Martin Headlines All-Belgian DKR Engineering Lineup

Maxime Martin will join DKR Engineering to form an all-Belgian driver lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The BMW factory driver will team with Tom van Rompuy and Ugo de Wilde aboard the No. 43 Oreca 07 Gibson, which is entered into the Pro-Am category.

The Kendy Janclaes-led squad secured an invitation for the event through its LMP2 title triumph in this year’s Asian Le Mans Series.

Martin last raced LMP2 machinery at Le Mans in 2013, when he drove a TDS Racing-entered Oreca 03 Nissan.

Notably, he was also part of the last all-Belgian lineup to race in the French endurance classic, teaming with Vanina Ickx and Bas Leinders in a Lola-Aston Martin B09/80.

“I didn’t hesitate for a second when I was offered to do Le Mans with a DKR LMP2  prototype car and a fully Belgian crew,” said Martin.

“Firstly because I know Kendy Janclaes’ team very well. They are all passionate people, just like Kendy, but also as competent as he is.

“He already won several championships and is quite a reference in endurance racing. Secondly, taking part in Le Mans is always a magical experience.

“Finally, I also like the idea of being part of a Belgian team. It’s never easy at this level.

“Thank you and hats off to those who managed to put this operation together and allowed me to be at the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours for the eighth time.”

The team said it plans to carry out a pair of two-day tests at Circuit Paul Ricard and Motorland Aragon before going to Le Mans.

“I’m very happy and proud to have earned our ticket for the Le Mans centenary by winning the Asian Le Mans Series in March,” team principal Janclaes said.

“We now have managed to put together a strong Belgian team for our second appearance in Le Mans in LMP2.

“Tom Van Rompuy is our Bronze driver and has been part of the team since 2022.

“He has been on the podium several times in LMP3 in ELMS, and in the Asian Le Mans Series.  He also made a convincing debut in LMP2 a fortnight ago in Barcelona.

We’ve known Ugo de Wilde for three years now, as he was only seventeen when he raced our Duqueine LMP3 in his first Road To Le Mans participation.

“Ugo is a very fast young driver, but also a very intelligent and committed.

“Finally there is Maxime Martin, who needs no introduction as he has already did Le Mans seven times, with some very good results.

“We are delighted that he has accepted to be part of this project. We couldn’t have asked for a better coach for our two rookies.

“I’m sure that our three drivers will get on very well and that with them we can can have a repeat of our 2022 podium in the LMP2 Pro-Am class, where the level is very high.”