Iron Lynx Confirms Drivers for Second Mercedes-AMG Season

Iron Lynx has confirmed it will continue its FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 program with Mercedes-AMG for a second season, revealing a tweaked lineup that will see Rui Andrade and Johannes Zelger join the team for the first time.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, the Italian squad will once again field a pair of Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evos in the eight-round series, which kicks off with the Qatar 1812km in March.

The future of the program had become the subject of some speculation across the second half of the season amidst reports of significant financial issues for the team’s parent company DC Racing Solutions.

While the affiliate Iron Dames program has since been confirmed to be exiting the series, Iron Lynx on Monday revealed the full lineup across its two cars, which features a number of returning names.

Martin Berry, who contested five rounds at the wheel of the No. 61 Mercedes-AMG this season, returns to partner up with team newcomer Rui Andrade and Mercedes-AMG factory driver Maxime Martin.

Andrade joins Iron Lynx after two seasons of driving for TF Sport’s Corvette LMGT3 effort, which included a class victory in the 6 Hours of Fuji last September.

The newly renumbered No. 79 sister car, meanwhile, has undergone a wholesale change compared to the second half of the past season, with Andrew Gilbert, Fran Rueda and Lorcan Hanafin all not returning.

Instead, series newcomer Johannes Zelger teams up with the returning Matteo Cressoni as well as Lin Hodenius.

Zelger makes his WEC debut after racing Porsche machinery in a variety of championships, including the Asian Le Mans Series and Intercontinental GT Challenge.

Cressoni, an Iron Lynx regular, rejoins the WEC grid after missing most of last year when his regular co-driver Claudio Schiavoni stepped away from competition, while Hodenius drove in the No. 61 car last year.

“We are delighted to get to work again ahead of the 2026 season and to introduce our full driver lineup,” said team principal Andrea Piccini.

“We are happy to welcome Johannes to our team. His performance in the Bahrain rookie test was impressive, and despite not having a lot of mileage with the car, he showed real potential.

“Having Matteo back will make a great difference, because his speed and professionalism need no introduction, and we know what a true team player he is.

“In addition, we will continue to rely on Lin. We have believed in him since the very beginning, and we are sure he will help us make a step in 2026 as he assume a leadership role.

“It will be a challenge, but he will be able to count on the support of Matteo and Maxime.

“Martin is returning for his second year, and it’s great news considering how quickly he became a top competitor in the series and a pillar for the team.

“On the other hand, we are delighted to have Rui. He has achieved so much in his career so far, and we look forward to working together and trying to increase our roll of honour.

“Last but not least, Maxime has been key for our operation in 2025, and we expect him to continue for next year.

“I don’t need to say how much consideration I have for him. I’m looking forward to working together again.”