Stroll Encouraged by Speedy GT3 Debut in Aston Martin at Paul Ricard

Lance Stroll’s GT3 debut in a Vantage GT3 Evo in France ended 48th after a gearbox issue, but stint delivered third‑best night pace and eighth‑fastest lap, leaving him hopeful for sport‑scar outings.

Why it matters:

Stroll’s foray gives him valuable endurance experience that hones night‑driving and tyre‑management skills useful for F1. For Aston Martin, having an active F1 driver in the GT programme boosts its brand visibility ahead of the 2026 hybrid engine launch. The cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix pushed drivers toward alternative series, making the GT appearance timely.

The details:

• Qualifying – The #18 Vantage GT3 Evo qualified 15th; Mari Boya started and quickly fell outside the top 30.
• Setbacks – Early penalties and a stop‑and‑go for contact with a Ferrari, followed by a gearbox‑selection fault, forced the car to retire with 15 minutes remaining.
• Stroll’s stint – In the final two hours he logged the third‑best night‑time average and the eighth‑fastest lap, though a track‑limits penalty briefly dropped him outside the top 40.

What's next:

Stroll thanked the team and said he hopes to race the Vantage GT3 again when his F1 programme permits. The GT World Challenge Europe heads to Spa‑Francorchamps next, where Aston Martin will aim to turn the speed shown at Paul Ricard into a stronger result.