Iron Dames Alters Lineup After Bovy Tests Positive

Iron Dames drivers Sarah Bovy and Michelle Gatting have been ruled out of this weekend’s TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps after the former tested positive for COVID-19.

The Iron Lynx-run program confirmed on Wednesday that both drivers will not take part in the second round of the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship.

They will be replaced by Christina Nielsen, who is the new designated FIA Bronze-rated driver, and Silver-rated Doriane Pin.

While only Bovy has tested positive, the team has opted to also pull Gatting from its lineup after the pair had been in close contact in recent days.

They were both due to share the No. 85 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo with Rahel Frey, who was present in the Spa paddock on Wednesday.

“We can confirm that following a COVID test earlier today, as part of our internal safety protocol, Sarah Bovy has tested positive and will not be racing this weekend at Spa,” a statement from the team read.

“Michelle Gatting won’t be racing either due to being in close proximity to Sarah over the last few days.

“The health of our team is our main priority and neither driver has been in contact with any other team member.

“Christina Nielsen and Doriane Pin will race this weekend, and we wish them the very best of luck.

“We hope Sarah makes a speedy recovery.”

Nielsen and Pin will be making their WEC debuts while Nielsen is set for her first start with Iron Lynx.

The Danish racer has made three previous starts at Le Mans, two of which were in Ferrari machinery, but has not contested any other WEC races.

Pin has previously raced with Iron Dames in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup and Michelin Le Mans Cup.