Cairoli Joins Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 Squad

Photo: Javier Jimenez/DPPI

Matteo Cairoli will stay on with Iron Lynx to form part of the Italian squad’s Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 effort in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The Italian has signed on to pilot the No. 60 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for the eight-round championship, teaming up with Iron Lynx stalwarts Claudio Schiavoni and Matteo Cressoni.

Cairoli announced his departure from Lamborghini last month, having served one year with the Italian manufacturer as a factory driver and notably forming part of its SC63 LMDh program in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Italian has remained with Iron Lynx even as the Andrea Piccini-led squad switches to Mercedes-AMG following the end of its relationship with Lamborghini.

The sister No. 61 car, meanwhile, will see the previously confirmed Christian Ried and newly minted Mercedes-AMG factory driver Maxime Martin team up with Lin Hodenius.

The Dutchman moves into endurance racing after previously competing in Formula 4 and made his debut at the wheel of a GT3 car in last month’s Michelin 24H Dubai, where he competed with Team Motopark.

“We are very satisfied with how the driver lineup has shaped up, and for the positive collaboration that we have established so far with Mercedes-AMG as we prepare for this new program,” said team principal Piccini.

“So far we have really enjoyed working on the process and preparations.

“On the one hand, we will continue with the experienced combination of Claudio and Matteo, and we will add Matteo Cairoli, who already competed with us last year. He is a really quick driver and has a wealth of FIA WEC experience.

“On the other hand, we will bring back the driver with the most starts in the series, Christian Ried, pairing him with a young racer entering his rookie season, Lin Hodenius.

“He was extremely impressive straight away in testing and we selected him among all potential candidates despite his young age and limited endurance racing experience.

“Joining him and Ried, Maxime Martin will provide incredible value. In addition to being a long-time friend, he is one of the world’s strongest competitors in endurance racing.”