On the eve of the start of the 2026 season of the European Le Mans Series, the entire IDEC SPORT team is fully focused on THE first meeting of the European Le Mans Series championship’s year.
A demanding and unforgiving track. Located just a few kilometers from Barcelona, the Catalan circuit is renowned for being one of the most complete on the calendar. With a mix of fast corners, long curves, and technical zones, everything is there to test both the drivers and engineers. Barcelona requires perfect mastery of driving and mechanical settings. Teams must find the right balance between top speed and grip, while managing tire wear on a demanding surface. Traffic management, always dense in ELMS, will also be a determining factor on this track where overtaking can be complex.
After several months of preparation, this first round marks a eagerly awaited return to competition. Barcelona is often seen as a true indicator of a car’s potential. “It’s a circuit where nothing can be left to chance. If the car works well here, it’s usually a good sign for the rest of the season,” a member of the technical team comments.
Interview with Franck Larue, chief engineer of #18. “How do you approach this first race of the season?” “I’m still getting to know the team, so the goal is to adapt first and foremost. I’m getting used to their way of working and everything is going very well. The environment is pleasant, the car is performing well, and the team is solid. Honestly, everything is very positive at the moment.”
“What are the specificities of the Barcelona circuit?” “It’s a very technical and physically demanding circuit. It’s quite abrasive, so tire management will be essential, especially during the second relay. The temperature will also play an important role. But for now, rain is forecast for Sunday, whereas we have been driving all week on dry, sunny conditions with sometimes very high temperatures.”
“How do you adapt to such a sudden change?” “There is obviously an element of experience. The team has a very good work base. We also had the opportunity to train in difficult conditions at Spa, with rain and even snow. That should help us. And since it shouldn’t be very hot, it could work in our favor.”
“What will be the keys to the race in Barcelona?” “Traffic will be decisive. There are few passing opportunities, so you will have to manage the situations on the track well to progress effectively. Consistency as well. In ELMS, everything can be decided by duration (4 hours), pit stops are also key points… You have to be clean from start to finish.”
“Does that make qualifying particularly important?” “Yes, clearly. A good qualification allows you to position yourself at the front, which is always an advantage. Even if the race lasts four hours and many things can happen in ELMS, starting in front is a significant advantage.”
“What are the goals for the season?” “The goal is simple: to be at the front and score points in every race, essential for the championship. Then, it will be about giving the maximum with the means at our disposal. We arrive with a lot of desire. Winter was studious, we worked on many details.”
“How would you describe your crew?” “It’s a group that is both young and experienced. Laurents brings a lot thanks to his experience, which is very valuable. Jamie already has a season behind her and has progressed a lot. The three drivers share an excellent work philosophy, they are open-minded and collaborate very well together. As for Valerio, he already shows interesting potential. He is calm and composed, which is promising for the future.”
More than just an opening race, this Spanish stage often sets the tone for the season. Performance, reliability, strategy: all elements that will allow IDEC SPORT to position themselves in the hierarchy from the start.
In a championship as competitive as the ELMS, every detail counts. And Barcelona, like other races of the season, will leave no room for improvisation. The race promises to be spectacular, with tight battles at the front and strategies that could make the difference.
Free practice session 1 will take place on Friday, April 10 at 11:50 am. Free practice session 2 is scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:10 am, before the qualifying session (4:20 pm for LMP2) which will be broadcast live. The start of the 4 hours of Barcelona will be given on Sunday, April 12 at 12 pm. The race will be broadcast live and in full.
