Preview
The 4 Hours of Barcelona over the weekend heralded a thrilling chapter in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), bringing together a vibrant tapestry of competitors and showcasing the intricacies of endurance racing. With 44 cars lined up on the grid, the event promised excitement across its various classes, particularly within LMP2, LMGT3, and LMP3 categories. A standout was AF Corse, which aimed not only for class supremacy but also aimed to leave an indelible mark in the annals of racing history. The spotlight was firmly on Matthieu Vaxiviere, who would steer the no83 Oreca-Gibson in the hopes of securing an overall victory, a feat that would mark the team as only the second ever to achieve such a milestone in the LMP2 Pro/Am classification.
Adding to the intrigue was the participation of Jamie Chadwick, making her ELMS debut with IDEC Sport. As a rising star in the world of motorsport, Chadwick had the opportunity to make history as the first female driver to reach the top step of the ELMS LMP2 podium. Throughout the paddock, anticipation grew, not just for the racing but for the stories that would unfold under the Mediterranean sun.
Turning Points
The race commenced with the morning sun illuminating the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, illuminating the 44-strong grid that surged off the line in an orchestration of speed and strategy. Francesco Simonazzi, driving the no30 Duqueine Team Oreca, led into the first corner, joined by Jakub Smiechowski in the no43 Inter Europol Competition. Early on, the atmosphere was charged with tension and adrenaline as teams jostled for early advantage.
However, it was Laurents Horr of DKR Engineering who captured considerable attention with a stunning recovery from the back of the LMP2 Pro/Am grid. Seizing the initiative, Horr climbed from 21st to 6th, fiercely jockeying within the Pro/Am ranks. Yet, his promising trajectory faced a setback when he incurred a Drive Through Penalty for a jump start, further compounded by another penalty for a transgression concerning track limits. Despite these strains, his determination saw him rejoin the race, still leading in the Pro/Am class, displaying a fierce fighting spirit reminiscent of endurance racing’s relentless nature.
In LMGT3, Celia Martin in the no85 Iron Dames Porsche asserted early dominance, commandeering her category with grace, while the pole-sitting no63 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG of Martin Berry threatened her lead. The early hours were marked by a delicate balance of speed and strategy, with Martin maintaining her composure amidst the pressure, gradually creating a buffer over her pursuers.
The LMP3 class saw a fierce battle for the lead, emerging between Paul Lanchere’s no17 CLX Motorsport Ligier and drivers from WTM by Rinaldi Racing. The intense exchanges were underscored when a Virtual Safety Car was deployed due to the no66 JMW Motorsport Ferrari finding itself in the gravel, prompting teams to make decisive pit stop choices. As cars flooded into the pits, the order shuffled significantly, reshaping the race’s dynamics as competitors emerged from the pit lane with newly strategised plans.
As the race continued, the no3 DKR Engineering maintained its lead in the LMP2 Pro/Am category, though the pressure mounted from the pro drivers now fully entrenched in their respective machines. The challenge intensified when Dane Cameron in the no99 AO by TF surged into the class lead, soon followed by Alessio Rovera in the no83 AF Corse Oreca. It was in this environment of increasing stakes that the true essence of endurance racing came to life, showcasing not just speed but also the importance of strategy and resilience.
Under the Radar
Amid the glaring spotlight shone upon the season’s favourites, significant undercurrents shaped the narrative of the race. Jamie Chadwick made an impression in her inaugural ELMS appearance, alongside her IDEC Sport teammates Daniel Juncadella and Mathys Jaubert. Their combined performance was strong enough to secure an impressive victory in the LMP2 category, marking a significant milestone not only in Chadwick’s career but also for the representation of women in motorsport.
In LMGT3, the triumph of the no85 Iron Dames Porsche signified a poignant victory for the all-female crew, not only highlighting their prowess on the track but also serving as a beacon for future generations of female racers. With Celia Martin, Sarah Bovy, and Michelle Gatting steering the car to success, they demonstrated a remarkable blend of teamwork, skill, and determination, securing a tremendous win against stiff competition. Gatting’s resilience in the closing stages, particularly in fending off a fierce challenge from Daniel Serra of Kessel Racing, underscored the competitive spirit that pervades the world of endurance racing.
Under the radar, several competitors forged admirable performances, quietly embedding themselves within the race’s intricate fabric. The no12 WTM by Rinaldi Racing, while not capturing headlines, showcased tenacity and stamina throughout—an emblem of perseverance that often underlines endurance racing narratives.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the 4 Hours of Barcelona concluded not just with trophies awarded and titles contested but with stories of grit, historical milestones, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines motorsport. With the next races on the horizon, the legacies forged this weekend at Barcelona will echo in the chronicles of the ELMS and fuel the aspirations of teams and drivers alike.
