After the summer break, the Iron Dames return to competition for one of the most intense weekends of the year. At Spa-Francorchamps, the all-female team resumes its European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup programmes. A week later, in the Netherlands, Doriane Pin continues her fight at the top of the F1 Academy standings with Round 5 at Zandvoort.
European Le Mans Series – Title race alive
The first half of the ELMS season has kept Michelle Gatting, Sarah Bovy and Célia Martin firmly in the title picture, showing that they have the pace and resilience to fight at the front with their #85 Porsche 911 GT3 R.
Their campaign began with a landmark victory in Barcelona that set the tone for the season, followed by a solid seventh place at Le Castellet. A challenging race at Imola still allowed the team to remain in contention. Heading into Spa, Gatting, Bovy and Martin sit third in the LMGT3 standings with 33 points, only six behind the championship leaders. With three races still to go, the title fight remains wide open.
Sarah Bovy: "I’m really looking forward to getting back on track, reuniting with the team, Michelle and Celia, our mechanics and the whole ELMS paddock. Spa is definitely a place where we have unfinished business after last year, both in WEC and ELMS. We feel ready, fully motivated, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve. One thing is certain: we’ll be giving absolutely everything we’ve got."
Michelin Le Mans Cup – Vanina Ickx returns home
The Michelin Le Mans Cup sees the much-anticipated return of Marta García alongside Vanina Ickx. For García, still in the early stages of her endurance racing career, Spa is a crucial opportunity to gain experience and prove her potential against a competitive field.
For Ickx, the challenge carries an even deeper meaning: racing at Spa-Francorchamps, in front of her home fans and family, at a circuit that has defined so much of Belgian motorsport history. Returning here in Iron Dames colours promises to be truly special.
Vanina Ickx: “Stories about Spa are endless! Racing here is always challenging, exciting and emotional. Spa has a great rhythm and momentum, and to return here with the Iron Dames, in front of my home fans, promises to be truly special. It has been so long since I last drove the car that it almost feels like starting from scratch again — but a podium is what we need and deserve.”
F1 Academy – Pin leading the way at Zandvoort
Doriane Pin will be in the Netherlands the following weekend, taking on the fast and technical curves of Zandvoort in Round 5 of the F1 Academy campaign. Pin has been one of the standout performers of the season so far, showing consistency, pace and maturity beyond her years. With three race victories already, including her latest in Montreal, she now holds the championship lead with 109 points, a 20-point margin over her closest rival.
Doriane Pin: “I’m really looking forward to being back at Zandvoort. It’s a demanding and exciting track, but we’ve done a good job so far, and I feel ready. Leading the championship is definitely a boost, and I’m staying focused on what I need to do.”
United spirit – Stronger together
The Iron Dames’ success is not only measured by results on track, but also by the collective spirit that drives them. During the summer break, the team gathered in the French Alps for a training camp that combined physical preparation, outdoor challenges and moments of togetherness. It was the perfect way to recharge batteries, strengthen their bond as a team and lay the foundations for the decisive second half of the season.
The coming races will play a key role in shaping their championship ambitions and writing the next chapters in the Iron Dames’ story.