Celia Martin will be promoted to the Iron Dames main squad next year, leading to a driver change for the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship team. More changes could be coming, including a possible change in team and manufacturer.

The team’s current driver line-up of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting has been stable for several seasons. However, changes to Bovy’s 2025 driver rating mean the team must find a new bronze-rated driver.

Bovy has successfully challenged the upgrade to silver in the last two seasons. But with some amazing performances this yearIt was not possible to get a bronze medal for another year.

Next year Sarah Bovy will be silver-rated alongside gold-rated Michelle Gatting and Celia Martin will join the team as a new bronze-rated rider. To compete in LMGT3, each team must field at least one bronze-rated rider; however, platinum-rated drivers are not allowed.

Frey, meanwhile, will compete in select events. Dames will compete in at least three series: the IMSA Sportscar Championship, WEC and European Le Mans Series, competing in more than 20 events throughout the year.

More changes on the horizon for the Iron Dames

Another possible change for 2025 is the switch to Porsche machines operated by the Manthey team next year. Changing their debut, the Iron Dames team is run by Iron Lynx, owned by DC Racing Solutions, but a switch to Manthey and Porsche is likely in the WEC and ELMS in 2025. Reports say Proton will run the Iron Dames team in IMSA.

This year the team competed with Lamborghini machines. lots of difficulties Including reliability issues and pit stop issues which led to a terrible year in the FIA ​​WEC. Although Bovy took two pole positions, the team recorded no podiums in eight races throughout the year.

Statement from the team regarding Martin’s promotion

Here’s a statement from the team, as seen by Sportscar365:

“The FIA’s latest announcement regarding driver classifications for the upcoming endurance season brings exciting news for the Iron Dames project; especially the Silver status achieved by Sarah Bovy.

“This progression highlights Sarah’s impressive growth and achievements throughout the 2024 season and reflects the experience she has gained and the hard work she has put in both on and off the track.

“Sarah will continue to contribute to endurance racing at the highest level in the iconic Iron Dames colours.

“Sarah’s Silver classification is not only a personal achievement but also another milestone for the project as a whole.

“Her journey with the program underscores its effectiveness as a supportive environment for talented female drivers to reach their full potential and achieve the career of their dreams.”

“As Iron Dames continues to develop, this move will open the door to other up-and-coming drivers in the Iron Dames family, with French driver Celia Martin stepping into the Bronze driver position for the team.

“Celia showed great promise in the Michelin Le Mans Cup this year and, along with Michelle Gatting, Rahel Frey and Sarah Bovy, will contribute to the Iron Dames’ success next season.”