Will the Iron Dames find their GT3’s operating instructions at the 6 Hours of Spa?
After a very complicated opening round, the Iron Dames need to find their rhythm. Newcomer Célia Martin must continue to acclimatize to this championship.
Far from expectations. As in Hypercar, the GT3s were completely off the mark in Qatar. After a season of dominating from head to shoulders, the Stuttgart cars were quite disappointing during the opening round.
The Iron Dames, who had performed very well with Porsche during the 2023 season (for the last of the GTE), were unable to regain this feeling with the GT3. Thirteenth, two laps behind the winner, the girls in #85 could not compete with the rest of the grid to enter the points.
Deborah Mayer’s protégées were able to gain some experience in other championships, such as the European Le Mans Series, where they managed to win the inaugural race in Barcelona in early April.
In this European competition, they were able to familiarize themselves with the Imola track, which they will be navigating this weekend for the second round of the World Endurance Championship.
« I really like the Imola circuit and I have fond memories of our class victory with the Porsche during last year’s European Le Mans Series. It was very emotional. So, I’m even more excited about returning to this circuit with the 911 GT3 R as part of the WEC. However, I also expect great challenges. But we like difficult tasks and we are ready to face all the obstacles », says Rahel Frey.
Last year, the Iron Dames were magnificent here with the Lamborghini. Behind the wheel of a car far from being able to compete with the best, Sarah Bovy secured fifth place in qualifying, before having to retire during the race.
This year, the Belgian is no longer there. Célia Martin is replacing her. The French driver needs to continue getting accustomed to this new environment. Her victory in Barcelona in the ELMS must have boosted her confidence. Will the girls in pink be back at the top of the grid in Imola?
