Manthey has unveiled its full driver roster for its first IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup campaign, fielding two Porsche 911 GT3 Rs across GTD Pro and GTD in 2026. The debut comes with strong continuity from Manthey’s WEC, DTM and Nürburgring programmes as the Meuspath team expands into American endurance racing.

Grello steps into GTD Pro

The Grello-liveried #911 Porsche will contest the GTD Pro class with Klaus Bachler, Thomas Preining and Ricardo Feller. Bachler and Preining continue their long-running ties with the team from recent WEC and DTM seasons, while Feller arrives with prior IMSA experience and a growing record as a Porsche factory-contracted driver.

Manthey 1st Phorm targets GTD

In GTD, Manthey will run the #912 Porsche in partnership with 1st Phorm. FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 champions Ryan Hardwick and Riccardo Pera return to the cockpit, joined by 2025 DTM Rookie of the Year Morris Schuring for the full Endurance Cup. For Daytona, the trio is strengthened by Richard Lietz, who shared a successful 2025 WEC season with Hardwick and Pera.

Director Racing Patrick Arkenau highlighted the importance of Manthey’s familiar faces heading into its first American season, noting the “valuable experience and many successes” shared with Hardwick, Pera, Schuring and Lietz, while welcoming Feller into the #911 line-up alongside long-time Manthey drivers Bachler and Preining.

Driver quotes

Living up to his status as sportscar champion, Thomas Preinig makes Manthey’s intent unmistakably clear: “Our first test went very well, and everyone on the team is motivated and focused on the same goal: winning Daytona and making a strong statement in our first season in the U.S. The preparation has already started, and we’re looking forward to the challenge. Racing in America is a lot of fun, and it’s even more rewarding when you are successful – which is exactly what we’re aiming for.”

Ricardo Feller, now entering his second season as a Porsche driver, is equally energised about the programme. “I raced these endurance races back in 2019 and have wanted to return to the U.S. every year since. Now it has finally worked out – and with such a promising driver lineup. I’m confident we’ll have a strong season, and our goal is clear: we want to win.”

For Klaus Bachler, 2026 brings a series of welcome firsts. “This will be the first time I share a car with Ricardo,” the Austrian said, “which I’m really looking forward to. It has always been a big wish of mine to race in the Grello, and the fact that this is becoming a reality in the IMSA Endurance Series means a lot to me. I can’t wait for January to come, when we head to Daytona and I get to drive my first laps in the #911.”

Ryan Hardwick, fresh from a landmark 2025 season, sees the continuity with Manthey as a natural next step. “After a hugely successful 2025 – including winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the LMGT3 World Endurance Championship – it made perfect sense to continue with this winning team. I’ll be joined once again by Riccardo Pera this season, and we also welcome Morris Schuring to our 1st Phorm-sponsored #912 car for all IMSA endurance races. Richard Lietz will be back with us for Daytona, a race the two of us won together in 2022.”

After a breakout year in the DTM, Morris Schuring now steps into a new international chapter. “Being able to say that, at just 20 years old, I’ve raced at Le Mans, Daytona, the Nürburgring and Spa is something I’m very proud of, and taking on iconic events like Daytona together with Manthey gives me high expectations, because I know what this team is capable of,” the Dutchman said. “Of course, we’ll be newcomers in IMSA, but based on the work already happening behind the scenes, I’m confident we’ll be well prepared. I’m also looking forward to working with Ryan, Riccardo and Richard at Daytona. It’s an honour to team up with recent WEC and Le Mans winners, and having an all–Le Mans-winning lineup for the season is something quite special.”

Long-time Porsche pilot Riccardo Pera echoes that enthusiasm as Manthey heads to the U.S. for the first time. “With iconic events ahead – especially the 24 Hours of Daytona – it’s shaping up to be a remarkable season. I’m also delighted to welcome Morris to the 1st Phorm car.”

Daytona opens a new chapter

After the ROAR at Daytona pre-test from 16–18 January, Manthey will take the start of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the 24 Hours of Daytona on 24 January. The season continues with endurance rounds at Watkins Glen, Road America and Road Atlanta, marking Manthey’s full arrival on the American endurance racing stage.