Martin Promoted to Iron Dames’ Lead Lineup for 2025

Photo: Iron Dames

Celia Martin has been promoted to Iron Dames’ lead driver lineup for next year, taking the role of Sarah Bovy, who has been upgraded to Silver FIA driver rating, which has resulted in a shuffle of the all-female program ahead of its expected switch to Porsche machinery in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Martin, who has been part of the Iron Dames’ effort in Michelin Le Mans Cup, will take the designated Bronze slot in the team, with Bovy expected to continue in the lineup as the new Silver driver alongside Gold-rated Michelle Gatting.

Rahel Frey, who is also Silver-rated, is also expected to race in selected events alongside her project manager role.

Bovy’s new confirmed rating comes after a number of years of successful appeals to keep her as Bronze-rated, after initially being elevated to Silver on the provisional FIA driver lists for both 2023 and 2024.

It’s unclear if an appeal was made for her elevation to Silver for next year.

A statement from the Iron Dames read: “The FIA’s recent announcement of driver classifications for the forthcoming endurance season brought exciting news for the Iron Dames project, not least the Silver status achieved by Sarah Bovy.

“This progression highlights Sarah’s impressive growth and achievements throughout the 2024 season, reflecting the experience gained and hard work she has put in both on and off the track.

“Sarah will continue to contribute at the highest level of endurance racing in the iconic Iron Dames colors.

“Sarah’s Silver classification is not only a personal achievement, but another milestone for the project as a whole.

“Her journey with the program underlines its effectiveness as a supportive environment for talented female drivers to reach their full potential and pursue the career of their dreams.”

The statement continued: “As the Iron Dames continue to evolve, this move opens the door for other promising drivers within the Iron Dames family and so, French driver Celia Martin will step into the position of Bronze driver for the team.

“Celia has shown great promise in Michelin Le Mans Cup this year and will contribute to the Iron Dames’ successes next season alongside Michelle Gatting, Rahel Frey and Sarah Bovy.”

Martin, along with Gatting and the WEC-nominated Gilian Henrion, are testing the No. 92 Manthey PureRxcing Porsche 911 GT3 R in today’s post-season rookie test in Bahrain.

Sportscar365 understands that a deal has been reached for the Iron Dames to switch to Manthey-run Porsche machinery in the WEC next year, alongside a continued IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup effort but in a Proton Competition-operated Porsche.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John