Shahin to step up to WEC
Australian GT racer Yasser Shahin has a big 2024 in store as he will take on the FIA World Endurance Championship for the first time.
The two-time GT World Challenge Australia champion will be racing one of the two Manthey EMA Porsche 911 GT3 Rs in the new for 2024 LMGT3 class.
Shahin will team up with rising star Morris Schrung and the experienced Richard Lietz in the car.
Last year Schrung became the youngest winner in Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland at 18, while Lietz is more than double the age of his co-driver at 40 having not missed a Le Mans 24 Hours race since 2007.
The new Porsche Yasser Shahin will race in the FIA WEC this year. Image: Supplied
Shahin himself is also vastly experienced in the world of GT racing. In addition to his 2021 and 2022 GT World Challenge titles, he has also completed multiple races in the Asian Le Mans Series.
Shahin understands the challenge ahead and is excited to take on the top tier of GT racing.
“I’m looking forward to contesting a WEC season,” Shahin said.
“I’ve always enjoyed the endurance format and believe it offers the greatest challenge and opportunity for a driver.
Richard Lietz driving at the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours. Image: Motorsport Images
“To compete in it with Manthey and Porsche is truly a privilege and a race driver’s dream.
“I’ve found an excellent fit with Manthey and the way they run a race team. Representing the Bend Motorsport Park and EMA Motorsport on the world stage will be fantastic.
“It won’t be easy though – the sheer volume of driving and stints in the WEC will be physically demanding. New tracks and a new tyre add to the difficulty and challenge.
Yasser Shahin has bene racing a Porsche in the GT World Challenge Australia season. Image: RACE PROJECT
“But our WEC driver lineup is fantastic. We have a fabulous mix of speed and consistency. Richard is such an experienced endurance driver and Morris is coming off an outstanding season in the Carrera Cup.
“So I feel that our WEC driver lineup is extremely strong, we have excellent driver chemistry and everyone is looking forward to the start of the season.”
Shahin will complete a prologue on February 2 before making his debut at the Qatar 1812km event on March 2 at Lusail.
Main image Daniel Kalisz Photographer
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