As the 2024 WEC season edges closer, it’s becoming clear that having a strong Bronze-rated driver has never been more important in the pro/am ranks. In the new LMGT3 class, it’s absolutely vital in fact, to have a strong Bronze peddler if you hope to succeed in the 18-car field featuring two cars apiece from nine manufacturers.
Each OEM is taking the new category incredibly seriously, building line-ups with their customer teams that they hope will demonstrate the full capabilities of their GT3 product on the WEC stage for the first time.
For evidence of this, look no further than Team WRT and its pair of M4 GT3s, both filled with capable drivers. Alongside Sean Gelael (whom DSC spoke to prior to this feature going live) and Augusto Farfus, Darren Leung will drive the #31 this year.
To anyone who didn’t follow British GT last year, Leung may be somewhat of an unknown quantity. But in paddocks across Europe, he has become hot property in recent months, emerging as one of the most talented Bronze-rated GT drivers around during his British GT Championship title-winning campaign with Century Motorsport in ‘23.
The Briton, whose sporting background includes stints playing both rugby and American football and taking part in powerlifting contests, is not built like a typical elite race driver. However, what makes him stand out is not his physique, it’s his work ethic and desire to get as much track time as possible under his belt.
When DSC approached him in the Asian Le Mans Series paddock last week to discuss this new chapter in his career it became clear, very quickly, just how seriously he takes his racing and how eager he is to compete in the WEC for the first time.
On arrival at the back of the garage, he gave a glimpse of the data he was studying on a bespoke piece of software he developed himself for his iPad. It was an upgrade to common out-of-the-box tools such as Motec i2, which he uses to digest telemetry data. His background is in data analysis, modelling and software, so it’s not at all surprising he is so keen on analysing and comparing micro-sector times with his teammates.
Away from the track he’s been putting in extra work in the build-up to the WEC season opener too. He was keen to discuss his push to lose weight rather than shy away from it. “I’ve dedicated myself to intensive training, with nine gym sessions weekly, leading to a loss of 17 kilos so far,” he said.
“My goal is to lose another 10 to 20 kilos, as every kilo lost potentially translates to faster lap times. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m committed to being in peak condition by Le Mans. I believe there’s much more I can offer to the WRT team.”
My goal is to lose another 10 to 20 kilos, as every kilo lost potentially translates to faster lap times
He has analysed it. He believes that 10kg is worth around 0.15s per lap, so if a driver is 40kg heavier it can cost them around six-tenths per lap over a 30-lap stint and a total of 18 seconds.
“I raced with a 40kg deficit to most drivers last year,” he explained. “Losing 20kg could give me nine seconds back per stint.”
It’s no surprise that WRT selected him for the seat, especially after his standout performances in a one-off appearance in World Challenge with the team at the Nurburgring, BMW’s shootout for an LMGT3 seat in Barcelona in September and at the end of his British GT title-winning campaign.
“Being chosen by such a distinguished team is incredibly humbling. Despite having raced for a relatively short period since 2021, the opportunity to represent them feels like a significant vote of confidence.
“The decision to attend the shootout, so close to a major family milestone (the birth of a child), wasn’t easy. Yet, it was an opportunity too significant to pass up, thanks to the encouragement of my partner.”
“Returning home with the news and then receiving the call while at Donington Park was beyond surreal. It was a moment of unexpected joy and a testament to the belief the team and BMW have in me.”
The upcoming season will come with its pressures. WRT does nothing by half measure, and because MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi forms a part of its driver roster, its LMGT3 effort will have a lot of eyes on it.
But this is something that motivates Leung, who cannot wait to get going in Qatar after his winter programme.
We’re all coming into this season with something to prove
“We’re all coming into this season with something to prove. With Augusto and Sean, there’s a shared eagerness to achieve our first WEC title and Le Mans victory. This collective ambition creates a strong, motivating environment, reminiscent of the underdog spirit I experienced in the British GT. It’s an environment that fosters growth and resilience.
“This opportunity to compete in the WEC is not something I take lightly. It’s a privilege every time we step into the car, a sentiment I frequently shared with Dan (Harper) before races. As we approach the season, I’m mentally preparing for all scenarios to ensure we leave no stone unturned.
“It’s about embracing the privilege of racing, acknowledging our fortunate position, and giving it our all. The excitement is palpable, and I’m fully committed to demonstrating my readiness and gratitude for this chance.
“I just want to feel the atmosphere, stroll into the WEC paddock. I’ve been thinking through every scenario because I know it’s important. There will be no excuses, and I feel like it will suit me.
“I’ve just got to go for it.”
