Ian Aguilera will make his first GT3 outing driving the Paradine Competition BMW M4 GT3 #992 in the Silver Class at the CrowdStrike Spa 24 Hours and steps just weeks after his 24 Hours debut at Le Mans with CLX Motorsport in LMP2 into another major challenge of his young career. The 19‑year‑old Mexican driver takes the experience from that race into this one as he has put hours of sim work in as well to get himself in the best position possible ahead of the big test that awaits him; with temperatures on track rising above 30°C and having missed the Prologue, he knows it won’t be anything but easy out there.

Staying cool under extremely challenging conditions

To already be on this big stage ahead of his first GT experience is something he doesn’t take for granted. “I’m very fortunate to be here, very happy to have this opportunity,” the young driver tells GT REPORT.

“They needed some drivers, we got the call to do it, so we thought it would be a good chance to get some GT experience under my belt and what a great way to start doing it here at one of the biggest races in this category.”

Making the step from LMP2, where he competes with CLX in the European Le Mans Series, to a GT3 car is a big one.

“Obviously the car is very different in weight, in aero, in power as well, and we don’t have ABS in LMP2, which you do have here. I need to adapt as quickly as possible to the car and maximize every lap out there.”

The driver, who left his home country at just 11 years old to chase his dream, knows it won’t be straightforward to be on the pace from the get‑go, having missed the Spa Prologue one month ago. “It’s not great. I’m definitely playing the catch‑up game compared to everyone else.”

With temperatures expected to rise to extreme highs, the challenge becomes even tougher. “In really hot conditions, the car balance is going to feel very different compared to cooler conditions.”

Comparing the cooling system to the car he normally drives in ELMS, it should make things a bit easier.

“I think the AC unit in the GTs is a lot better than in the LMP2; we barely run that car.”

Because the ELMS driver has to deal with higher temperatures inside an LMP2, he sees it as something that could actually benefit him.

“People haven’t been driving in these hot conditions; it’s something new for everyone, so that could also help me.”

Preparing for the long‑term goal

Stepping away from the challenge is no option for the brave debuting BMW driver as he already looks forward to doing more GT races.

“It’s something that I’ll need in the future. It’s part of the path to try and get into Hypercar, which is my goal. Getting it out of the way now and getting some miles in should be good. I’m looking forward to it!”

He continues to explain to GT REPORT what the biggest things to learn are for him ahead of the 24‑hour race:

“Getting used to the car will be a big one, and after that I think it’s obviously a very competitive grid with 70 cars, so that will be another challenge. Just keeping it clean in the race is the first aim.”

As he has driven during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, those learnings are among the biggest things he takes with him.

“I think night driving is probably the biggest difference driving‑wise compared to day driving, because you also have to make sure that as soon as you finish your stint in the night to try and sleep as much as possible and be ready for the next stint.”

To prepare himself in the best way possible, he practiced hours on the high‑quality simulators at iZone Performance, located near the iconic Silverstone circuit.

“I did a lot of hours just to try and get as much experience driving a GT car, the lines and the way the car is going to feel, because it’s going to be very different.”

Not only sim work is part of the preparation, but also learning from others by watching their onboards.

“Watching videos of the same track you’re going to drive is probably the best way to learn how to handle a car, as you can see the movement of the car, braking references, lines, and how much kerb people are using.”

The Paradine Competition driver has his targets clear for the race. “Bring the best result possible and maximise my driving. Hopefully I can bring some experience, adapt quickly, and match the fast guys. That’s the goal.”

Former Red Bull Racing F1 Duo as examples

Being born in Mexico, the driver has several sponsors that can also be seen on Sergio Pérez in Formula 1. The current Cadillac driver is a big example for young racers in the North American country. “Growing up, I was in his karting team and I had some support from him.”

Another Formula 1 driver he looks up to is Max Verstappen. The four‑time world champion made recent GT3 outings at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and that didn’t go unnoticed.

“I watched quite a lot of the 24 hour race. I mean, it’s crazy what that guy does. That’s why I think he’s definitely one of my favourite drivers, just because he’s crazy. He’s always on the limit, always pushing, and always finding the limit of every car he drives in.”

When asked if he is going to pull off the same crazy overtakes as Verstappen did, the talented driver says with a smile and a laugh on his face:

“Yeah, exactly!”