Mann Racing Career: A Journey Through GT and Endurance Racing

Mann Racing Career: A Journey Through GT and Endurance Racing

The trajectory of Mann's racing career is a testament to steady progression and a deep partnership with AF Corse. Starting in the competitive regional circuits of Italy, Mann has ascended to the highest echelons of global endurance racing, competing in the most prestigious events in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Mann's career is characterized by a transition from the 3.9L Turbo V8 power of the Ferrari 488 series to the modern 3.0L Turbo V6 found in the Ferrari 296 GT3. This evolution mirrors the broader shift in GT racing toward more efficient, high-performance machinery.

Key Facts

Early Success in the Italian GT Championship

Mann's professional foundation was built in the Italian GT Championship. Between 2019 and 2021, Mann demonstrated exceptional dominance in the GT3 Pro-Am class. In 2020, Mann secured the 1st place position in the Sprint category with 94 points and two wins. This momentum continued into 2021, where Mann achieved a rare double victory, taking 1st place in both the Sprint and Endurance categories.

Global Expansion: WEC and IMSA

Following regional success, Mann transitioned to the global stage, joining the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Initially competing in the LMGTE Am class with the Ferrari 488 GTE Evo, Mann gradually moved into the LMGT3 class with the Ferrari 296 GT3.

In the FIA WEC, Mann's performance peaked in 2024 and 2025, securing 3rd and 2nd place overall rankings in the LMGT3 class, respectively. In the IMSA series, Mann has consistently competed in the GTD and GTD Pro classes, showing versatility across different racing formats and regulations.

Mann's No. 21 car at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans
Mann's No. 21 car at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans
: Mann's No. 21 car at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans and Asian Le Mans Series

The 24 Hours of Le Mans represents the pinnacle of endurance racing. Mann's journey at Le Mans has been one of resilience. After a DNF (Did Not Finish) in 2023, Mann returned to achieve a career-high 2nd place in the LMGT3 class in 2025, completing 341 laps.

Parallel to these efforts, Mann has been a regular fixture in the Asian Le Mans Series. Competing in the GT class, Mann has consistently placed within the top 10 across multiple seasons (2023 through 2026), further refining the skills necessary for long-distance endurance events.

Career Performance Summary

Summary of Racing Career Highlights
Series/Event Best Position Key Vehicle Notable Achievement
Italian GT (Sprint) 1st Ferrari 488 GT3 Champion (2020, 2021)
FIA WEC (LMGT3) 2nd Ferrari 296 GT3 2025 Season Runner-up
24 Hours of Le Mans 2nd (Class) Ferrari 296 GT3 2025 Class Podium
IMSA (GTD) 20th Ferrari 296 GT3 Consistent GTD Finisher
Asian Le Mans Series 7th Ferrari 488/296 Multi-season Top 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Which team has Mann driven for most of his career?

Mann has spent the vast majority of his career driving for AF Corse, including stints with Vista AF Corse and AF Corse USA.

What is Mann's best result at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Mann's best result at Le Mans was a 2nd place finish in the LMGT3 class in 2025.

Which Ferrari models has Mann raced?

Mann has raced the Ferrari 488 GTE Evo, the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020, the Ferrari 296 GT3, and the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo.

In which years did Mann win the Italian GT Championship?

Mann secured 1st place positions in the Italian GT Championship Sprint and Endurance categories in 2020 and 2021.

What engine is used in the Ferrari 296 GT3?

The Ferrari 296 GT3 utilizes a Ferrari F163CE 3.0 L Turbo V6 engine.

References

  1. "Simon Mann Italian champion in GT3 Pro-Am". Menu dei Motori. 31 October 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  2. "Mann: a family playing a leading role at Le Mans for three generations". Ferrari. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  3. "Driver of 24 heures du Mans : Peter Ashley Mann". 24h-en-piste.com. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  4. "Campionato Italiano GT – Mann-Cressoni, Pro-Am champions after win at Vallelunga". Menu dei Motori. 6 December 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  5. Lloyd, Daniel (14 December 2020). "AF Corse to Tackle Rolex 24 with Italian GT Class Champions". sportscar365.com. John Dagys Media. Retrieved 14 December 2020.