Is Marlon Hernandez set to stun in an LMP2 car next year?
The 21-year-old Frenchman turned heads at the ELMS post-season Rookie Test earlier this month, topping the times with a 1:31.876 for TDS Racing during a 34-lap spell. It was a highly encouraging performance considering his limited experience behind the wheel of an ORECA 07.
He was the only driver on the day to set a time sub 1:32, and his best time was more than eight tenths faster than the other 21 drivers that turned laps in LMP2 cars throughout the day at the Algarve Circuit.
“Prior to the Rookie Test, I’d tested with (Romain Dumas’ team) RD Limited for two days at Portimao,” he told DSC. “That gave me a foundation to build on when I was with TDS. I wouldn’t say I felt at home by the end of the Rookie Test, but I was improving with each lap, felt confident and was able to push a bit more by the end of the day.”
Hernandez’s journey since stepping out of karting has seen him take on two campaigns in Porsche Carrera Cup France in 2023 and 2024 and a single race appearance in the Mobil 1 Supercup, before shifting to racing a Nova prototype in the Ultimate Cup this year.
“The transitions have been challenging,” he continued. “The Nova is so different to the Porsche Cup car and the ORECA 07. The ORECA is much heavier and has a lot more horsepower than the Nova, but it felt great right away.
“It was a big step, but I think the Nova has been a good platform to prepare me, because it has a good amount of downforce and the competition in Ultimate Cup is good.”
At the Rookie Test, Hernandez relished his experience working with TDS’s engineers, who taught him a lot about the car in a short space of time and allowed him to make the most of the opportunity.
The big question is, what’s next now he’s had a taste of a Gibson-powered prototype?
He hopes to take on a campaign over the winter in the Asian Le Mans, or in the ELMS or IMSA next year. He believes he has the skill set to become the latest name on the growing list of young talents that have used the LMP2 platform in recent years to forge a career in sportscar racing as a professional driver. He’s currently assessing his options and has no further test days scheduled.
In the meantime, there’s a championship battle to focus on. Hernandez is fighting for the European Endurance Prototype Cup title in a Cogemo Racing-prepared NP02, and the season finale at Paul Ricard next month is coming up fast
“It’s a tight battle, and this year it’s been so competitive,” he concluded. “I’m fighting against Mathias Beche, who, as we know, is a very good driver and is testing with Peugeot soon.
“After that, I’m looking at my options. I would like to try GT3 if I get an opportunity, but right now I’m focused on prototype racing and finding a way into LMP2.”
Ultimate Cup images courtesy of Ultimate Cup/Davy Delien
