Lynn Tests Positive for COVID; Westbrook into Pro Aston Lineup

Alex Lynn has been ruled out of the 8 Hours of Bahrain after testing positive for COVID-19, prompting Aston Martin to move Richard Westbrook across to its No. 97 GTE-Pro crew.

Lynn was due to share the 24 Hours of Le Mans class-winning No. 97 Aston Martin Vantage GTE with his full-season co-driver Maxime Martin but the Brit registered a positive test result last weekend and is now self-isolating at home, according to his team.

Westbrook was set to drive the No. 98 Aston Martin Racing GTE-Am Vantage in Bahrain, but the ex-Ford GT IMSA driver will now be a member of the Pro squad with which he contested Le Mans in September.

Westbrook was in the No. 95 car at Le Mans, sharing the wheel with Nicki Thiim and Marco Sorensen who are leading the WEC drivers’ standings heading into the final round.

Following the Pro lineup change, Pedro Lamy has been drafted into the GTE-Am entry alongside his former full-time co-driver Paul Dalla Lana and Ross Gunn.

Lamy has not contested a WEC race since the 2018-19 finale at Le Mans, after Dalla Lana’s teammates were changed in the off-season.

The Portuguese driver’s only other race this year has been the Rolex 24 at Daytona back in January.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to end the FIA World Endurance Championship season in this way,” said Lynn.

“Especially after the amazing high of the Le Mans victory that brought us back into title contention. I wish all my team-mates the best of luck this weekend, but especially Maxime and Richard.”

Aston Martin has already wrapped up the GTE manufacturers’ title following its victory for Lynn, Martin and Harry Tincknell at Le Mans, while its two crews are first and second in the Pro drivers’ standings.

Aston is also in contention for GTE-Am season honors with TF Sport’s Charlie Eastwood, Jonny Adam and Salih Yoluc leading the table heading into Bahrain.

“We go into the final round of the 2019-20 WEC with drivers in contention for the world title, which is an exceptional position to be in and a testament to the depth of quality and hard work delivered throughout the team,” said AMR managing director John Gaw.

“‘That Alex is not able to join us is hugely disappointing for everyone, and we wish him well.

“Now we must focus on completing the job and ensure that we come away from Bahrain having delivered on our mission to win both GTE world titles.”