Jack Hawksworth is set for his LMGT3 debut at upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours for Akkodis ASP following the news that Jose Maria Lopez will replace an injured Mike Conway at Toyota.
The reigning GTD Pro champion in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has competed in Lexus RC F machinery in the past seven seasons, having driven with the Vasser Sullivan outfit since 2019.
With the GT3 formula being adopted by the FIA World Endurance Championship for this year as the LMGT3 category, Lexus will mark their Le Mans arrival.
After scoring a podium finish at the recent sprint race in Detroit with teammate Ben Barnicoat, the 33-year-old will also make his first-ever appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with valuable experience from all 10 previous editions of the Daytona 24 Hours.
The news began with the announcement that outgoing Hypercar World Endurance Champion Mike Conway will sit out Le Mans after suffering an injury, leading to the return of Jose Maria Lopez to the cockpit of the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid.
Since Lopez was meant to drive in his full-time WEC seat at Akkodis ASP, Hawksworth will replace him as a result joining Takeshi Kimura and Esteban Masson for the endeavour in the #87 Lexus.
A statement by Toyota said: “Toyota GAZOO Racing shares Mike’s heartfelt disappointment at this situation and will continue to give close support throughout his journey back to full fitness.
“All team members are looking forward to seeing Mike – part of the team family since 2014 – back in the cockpit at the earliest opportunity.
“Mike’s close friend and former team-mate Jose Maria Lopez, who raced for Toyota GAZOO Racing from 2017 to 2023, returns to the cockpit of the #7 GR010 HYBRID, starting in Sunday’s official test.
“Toyota GAZOO Racing expresses its sincere appreciation to Akkodis ASP for releasing him from his LMGT3 commitments.
“Mike will immediately begin an intensive rehabilitation programme, under the supervision of Toyota Gazoo Racing medical staff, with the target of returning to FIA World Endurance Championship action as soon as possible.”
Track action will commence this Sunday 9 June with two three-hour sessions on the Test Day, before a mixture of free practice and qualifying will proceed the main race on 15-16 June, in which Hawksworth will contend against 22 other LMGT3 entries for the category’s first Le Mans.
