What is the story of the Racing Spirit of Léman, which is joining the WEC in 2025?
There is a newcomer in the World Endurance Championship. After narrowly missing the title in ELMS, Racing Spirit of Léman has gained the trust of Aston Martin to compete in WEC. Zoom on the structure of La Roche-sur-Foron.
One more step. The Racing Spirit of Léman is closely linked to motor racing. Although young, it was born in 2019, the Savoyard structure – but racing under Swiss license – has already proven itself in motor racing, particularly in endurance.
The team founded by Patrick Barbier had technically supported Cool Racing, before the two entities took different paths. Now alone, the family team – Herminie, Patrick’s daughter, is the director and her son-in-law, Guillaume Gibert, is the technical director – has made its mark in ELMS, Ultimate Cup, and Michelin Le Mans Cup.
Just a stone’s throw away from the title in ELMS
Supported by Aston Martin, the entity based in La Roche-sur-Foron operates British racing cars in various championships. But also LMP3s or even Nova NP02s, other prototypes.
With the withdrawal of the D’Station, the Racing Spirit of Léman has taken a new step by entering the highest sphere of world endurance. The team was hoping to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2025. This is what Patrick Barbier had confided to us during a round of the Ultimate Cup at Magny-Cours. To achieve this, they needed to be crowned champions in the ELMS to receive the official invitation. We had submitted a request last year. We had prepared a file to participate, recalls Patrick Barbier.
From experience at Le Mans
But the various twists and turns of the last round of the ELMS in Portimao meant that Iron Lynx, greatly assisted by the Iron Dames, came out on top. Despite this slight disappointment, the team will indeed be present in the WEC.
The Racing Spirit of Léman has already confirmed two of its drivers: the American Derek de Boer, a bronze-rated gentleman driver by the FIA. He will be joined by the French <a href="/wec/actualite/35262-wec-2025-plateau-reduit-toujours-prestigieux.html" title="WEC 2025: a reduced but still prestigious grid.
"Valentin Hasse Clot, classified gold. The third man of the crew has not yet been revealed. Both already know the GT3 of the brand known for its participation in James Bond movies. They were driving it last season during the ELMS."
Aston Martin support
Patrick Barbier’s training already has some foundations with the circuits used by the World Endurance Championship. Especially Le Mans. Last June, the team entered an LMP3 during the Michelin Le Mans Cup round.
For now, it is difficult to know how the team will be structured next year. But it seems that Aston Martin will play an important role within the Racing Spirit of Léman next year.
