It's that time again—the most grueling, storied, unpredictable, and potentially championship-defining event in endurance racing: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. If you’re a fan of the LMGT3 class, buckle in.
We’ve got a nail-biter of a championship brewing, with just 13 points separating the top five teams. In a race where double points are on the line, one small mistake could spell the difference between standing tall with a trophy or fading into the noise of the pit lane.
Contenders
#33 TF Sport – Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R
Drivers: Ben Keating / Daniel Juncadella / Jonny Edgar
Championship Points: 44
The veteran-laced #33 Corvette entry has been the model of consistency this season. Anchored by endurance ace Ben Keating, who’s practically a metronome behind the wheel, and backed by the cool-headed aggression of Daniel Juncadella and rising star Jonny Edgar, this car has yet to put a foot wrong. Their racecraft is razor-sharp, their pit crew doesn’t blink, and the car’s been bulletproof.
But here’s the kicker: while they've built a narrow points lead, Le Mans is a different animal. Mechanical reliability over 24 hours will test even the best-prepared squads, and TF Sport knows a single DNF here could erase their championship advantage in one fell swoop. They cannot afford another bad points day like in Spa. They’ll need to race smart—not just fast.
#21 Vista AF Corse – Ferrari 296 LMGT3
Drivers: Alessio Rovera / François Hériau / Simon Mann
Championship Points: 40
These guys are hungry. The #21 team has had moments of sheer brilliance this season, including their 25-point haul at the last round in Spa. Alessio Rovera is a proven Ferrari GT maestro, and Simon Mann has found a rhythm that’s made him an increasingly reliable anchor in the trio. Add François Hériau to the mix, and you’ve got a crew that can take it to anyone.
The 296 LMGT3 has shown great straight-line speed and stability under braking—two things that matter a lot at Le Mans. They’re just four points back from the leaders, and unlike some others, they've proven they can make bold strategies work.
If they survive the night and stay in contention, they’re within striking distance of both a class win and the championship lead.
#78 Akkodis ASP – Lexus RC F GT3
Drivers: Arnold Robin / Finn Gehrsitz / Jack HawksworthChampionship Points: 38
Don’t sleep on this team.
The French-based Akkodis ASP outfit has been flying slightly under the radar, but they’re bringing a very strong trio to Le Mans. Finn Gehrsitz has been a revelation this year — mature beyond his years and blisteringly fast. Pair that with Arnold Robin’s consistency and Jack Hawksworth’s aggression, and you’ve got a group that might just steal the show.
They've gathered momentum over the last few rounds, and a strong finish here would be more than just a points boost—it could be the psychological edge they need to go on a title run. Plus, you can’t underestimate the importance of home soil motivation. This team wants to deliver big in France.
#92 Manthey EMA – Porsche 911 GT3 R
Drivers: Riccardo Pera/Richard Lietz/Ryan HardwickChampionship Points: 31
Porsche teams are always dangerous at Le Mans, and the Manthey EMA squad knows exactly what’s at stake. They’re sitting in a tie for fourth, but with the Porsche’s proven long-run stability and legendary braking durability, this car is perfectly suited for the 24-hour punishment.
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Riccardo Pera is the cornerstone here—a proven endurance racer with nerves of steel. Ryan Hardwick brings solid consistency and patience, and Richard Lietz has the raw speed to shake things up during night stints.
This is a team that could fly under the radar, capitalize on attrition, and walk away with a huge points haul.
#54 Vista AF Corse – Ferrari 296 LMGT3
Drivers: Davide Rigon / Francesco Castellacci / Thomas Flohr
Championship Points: 31
Yes, Vista is double-dipping—and both of their entries are in the top five. That speaks volumes about the strength of their Ferrari program.
The #54 car has a slightly more veteran flavor, with Davide Rigon and Francesco Castellacci bringing years of Ferrari GT racing experience. Thomas Flohr, the seasoned gentleman racer, has come into his own, often outperforming expectations and keeping the car clean for the pros to pounce later.
If the rain comes—or if night-time chaos breaks out—this squad’s poise and experience could be the difference. They're quiet contenders, but very real ones.
Familiar faces return
Mercedes-AMG—yeah, that Mercedes—are making their grand return to Le Mans for the first time since 1999. It’s been a minute. And they’re not just dipping a toe in the water, either.
They’re diving in headfirst with three GT3 entries, all backed by the ultra-capable folks at Iron Lynx. The last time Mercedes raced here, Bill Clinton was still president, the PlayStation 2 hadn't been released, and everyone had a Nokia in their pocket. Now? They’re back with a vengeance, sleek silver missiles ready to tear down the Mulsanne.
Valentino Rossi returns to Le Mans
And speaking of big names making waves—how about Valentino Rossi? Rossi is back for his sophomore season in LMGT3, and he’s looking more and more at home behind the wheel of the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. It still feels surreal seeing that iconic number flash past the grandstands at Le Mans instead of around a MotoGP circuit, but here we are.
Rossi’s endurance racing story is no longer a novelty—it’s a real campaign. This year, he’s teaming up with Kelvin van der Linde, a proven GT ace, and Ahmad Al Harthy, one of the most experienced gentlemen drivers in the paddock.
It’s a trio with brains, speed, and flair—basically, everything you’d want for 24 hours of war on wheels. Rossi might have traded in two wheels for four, but don’t let the switch fool you—he’s here to compete, not just coast.
Daytona/Le Mans double
Then there’s AWA Racing, rolling into France with one very bold mission: win Le Mans and Daytona in the same year. They’ve already conquered the Rolex 24 back in January, and now they’re bringing that same IMSA crew to the Circuit de la Sarthe. It’s the kind of underdog energy you can’t help but root for—small team, big ambition, chasing a double that only the legends talk about.
The stakes
Let’s not forget: Le Mans is a double-points race. That means a win could be worth up to 50 points—more than the margin separating the top eight teams in the current standings.
In other words? It’s anyone’s game.
The endurance, the strategy, the weather curveballs, and the 4 a.m. pit stop gambles will all decide who rises and who falls. One mechanical failure or driver error could flip the script. And for those playing catch-up in the standings, this is their golden ticket.
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Final thoughts
This year’s LMGT3 class has already been unpredictable, but Le Mans cranks the chaos to eleven. For some, it will be the defining moment of their season—or even their careers. For others, it may be a heartbreaking reminder of how cruel endurance racing can be.
Whatever happens, we’re in for a classic.
So grab a coffee (or five), clear your weekend, and get ready to watch the world's best go to war for a full day and night. Because when the sun rises over La Sarthe Sunday morning, there will be heroes—and there will be heartbreak. And that's endurance racing.
Feature image: DPPI / WEC