Bennett Replaces Garcia in Isotta Fraschini Lineup

Isotta Fraschini Duqueine has announced that Carl Wattana Bennett will drive for the team in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship season, replacing the previously-announced Alex Garcia.

Thai-American racer Bennett, 19, comes on board alongside Jean-Karl Vernay and Antonio Serravalle – whose addition to the squad was announced on Wednesday – for the Italian boutique manufacturer’s debut Hypercar campaign with the new Tipo 6 Competizione LMH.

Isotta had named European Le Mans Series LMP3 champion Garcia as one of its three drivers for the 2024 WEC upon the reveal of the official entry list in November, with the Mexican driver taking part in a test with the Duqueine-run squad in December.

Bennett, who races for Duqueine in the Asian Le Mans Series, is a relative newcomer to sports car racing, having spent the 2023 season mostly racing in Formula 4 competition in the United States and Spain.

“I am thrilled to announce my partnership with Isotta Duqueine for the highly anticipated World Endurance Championship season in 2024,” said Bennett.

“This collaboration carries a profound significance for me as I proudly represent Thailand on the global stage of motorsports.

“Joining forces with Isotta Fraschini and Duqueine Team is a realization of a lifelong dream. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to A14 Management, Duqueine, Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, Amerasian Fragrance Research, and everyone involved in making this partnership possible.

“Their support and belief in my capabilities have paved the way for this incredible opportunity. I am committed to giving my absolute best. Together with Isotta Duqueine, I am confident that we will achieve great things together.”

Isotta Fraschini motorsport manager Claudio Berro added: “I am very curious to see how this mix of youth and experience will work in a really competitive championship like the FIA WEC.

“For Isotta Fraschini, these three drivers in the team are key since they’re going to become ambassadors of the brand in Europe, North America, and Asia, three strategic areas from a commercial point of view.”

Despite losing his drive at Isotta, Garcia will still be active in 2024 by way of his ELMS campaign with Cool Racing as he steps up to the LMP2 class.