Mans and to miss the Silverstone test with the team, but getting this procedure completed and fully recovering has to be the priority,” said Lynn, who has been linked with a move to McLaren for next season and topped Hyperpole qualifying at Le Mans last year.

“The timing hasn’t worked out as originally planned due to scheduling difficulties around the surgery, but we now have a clear path forward.

“I’ll be supporting the team from home and I wish Louis, the No. 12 crew and everyone at Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA the very best for Le Mans.”

JOTA co-founder Sam Hignett added: “Our priority is ensuring Alex can complete his surgery, make a full recovery and return to full fitness as soon as possible.

“Naturally, it’s disappointing that he won’t be with us for Le Mans, but we fully support him in taking the time needed to complete his surgery and rehabilitation properly.

“We’re pleased to have Louis stepping into the car for the test and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“He already knows the team well and has been part of our preparations, so we’re confident he’ll do a great job alongside the rest of the crew.”

No timeframe has been placed on when Lynn will be able to return to racing action.