Shahin Steps Up to LMGT3 With Manthey EMA

Australian Bronze-rated driver Yasser Shahin will make his FIA World Endurance Championship debut joining Manthey EMA in the LMGT3 class.

Shahin will pilot the No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3 R for the eight-round globetrotting series, teaming up with Morris Schuring and the previously confirmed Richard Lietz.

The 47-year-old is a two-time Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS champion and previously competed in the Asian Le Mans Series with United Autosports.

He took five race wins en route to third in last year’s GTWC Australia standings, which he contested with EMA Motorsport.

His Silver-rated co-driver Schuring will similarly be making his WEC debut, graduating from Porsche single-make competition.

The 18-year-old made history last year when he became the youngest race winner in Porsche Carrera Cup Germany and also took a pair of victories in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

“I’m looking forward to contesting a WEC season,” Shahin said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the endurance format and believe it offers the greatest challenge and opportunity for a driver. To compete in it with Manthey and Porsche is truly a privilege and a race driver’s dream.

“I’ve found an excellent fit with Manthey and the way they run a race team. Representing the Bend Motorsport Park and EMA Motorsport on the world stage will be fantastic.

“It won’t be easy though – the sheer volume of driving and stints in the WEC will be physically demanding. New tracks and a new tyre add to the difficulty and challenge.

“But our WEC driver lineup is fantastic. We have a fabulous mix of speed and consistency. Richard is such an experienced endurance driver and Morris is coming off an outstanding season in the Carrera Cup.

“So I feel that our WEC driver lineup is extremely strong, we have excellent driver chemistry and everyone is looking forward to the start of the season.”

Manthey’s second car will be driven by the already named trio of Alex Malykhin, Joel Sturm and Klaus Bachler, racing under the Manthey PureRxcing banner.

“After the years we spent together with Porsche in the FIA WEC, we are delighted to have found two strong partners in EMA Motorsport and Pure Rxcing to return to the series,” Manthey Racing managing director Nicolas Raeder said.

“Our goal is clear: we aim to build on our successes and compete for victories and the championship. With 18 cars, the new LMGT3 starting field promises thrilling races and a close championship battle.

“We are delighted to be part of the inaugural season of the LMGT3 in the WEC and look forward to seeing what this year has in store for us.

“I think our team is very well prepared and everyone is highly motivated and we hope to show that right from the start.”