The Canadian Formula 1 driver for Aston Martin, Lance Stroll, will make a surprise debut in the GT3 category during the season opener of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, which will take place at the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet, France.
The news was revealed with the publication of the official entry list for the event, which features a total of 59 cars.
The team and the car
Lance Stroll will drive as a fourth additional entry for Comtoyou Racing, behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GT3. This will be a one-off commitment for the opening round and represents a partial return to sports car competition following a few sporadic appearances in the past.
The Canadian driver already has limited experience in sports car racing. He previously took part twice in the 24 Hours of Daytona, competing with both DPi cars and in the LMP2 class. However, this new entry marks his very first experience with GT3 machinery.
This debut aligns with a recent trend of Formula 1 drivers experimenting with GT racing. A similar example is four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has already participated in races in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie with a GT3 car.
Alongside Lance Stroll, the same Aston Martin from Comtoyou Racing will feature two other experienced drivers. The first is Roberto Merhi, a former Formula 1 driver who has established himself as a regular competitor in the SUPER GT championship in recent years. The second is Mari Boya, a young talent transitioning from single-seaters and currently enrolled in Aston Martin’s Academy program. The three-driver lineup is the planned roster for the Endurance event that opens the calendar.
The championship and the event
The GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS is one of the most competitive GT3 championships internationally, featuring a mix of factory teams, semi-professional squads, and gentleman drivers. The Paul Ricard season opener officially launches the championship and always attracts attention due to the high quality of the entry list. Lance Stroll’s inclusion adds an extra element of curiosity and visibility, highlighting how the series continues to be a reference point for top-level drivers coming from other disciplines.
Further details about Lance Stroll’s participation and the team’s preparation are expected to emerge in the coming weeks as the race approaches.
Lance Stroll’s venture into the GT World Challenge Europe therefore underscores the increasing synergy between Formula 1 and top-tier GT racing. By stepping into the Vantage GT3 alongside experienced teammates, Stroll aims to demonstrate his versatility and contribute to a successful start for the Comtoyou Racing program in one of the most demanding endurance series in the world.
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