López and Barnicoat to lead 2025 Lexus LMGT3 bid
Two-time FIA World Endurance Champion José María López and rising British star Ben Barnicoat will spearhead Akkodis ASP Team’s assault on LMGT3 honours in 2025 in the Lexus RC F LMGT3.
Helmed by former racer Jérôme Policand, Akkodis ASP Team made its debut in FIA WEC this year. The French outfit’s inaugural campaign was highlighted by a double top ten finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with further points scored at Spa-Francorchamps and COTA.
For its sophomore season in the series, the squad has retained the services of López in its #87 entry. Boasting a remarkable résumé, alongside his two outright FIA WEC titles achieved with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the 41-year-old Argentine triumphed at Le Mans in 2021 and has been crowned FIA World Touring Car Champion on no fewer than three occasions.
In the sister #78 car, Barnicoat joins the team from Lexus’ North American programme in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, in which he won the GTD Pro class alongside countryman Jack Hawksworth last year. He comfortably set the pace in the LMGT3 category during a tryout for Akkodis ASP Team in FIA WEC’s recent Bahrain Rookie Test.
The 27-year-old additionally brings with him the benefit of single-seater experience, having lifted the laurels in the British Formula 3 Championship in 2015.
Akkodis ASP Team’s full 2025 FIA WEC driver line-up will be revealed in due course, with the season set to get underway in Qatar on 28 February.
