Groves Join Iron Lynx LMGT3 Lineup at Spa

Photo: Iron Lynx

Stephen and Brenton Grove will make their FIA World Endurance Championship debuts at this weekend’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, stepping into the lineup for the No. 60 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

The Australian father-and-son duo will share driving duties with Matteo Cairoli at the Ardennes circuit, with the lineup switch the result of the physical issue that sidelined Claudio Schiavoni from the recent European Le Mans Series round at Paul Ricard.

Schiavoni was replaced at Le Castellet by Christian Ried and will sit out the WEC round at Spa in order to ensure he is fit to compete at next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Instead, the Andrea Piccini-led squad has brought in the Groves to further add to their preparations for their Le Mans debuts, where they will share Iron Lynx’s third LMGT3 entry with Luca Stolz. As a result, regular Silver driver Matteo Cressoni is also stepping aside at Spa.

“First of all, we want to wish a very prompt recovery to Claudio,” said Piccini. “The decision to step out of Spa really shows his focus and dedication on being in top shape for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I also thank Matteo for providing Stephen and Brenton with a unique chance to prepare for their first Le Mans race.

“We look forward to the 6 Hours of Spa and we are determined to make the most out of the experience.”

Although they are new to WEC, the Groves have two previous starts in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa to their name.

“It’s super exciting to make our WEC debut this weekend in Belgium,” said Brenton. “It’s a shame that it’s in these circumstances and we wish a speedy recovery for Claudio – we will do our best to make him proud.

“The team were great to work with in Portugal (in GT Open competition) and we took some big steps forward, so it made sense to continue our program in the lead up to Le Mans. For sure, it will be a learning weekend but Spa is always unpredictable so anything is possible.”

Iron Lynx is set to compete at Spa with a changed lineup in both of its cars, as the team announced last week that Martin Berry is replacing Ried as the mandatory Bronze-rated driver in the sister No. 61 Mercedes-AMG.