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Building Momentum at Walkenhorst Motorsport

AMOC first interviewed Jörg in May 2025. Simon Hawkins caught up with him again at the GT World Challenge – Europe – Sprint series at Brands Hatch in May 2026.

Simon explored development, drivers, and the growing strength of the AMR Vantage GT3.

Photo Credits : Walkenhorst Motorsport 2026

A Stronger, Sharper Vantage GT3

Simon: Last year your partnership with AMR was developing strongly. How has that developed further?

Our partnership with Aston Martin Racing is now in its third year, and the benefits are clear. Our contract with AMRis now running through 2027, allowing us to continually evolve and develop.

“We know the Vantage much better now. AMR also improved the ABS and traction control and several other technical specifics. The car is more stable, more predictable and easier to drive.”

Two Sprint Cars, Two Endurance Cars — A Balanced Programme

Walkenhorst- expanded programme for 2026

Programme	Car	Drivers
N24 SP9 Pro	#34	Thiim, Drudi, Krognes, Laser
NLS (full season)	#35	Laser/ Krognes, Fetzer, Villagome
GTWC Sprint	#34	Day, Villagomez
GTWC Sprint	#35	Robin, G. Simon
GTWC Endurance	#35	Villagomez, G. Simon, Ischer

Jörg commented:

A key structural change for 2026 is the expansion to two Sprint class cars. Last year’s single Pro entry, paired with a Silver driver, limited strategic flexibility. This season, Walkenhorst fields two strong Sprint line‑ups and a well‑balanced Endurance programme.

The Pro car features Henrique Chavez, Chris Krognes and Jamie Day— a formidable trio.

The Pro‑Am car pairs Mateo Villagomez, Gaspard Simon and Ethan Ischer with three talented Silver drivers, giving Walkenhorst realistic podium ambitions.

Investing in Young Talent

Walkenhorst Motorsport has built a reputation not only as a race‑winning GT team, but as one of the most committed developers of young talent in modern endurance racing. Their 2026 programme highlights this philosophy more clearly than ever, with a roster shaped around emerging drivers from across Europe and beyond. Walkenhorst’s structure, spanning GT World Challenge Europe, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the NLS — provides the perfect training ground.

The team’s 2026 line‑up features several standout young drivers. Jamie Day, a former Aston Martin Academy winner, steps into a full Pro role in both GTWC Endurance and Sprint. Mateo Villagomez, one of the most versatile young drivers in the paddock, competes across three Walkenhorst programmes, gaining experience in both long‑distance and sprint formats. Swiss talent Ethan Ischer joins the Endurance squad, while French duo Maxime Robin and Gaspard Simon form a youthful and aggressive Sprint Cup pairing.

Walkenhorst’s approach works because it blends youth with experience. Established stars such as Christian Krognes, Nicki Thiim and Mattia Drudi on the Nordschleife provide leadership, data references, and mentorship — accelerating the development of the younger drivers around them.

Jörg highlights Jamie Day, who joins the Pro car for Endurance races:

“He’s clever, fast, and already showing strong performances.”

He also praises Gaspard Simon, stepping into GT3 machinery for the first time after single‑seaters:

“He was impressively fast from the first minute. A really clever guy.”

The team values long‑term relationships, noting the continuity with Kevin, now in his second season.

Driver	Programme	Notes
Ethan Ischer	GTWC Endurance	Technical Silver driver; long‑term project
Jamie Day	GTWC Endurance & Sprint	Flagship young British talent. AMR Academy winner 202
Mateo Villagomez	GTWC Endurance	Versatile, multi‑programme driver
Maxime Robin	GTWC Sprint	Young French qualifier
Gaspard Simon	GTWC Sprint	Paired with Robin
Christian Krognes	NLS/GTWC	Senior reference driver
Nicki Thiim	N24 SP9 Pro	Senior Pro support
Mattia Drudi	N24 SP9 Pro	Senior Pro support

Jörg and Nicki Thim (senior pro driver)

The Growing Power of GT Racing

The conversation turns to the broader motorsport landscape.

With Formula One in a transition phase, GT racing, particularly in Germany, is experiencing a surge in interest. We welcome F1 drivers such a Max Verstappen & Lance Stroll coming over to GT racing and bringing their global fan base with them. Our own social media numbers are rising 28,000 Instagram followers. We are also expecting more than 300,000 spectators for the Nürburgring 24 Hours in June and largest starting grid in over a decade, with 161 cars entered after organizers expanded the traditional 150-car limit.

Looking Ahead to the Nürburgring 24 Hours

Walkenhorst enters the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours with optimism and have confirmed three Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo entries for the 2026 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The Pro car is strong, the development programme is robust, and the team’s understanding of the Vantage GT3 is deeper than ever.

“It’s a good project. With a strong tyre support of Pirelli, and a cohesive driver roster, Walkenhorst is poised for a competitive campaign and I’m positive for the 24 Hours.

A Partnership Built on Trust

The interview closes on a personal note—WhatsApp groups, photo folders, and the ongoing collaboration between Walkenhorst and the Aston Martin Owners Club community. Jörg’s openness reflects a team culture built on transparency and long‑term relationships. As GT racing continues to grow, Walkenhorst Motorsport stands ready to seize the moment.

Jörg and Simon Hawkins (AMOC) – Brands Hatch May 2026