MICHELLE GATTING Out, SARAH BOVY In as Iron Dames Shuffle Le Mans Lineup

June 9, 2025

by RACERS // from www.racers-behindthehelmet.com

• MICHELLE GATTING’s heartbreaking foot injury during a routine pit stop has ended her streak of seven consecutive Le Mans starts with the Iron Dames. The Porsche factory driver, who had been training harder than ever after joining Manthey this year, suffered two fractures that ruled her out of what she calls “the race of them all.” Her devastation is palpable—she literally has Le Mans tattooed on her arm from her 2019 debut.
• SARAH BOVY steps up from the sidelines to fill GATTING’s seat, bringing serious credentials to an already strong lineup. With seven WEC pole positions (the first woman to achieve this), five ELMS poles, and four major victories across both series, BOVY had established herself as one of the world’s top Bronze drivers before her recent Silver reclassification. Her Le Mans experience runs deep—this will be her fifth start at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
• The reshuffled Iron Dames trio of RAHEL FREY, rookie CÉLIA MARTIN, and BOVY represents a fascinating blend of experience and fresh talent. MARTIN earned her Le Mans debut through a strong rookie campaign in Michelin Le Mans Cup, while FREY brings the Gold-level experience the team needs. Meanwhile, VANINA ICKX and MARTA GARCIA’s withdrawal from the support race adds another layer of disappointment to what should have been a celebration of women’s racing at Le Mans.

fia wec, iron dames, le mans 24 hours, porsche