Manthey Confident in 2026 WEC LMGT3 Entry Despite Porsche’s Hypercar Exit

Manthey Racing expects to remain on the WEC grid in 2026’s LMGT3 class, despite Porsche’s withdrawal from Hypercar.

The team plans to continue with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, targeting continuity after consecutive LMGT3 titles in 2024 and 2025.

FIA and ACO selection policies favor manufacturers with Hypercar entries, meaning Manthey requires approval without Porsche’s top-class presence.

Porsche Penske Motorsport exits Hypercar after three seasons, refocusing on the 963 LMDh in IMSA competition.

The 2025 WEC grid fields 36 cars, split between 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3s, shaping the allocation context for 2026.

Genesis joins Hypercar in 2026. Porsche’s exit likely keeps the top class at 18, maintaining the current balance.

Organizers aim to expand to 40 total entries, easing short-term pressure on LMGT3 places and supporting stable representation.

Raeder’s confidence reflects recent form and manufacturer alignment, though final approval depends on total applicants across both classes.

Critically, logjam risk reduces if the grid grows, protecting competitive depth and continuity for proven LMGT3 squads.

LMGT3 demand surged after GTE Am’s 2023 discontinuation, with several brands competing for limited entries from 2024 onward.

Mercedes initially missed out for 2024 but secured 2025 places with Iron Lynx, underlining the panel’s strict entry thresholds.

In 2025, Manthey fielded two LMGT3 cars: one under Manthey 1st Phorm and another in collaboration with Iron Dames.

That structure, plus recent titles, strengthens Manthey’s case as a benchmark Porsche customer operation in GT racing.

Operationally, Manthey’s continuity supports Porsche’s customer GT footprint, even as the factory leaves Hypercar competition.

The FIA and ACO will confirm entries after assessing demand, class balance, and the grid’s final 2026 architecture.

Early signals suggest Manthey remains a fixture in LMGT3 for 2026, with longer-term certainty tied to entry pressures.

Execution, consistency, and proven championship results remain Manthey’s strongest levers in the selection process.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.