The 4 Hours of Barcelona kicked off the 2025 season of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with thrilling action and fierce competition, setting the stage for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. The event saw Duqueine Team secure pole position in the LMP2 category, with Reshad De Gerus clocking an impressive time of 1'27"664 in the Oreca 07-Gibson #30. This performance came in the final moments of a gripping qualifying session, showcasing the team's readiness for the challenges ahead.
De Gerus' remarkable effort edged out Matteo Cairoli, who piloted the Oreca #9 of Proton Competition and finished just 0.219 seconds behind. The qualifying session was characterized by tight margins and shifting positions, reflecting the competitive nature of the LMP2 field, which includes notable drivers such as Tom Dillmann (Inter Europol Competition), Charles Milesi (VDS Panis Racing), Théo Pourchaire (Algarve Pro Racing), and Tom Blomqvist (CLX-Pure Rxcing).
As the teams gear up for the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, set to take place from June 14-15, 2025, the results from Barcelona will be closely monitored. With 17 LMP2 cars taking the grid for the renowned endurance race, the anticipation is palpable. The LMP2 category promises intense battles on the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, where strategy and speed will be crucial for success.
In the LMP2 Pro/Am category, Giorgio Roda demonstrated his prowess by securing pole position with a time of 1'31"110 in the Oreca #99 of AO by TF. Roda, who dominated the previous season with five poles in six races, continues to affirm his status as a top contender. Proton Competition and TDS Racing, who finished in the top three, are also expected to be strong competitors at Le Mans.
Meanwhile, in LMP3, Adrien Closmenil placed the Ligier #17 of CLX Motorsport in pole position with a time of 1'36"188, marking the team's fourth consecutive pole at Barcelona. Closmenil's performance sets the stage for an exciting race, with Rik Koen (Team Virage) and Ian Aguilera (Eurointernational) starting just behind.
In the LMGT3 category, Mercedes-AMG made a strong statement during their first appearance in the ELMS. Martin Berry achieved a time of 1'42"257, putting the Iron Lynx #63 at the top of the grid. The competition will be fierce as Célia Martin in the Porsche #85 of Iron Dames and the Aston Martin of Racing Spirit of Leman join the fight for podium positions.
As the race unfolded, the excitement intensified. The last hour of the 4 Hours of Barcelona was anticipated to be explosive, especially after the race was neutralized under Safety Car conditions due to the Duqueine D09 – Toyota of WTM by Rinaldi Racing going off track. The green flag was waved with just 1 hour and 5 minutes remaining, reigniting the battle for supremacy.
Pipo Derani led the charge for CLX Motorsport, but he faced fierce competition from Mathys Jaubert (IDEC Sport), Charles Milesi (VDS Panis Racing), and Théo Pourchaire (Algarve Pro Racing), all vying for their chance at victory. The stakes were high as the drivers pushed their limits, showcasing the thrilling nature of endurance racing.
In the LMP2 Pro-Am category, Matthieu Vaxiviere took the lead for AF Corse, while the Ligier JS P325 – Toyota #35 of Ultimate, driven by Louis Rossi and the Lahaye brothers, also made its presence felt. The Iron Dames maintained their lead in the GT3 category, having dominated since the race's inception, further adding to the excitement of the event.
The 4 Hours of Barcelona served not only as an opening round for the ELMS but also as a critical indicator of what to expect at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With 17 LMP2 entries expected, including 15 directly from the ELMS, the upcoming endurance race promises to be a spectacle of skill and strategy.
As the teams and drivers prepare for the challenges ahead, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling series. The anticipation builds as the countdown to the 24 Hours of Le Mans continues, with many drivers, including Charles Milesi, Tom Blomqvist, Théo Pourchaire, and Giorgio Roda, aspiring to shine on both fronts. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this electrifying season of endurance racing.
