Chicane in use again
The 5.842 km layout of Circuit Paul Ricard, featuring the chicane on the Mistral, is in use once again for the ELMS weekend, after being reintroduced last year for the first time since 2017.
For reference, the 2025 LMP2 pole time with this layout and the cars running on the current-spec Goodyear Eagle Medium (which debuted at the event 12 months ago) was 1:48.741 by Inter Europol’s Nick Yelloly.
LMGT3 teams switch to Medium
The ELMS LMGT3 teams will run the Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound for the first time this season at Le Castellet, after using the Hard for the season opener in Barcelona.
Goodyear expects variation in strategy across the field, with teams having the option to double-stint or prioritise outright performance through more frequent tyre changes.
“We’ve seen teams double-stint at Paul Ricard in previous years, even when regulations didn’t require it,” said Stephen Bickley, Goodyear’s endurance programme manager.
“While teams can change tyres at every stop, the Eagle Medium’s flexibility opens the door to a wide range of strategies. Some may push the limits of their tyres, particularly if conditions allow stints to be extended, while others may focus on maximising single-stint performance.”
Updated entry list adds factory talent
An updated entry list has confirmed the replacements for multiple drivers who have been impacted by the clash with the IMSA Sportscar Championship round at Laguna Seca.
In LMP2 Pro/Am, Alpine Hypercar driver Ferdinand Habsburg will drive CLX Motorsport’s #47 ORECA O7 – Gibson in place of Felipe Fraga.
Whilst in LMGT3, Thomas Preining is filling the seat of fellow Porsche factory driver Laurin Heinrich in the #54 High Class Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992.2) LMGT3. Also at High Class, 24H Series competitor Max Moritz is set to be the Bronze-rated driver this weekend, with the German replacing Dennis Andersen in the role.
The Danish squad is running a revised livery this weekend, with a primarily dark green scheme.
42 cars for Le Mans Cup
This weekend’s Le Mans Cup field features 42 cars, with 22 runners in LMP3, 10 in LMP3 Pro/Am and 10 in GT3.
Compared to Barcelona, a pair of LMP3 entries have been withdrawn, with both the #7 Nielsen Racing Duqueine and #26 Bretton Racing Liger absent. The #26 Ligier is, however, on-site this weekend.
On the driver front, James Sweetnam has replaced George Nakas as the Bronze-rated driver in GG Classics’ LMP3 Pro/Am-entered #58 Ligier.
In GT3, Ethan Ischer is set to race Code Racing Development’s #11 Aston Martin in place of Nico Hantke, whilst Lorenzo Ferrari, instead of Giacomo Altoe, will pilot the #17 Kessel Racing Ferrari.
Ligier European Series features 26 cars for Round 2
The Ligier European Series has attracted a 26-car grid for this weekend.
The 15-car JS P4 field features the same entries as Barcelona, as well as the return of the #44 ASM Motorsport Ligier, which will be driven by Dan Skocdopole and Henrique Oliveira. This car was a late withdrawal from the season opener.
Changes to the driver roster, including the addition of Dominique Bastien, the oldest finisher of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to the #69 Bretton Racing car, which Skocdopole raced in Spain. Bastien will share with Marius Kristiansen.
JS2 R has remained at 11 cars, with the addition of an extra M Racing entry, #75, for the Pro-Am line-up of Nathan Huet and Cindy Gudet, making up for the loss of the #29 Pegasus Racing car.
FIAWEC+ app now live
This weekend’s action is set to be the first to be broadcast on the new FIAWEC+ app, which was released to the public earlier this week, and is available on both the Google Play store and Apple app store, after the latter’s approval process prevented a launch before the FIA WEC season opener at Imola.
Qualifying and the race for both the ELMS and Le Mans Cup will be streamed free on FIAWEC+, with live timing available for Free Practice.
Gibson names supported charities for 2026
For the remainder of this season, Gibson Technology, the exclusive supplier of engines to the LMP2 formula worldwide, is supporting a pair of charities through multiple fundraising events.
The British firm will raise money for both MacMillan Cancer Support, which was chosen by Gibson’s staff, and Alzheimer’s Research UK, which was selected by the company.
“These are two causes who do incredible work in areas that impact so many lives,” said managing director Mark Brittan.
“Unfortunately, it’s probably the case that we all know someone, whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague, who’s been affected by cancer or Alzheimer’s. Everyone at Gibson is determined to raise as much money as possible, knowing that every penny counts in the fight to find a cure.”
Ragues elected FFSA President
2013 ELMS champion Pierre Ragues has become the president of the FFSA, France’s national motorsport body, following an election held last week.
The 42-year-old, who twice finished on the LMP2 podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, stepped away from sportscar racing at the end of 2022, and has more recently competed in rallying, claiming a win at the Marquenterre Rally earlier this year.
Le Mans rebrand underway
DSC’s journey to Circuit Paul Ricard included a visit to another French venue, the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans.
Ahead of June’s 24-hour classic, work has commenced on redecorating the circuit, following the unveiling of the new brand identity ‘Le Mans, Tracez Votre Légende’ earlier this month.
Derani on site
Genesis Magma Racing Hypercar driver Pipo Derani has been at Paul Ricard today, working with Colin Queen, who is competing in the Le Mans Cup this season with 23Events Racing.
Also spotted in the paddock is the 100th ORECA 07 chassis, on display in the welcome centre here at the circuit.
Pierre Ragues image courtesy of FFSA
