Lance Stroll says Aston Martin’s ongoing woes in Formulation 1 performed a job in his determination to enter this weekend’s GT World Problem Europe occasion at Paul Ricard.
The Canadian will reap the benefits of an surprising hole on the F1 calendar to contest the opening GTWCE Endurance Cup event of 2026, driving Comtoyou Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo with Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya.
It’ll mark simply his third main sportscar outing, following two earlier appearances on the Daytona 24 Hours in prototype equipment within the mid-to-late 2010s.
Stroll’s Aston Martin staff has struggled for each efficiency and reliability firstly of F1’s new period this 12 months, regardless of vital funding in infrastructure and the high-profile signing of Adrian Newey.
Its works partnership with Honda has additionally been strained by an uncompetitive energy unit that suffers closely from vibrations. Throughout the opening three rounds, Stroll is but to register a categorized end, whereas his team-mate Fernando Alonso has additionally not scored some extent.
“I actually loved racing the 24 Hours of Daytona. It’s a race I actually liked,” he stated. “Since then, I’ve been very centered on Formulation 1, however this 12 months we don’t have a really aggressive automobile, and we now have a while with out races.
“So, it was an thought to vary issues up a bit – a distinct mindset throughout the break. Jean-Michel [Baert, Comtoyou team owner] was very accommodating, and we organised every part in a few week.
“So, a giant thanks to Jean-Michel. That’s why I’m right here racing this weekend.”
Gilles Magnus, Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
The Comtoyou Aston is registered within the Professional class, which options 18 entries as half of a bigger 59-car grid. Stroll believes sportscar racing provides a extra open aggressive panorama, giving him and his staff a practical shot at victory if “every part comes collectively”.
Requested what his aim was for the weekend, Stroll stated: “Enjoyment – and it’s additionally a race. In Formulation 1, you don’t at all times have the chance to win.
“Right here, it’s very aggressive, however even when it’s our first time and we lack expertise, if every part comes collectively – good set-up, good feeling – successful is feasible. That doesn’t actually exist in Formulation 1. That’s additionally a giant motivation for me to be right here.”
The concept of racing at Paul Ricard was conceived over the Japanese GP on 27-29 March, the place Stroll met a few of his buddies, together with ex-grand prix driver Merhi, over dinner.
There was renewed curiosity amongst F1 drivers in sportscar racing, with Max Verstappen specifically producing headlines for his current endeavours on the Nordschleife-based NLS sequence.
Stroll revealed he spoke to Verstappen about his GT plans throughout the Suzuka weekend. “We talked about whom to contact, and since he’s already concerned in GT racing, we mentioned it a bit. Everybody enjoys driving GT3 vehicles – they’re enjoyable,” he stated.
Requested whether or not he could be open to additional outings on this self-discipline, Stroll added: “If I really feel good bodily and mentally, sure – I’d love to do extra races throughout the 12 months.”
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