The 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026: Three Dia Design Champions at the Start in LMGT3
The countdown is over. With the official Test Day taking place today, Sunday, June 7, at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026 is officially underway. It is the most famous, challenging, and prestigious endurance race in the world.
This year, the starting grid of the LMGT3 class promises sparks, with fierce competition among the world’s leading manufacturers. For Dia Design, it is an event of absolute prestige: we will be represented on the track by three world-class drivers, each at the wheel of official factory machinery representing three legendary brands (Porsche, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG) and protected by our custom, hand-painted helmets.
Let’s meet our drivers and discover the details of the masterpieces they will wear at over 300 km/h down the Mulsanne straight.
🏁 Riccardo Pera – The Bend Manthey (Porsche 911 GT3 R #92)
Riccardo Pera needs no introduction. Born in 1999, the driver from Lucca is a powerhouse of international endurance racing. The reigning Le Mans GT class winner and current FIA WEC championship leader, Riccardo is targeting the ultimate prize in the Porsche #92, shared with Yasser Shahin and Richard Lietz.
- The Helmet (Stilo ST6): For “the man of the night” (so nicknamed for his extraordinary speed in the dark), we created a helmet with a refined cangiante pearl white base and tone-on-tone white geometric textures. The design features the Italian tricolor flag that flows aerodynamically around the shell, finished with dynamic lines in metallic silver and exclusive bright fucsia accents that stand out beautifully under the night lights of Le Mans.
Discover Riccardo Pera’s helmet in the Portfolio
🏁 Simon Mann – Vista AF Corse (Ferrari 296 GT3 #21)
Simon Mann represents a historical and special bond for Dia Design. We have followed him since his first steps in national motorsport all the way to global success, which culminated in an extraordinary 2nd place on the Le Mans podium in 2025. Driving the Ferrari 296 GT3 #21 for Vista AF Corse, alongside Alessio Rovera and François Hériau, Simon is ready to fight for the top step of the podium.
- The Helmet (Stilo ST6): Simon’s design is a masterpiece of geometric precision that perfectly matches the livery of his Ferrari. We opted for a deep metallic blue base, brilliant white and red racing accents, combined with large sections of exposed 12K carbon fiber. The entire design is outlined in fine silver and protected by an ultra-durable High-Gloss clear coat.
Discover Simon Mann’s helmet in the Portfolio
🏁 Matteo Cressoni – Iron Lynx (Mercedes-AMG GT3 #79)
Matteo Cressoni is a true veteran of motorsport, a pillar of GT racing with over twenty years of international experience. A Le Mans podium finisher in 2021, Matteo will bring all his experience and consistency to the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 #79 of the Iron Lynx team, alongside teammates Johannes Zelger and Lin Hodenius.
- The Helmet (Stilo ST6): Matteo’s helmet features a high-impact, high-contrast design. Developed on a pearlescent white base that offers a beautiful iridescent finish, it features asymmetric graphics in anthracite gray, highlighted by dynamic stripes and pinstripes in ultra-bright fluorescent yellow that run all along the shell to emphasize speed.
Discover Matteo Cressoni’s helmet in the Portfolio
300,000 Spectators and One Single Goal
The 24 Hours of Le Mans does not forgive the slightest mistake. For 24 consecutive hours, drivers, cars, and equipment are pushed to their absolute limits. Knowing that our custom helmets will protect these champions and shine under the spotlights of one of the most-watched sports events in the world is the greatest confirmation of the quality of our craftsmanship.
The race starts on Saturday, June 13, at 16:00 local time. Follow the action with us and cheer on our champions!
Ready to create your own exclusive graphic to stand out on the grid? Contact us for a consultation and start designing your custom 3D draft.
