Stand-ins
With Romain Dumas absent on Pikes Peak International Hillclimb duties this weekend, there’s a spare slot in the inaugural RD Limited team shot at Scrutineering.
That spot was filled by Endurance-Info Editor Laurent Mercier, who looks every inch the toned and sculpted race driver this morning!
It’s a very nice nod too to the 20th anniversary celebrations for our French colleagues this week, with Frédéric Makowiecki having added their logo to his Le Mans helmet and with Spark Models presenting Laurent with a replica of that helmet in recognition of two decades of amazing French language coverage of our sport.
With Jack Doohan on reserve driver duties for Haas at the Monaco GP this weekend, his place in Nielsen Racing’s publicity shot was taken by…a cardboard cutout!
The backroom team for Nielsen meanwhile has seen the addition of Bart Mapaey, latterly team Principal of WTCC superteam Team RBM but more recently seen in the WEC paddock in 2025 assisting Iron Lynx with their transition to the Mercedes AMG platform.
Keating now present…
TF Sport’s Ben Keating was a late arrival to Scrutineering today, following two flight cancellations that prevented him from joining the Corvette arm of the British team’s set up for the technical checks yesterday.
“Two cancelled flights, my third finally made it but I had to go through Minneapolis Minnesota, a place I’d never been. But I’m happy to be here!” he explained.
Keating of course joins the #33 Corvette crew for the first time this season, after an injury sustained in a mountain bike incident left him requiring surgery before the delayed season opener in Imola.
It won’t be an easy week for the Texan, who will need to manage his time behind the wheel carefully, but his presence at this event was “never in doubt”.
“My surgery was March 26th, so I’ve had nine or ten weeks to recover,” he added. “The Doctor says I am completely cleared, I can’t hurt it, but it might not feel good. I’m doing some training to get muscle back in my arm and shoulder and chest, but it will be a long time before I have the endurance.
“I did four hours in the sim with high force feedback, and I was sore. I feel capable of doing the race, but I will feel sore on Monday and that’s fine. I suspect my programme will be different. Last year I did five stints at the beginning of the race, this year I won’t do that. I’m also not playing paddle or riding a bike, trying to take care of it.
“It was never in doubt, I was going to be here regardless.”
…with a foot in both camps!
Keating appeared at scrutineers sporting custom boots, made, where else, but in Texas! The design involves a left boot featuring IMSA and IMSA-associated logos, the right giving tribute to the FIA WEC and Le Mans.
Meanwhile, the Texas racer is the latest to feature on a custom design of socks from top Portugese designer sock producer Heel Tread, their bright yellow and green design featuring Keating’s signature #33 and the outlines of the circuits that Ben has competed on in the FIA WEC and IMSA over his career.
United pushing for LMP2 double
United Autosports is aiming high with its two-car effort in the race this year, hoping to win both LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am with its pair of ORECAs on its 10th appearance at the great race. The fields this year in both LMP2 categories are deep, but team manager Max Gregory believes they have the driver line-ups to compete at the sharp end.
“Everybody is working together so well this year, we’ve had a really positive start to ELMS, a 1-2 in Sebring and we’ve had good Hypercar tests. We have representation in both classes and our target is to be on the podium or win in both.
“We had a planned test at Spa a couple of weeks ago with the Le Mans kit, which we had to cancel. But we’re celebrating our 10th Le Mans, so we’ve got a good starting position. Our drivers have also done lots of pre-event preparation, and the drivers are all familiar to us, even though the line-ups differ from ELMS.”
This year’s race comes at a hugely busy time for the Yorkshire-based team, as it builds up to its Hypercar debut in 2027 with McLaren. In addition to prepping for Le Mans and competing in the ELMS, IMSA and historic racing, the team has also started track testing with the MCL-HY LMDh, adding to the team’s packed schedule.
“It’s been challenging for a few of us, including me because I have a handle on all of it,” Gregory said. “But we’ve worked to hire people, we know the magnitude of the project, and we’ve rearranged the company a bit. Tom Hodgson is here now and is head of customer racing, and Jakob Andreasen has been moved around to factory racing director. The company is split in two in some ways.
“It’s super exciting, and when we saw the Hypercar rollout for the first time it was quite emotional. And then we moved to Imola and had a really strong test. The core basis of our previous WEC team, which was high functioning, has made the base of our Hypercar team, and we’ve added some really good people. The bit I am most proud of is gelling people together because it’s been really well.”
United will also take part in the Road To Le Mans race in support of the 24 Hours with a McLaren GT3 and is partnered with M Racing in LMP3 Pro/Am.
“Billy Glavin (from United Autosports USA) is coming over to manage the Road To Le Mans car with Michael Birch and Garnet Patterson, and we put together the deal to put Wayne Boyd and Dan Goldberg at M Racing,” Gregory revealed. “The car will actually run in the IMSA livery, it looks great! The new format is really positive I think, so we’re looking forward to that.”
CrowdStrike by APR the favourite in Pro/Am?
The line-up in the Crowdstrike by APR ORECA this year catches the eye, with George Kurtz, Peugeot development driver Alex Quinn and Porsche GTP racer Laurin Heinrich set to team up for an LMP2 Pro/Am tilt.
According to Quinn, the team, which won the LMP2 class in the Rolex 24 at Daytona back in January, are well prepared for Le Mans after a positive test in the USA.
“It’s so competitive this year because there are so many drivers from IMSA and ELMS,” he said. “We know we’ve got a strong line-up, and a very strong team. All the tools are there to win, we just have to perform well.
“We did a test at Watkins Glen with all three of us in both IMSA and Le Mans spec, which went really well. The team has also tested at Ricard and Aragon, so they have a good understanding of the car in this spec. We’re just really confident.
“I’ve known Laurin for a bit now, I was teammates with him at AO (in different cars), we knew each other a bit there, and now being in the same car as him is cool, he’s a very impressive driver.”
Quinn will not turn laps with Peugeot during tomorrow’s Test Day, but he’s being kept busy by the French marque as it moves through an important 2026 campaign in WEC and works towards what is expected to be a new era from 2027 with a new Hypercar.
“I’ve done a 24-hour test with Peugeot, there’s a few more tests lined up too,” he said of his duties with the factory team. “I’m on standby as a reserve too. I’ve enjoyed testing with them, I enjoy the car, I got up to speed quite quickly and I’ve enjoyed the environment racing with a manufacturer team.
“The process of giving feedback on different areas is new to me, but it’s been a real experience, I have a lot of names to learn, and it’s completely different to what I’m used to. Peugeot put trust in me so quickly, they trust my feedback, which I like, and they are so supportive.”
AO by TF’s Cameron targeting back-to-back wins at “favourite event”
Last year, Dane Cameron claimed his maiden Le Mans class victory, with the American winning LMP2 Pro/Am for AO by TF alongside PJ Hyett and Louis Delétraz.
The trio looked set to drive again together this year, but Alex Lynn’s injury has seen Delétraz make a late switch to Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA’s #12 V-Series.R Hypercar, with his place being taken by James Allen.
“It’s honestly very special, more than anything else,” Cameron tells DSC about the prospect of defending the LMP2 Pro/Am win.
“It’s an amazing race. It’s my favourite event that I’ve ever done. You always feel very special just to participate here, so to win it was quite an amazing achievement. To be able to come back and relive some of those memories is very special, but also the focus shifts to trying to do it again.
“I think we have good backing and a good team. James has won the race many times before, obviously a little bit of a last-minute switch, but I think we’re very fortunate to have him.
“I think we’re feeling quite confident, but you never know. Everyone likes to say that Le Mans has to choose you. I feel special to be chosen last year, and we’ll take it as it comes this go around.”
The American highlights the pace of Hyett as one of AO by TF’s key difference makers in a competitive LMP2 Pro/Am field, with each Bronze-rated driver having to do a minimum of six hours behind the wheel.
“The bronze has to do quite a number of hours here,” he explains.
“We’re quite fortunate to have probably the best one in the world right now in our car. And then you’ve got to have speed at Le Mans, so we’ll see if anything’s changed as we had quite a good car last year, and we’re hoping to have the same or even a bit better this year.
Allen thrilled with late call up
Cameron’s new teammate Allen says he can’t believe his luck after being called up to compete in the defending LMP2 Pro/Am-winning AO by TF ORECA.
“To go from looking like I’m not going to be racing here this year, to one of the strongest teams, is really exciting!” He said.
It’s such a late call that Allen hasn’t had time to test with his new team or teammates. However, he does have almost a decade of experience racing with the ORECA 07 to draw from.
“I was told by a friend of mine to call Tom about Le Mans, and Gunnar texted me asking for a chat. I went to do a Le Mans test with Nielsen in Motorland to help them with their preparations, and got a call while I was there, to drive with AO.
“I’ve done a seat fit, and that’s it to this point. I know the engineers, who worked with me in Duqueine before, which is good. Everyone else seems really friendly.
“It’s going to be really interesting. I have a dragon on my helmet so I hoped Spike would say, but the hype around the new Pegasus is great. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere it’s something I’ve not experienced before. There are so many good driver line-ups too, and I’m excited to put myself against a lot of big names.”
Ferrari’s toughest Le Mans test yet?
Ferrari AF Corse’s Miguel Molina believes this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours could be the toughest yet for Ferrari, which is looking to win the race for a fourth consecutive time. The 499P hasn’t claimed a WEC win since last year’s Le Mans, and the #50 crew haven’t won since the 2025 season opener in Qatar.
“We are confident, we did a good job to prepare for this race,” he says. “It’s a special one, but we don’t know what will happen. We will maximise our package and see where we are. We are here to win, nothing else, but we don’t know if it’s possible this time. We need to wait until the race. I think the battle will be as tight as the first two races.”
Would a fourth straight Ferrari win at Le Mans would be bad for the future of Hypercar and the BoP process? The Spaniard doesn’t believe so.
“Ferrari is here to win, we will try to win,” he adds. “What is clear is that we put 100 per cent effort into every race. There are some manufacturers that won more races at Le Mans in a row than us, we are here to catch up.”
Hanson: “Expectation to perform for defending winners”
AF Corse’s Phil Hanson is entering Le Mans with a new status this year, with the Briton now tasked with defending, rather than chasing, outright victory at the event.
“It just feels very special coming back,” the 26-year-old tells DSC.
“A lot of happy memories, but it’s a long week before the race. We’re here on the Saturday, we’ve got a week before we go racing, so I’m just taking it easy, soaking in the nice atmosphere and appreciating every little bit of Le Mans like I do every year.”
Although the dream, a second consecutive victory in the #83 Ferrari 499P alongside Ye Yifei and Robert Kubica is not necessarily the be-all and end-all for Hanson, who is setting his targets based on internal performance rather than a potential result.
“I wouldn’t say there’s an expectation to win, but there’s an expectation to perform,” he says.
“And if we do that, we hopefully can be towards the front. Le Mans’ a long race and has got many factors that will ultimately decide the winner, so as long as we can maximise all the areas, then we’ll be smiling on Sunday.”
Alesi’s Le Mans debut “a special moment”
Even as a one-off entry, Giuliano Alesi’s Le Mans debut has generated quite a bit of excitement here at the Place de la Republique.
It’s hardly a surprise: His father Jean, best known for a distinguished 12-year Formula 1 career, ran this race in 1989 and 2010. Giuliano debuts here in the prime of his career, guest starring for Team Qatar by Iron Lynx in its #62 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO.
“I’m trying to soak it all in; it’s a long week, a very long race, so I’m just taking my time,” said Alesi. “Familiarizing myself with the environment, the team, everything, everyone.
“It’s going to be important for us, and of course, my father is going to be very happy to see us here next week.
“So it’s definitely a special moment, and I’m really, really happy to be here.”
These days Giuliano Alesi has distinguished himself as a multi-time race winner in the SUPER GT Series in Japan, driving in the premier GT500 class. But he’s also raced – and won – behind the wheel of the current Mercedes-AMG, which he drove to victory in the 2024 Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hour Race. It’s experience that Alesi has in his back pocket before the start of testing and practice.
“Of course, it’s helpful,” he confirmed. “Two years ago is the last time I drove the AMG. The couple of tweaks with the LMGT3 is a little bit different, so it’s just going to be about readapting a few things. The tyres, the track, and also to respect the track as much as I can.
“Because from what I understood, it’s really a track that doesn’t forgive. That will be a big key this weekend.
Even as part of an all-rookie trio with Abdulla Al-Khelaifi and Julian Hanses, Alesi is setting his expectations pretty high for what the team could achieve, if all goes well. “We know that we have to stick to the plan,” Alesi said. “Familiarise ourselves with the track, the car, the procedures, and the regulations.
“It’s a very long, very tough race. Yes, the pace is important, but it’s also important to get the pit stops right, as well as the slow zones. All of these we need to put together – no penalties, no crashes – and I’m sure something good can come to fruition.”
Martin ‘Lotterer’ Berry stars at Scrutineering!
One of the highlights of Scrutineering is that if offers fans a great opportunity to pick up a photo or autograph from their favourite driver.
Amongst the surprisingly popular competitors this year was Martin Berry, with the Iron Lynx racer getting mistaken on multiple occasions with Genesis Magma Racing driver, and three-time Le Mans winner, André Lotterer.
The Berry family is set to contest two different 24-hour races in as man weekends, with Martin’s son Joshua currently racing in the Fuji 24 Hours aboard a Mercedes-AMG GT4.
APR’s New Mosaic
Algarve Pro Racing has updated its privacy board in the paddock ahead of this year’s race.
At a closer look, the picture of its pair of ORECA 07 – Gibsons is actually a mosaic, created by Andy Blackmore.
The design is made up of pictures shot by DSC photographers, and in particular our photographic editor David Lord, who is missing his first Le Mans 24 Hours in over a quarter of a century due to family illness. We’re thinking of you Dave!
Absent friend
2026 will mark the first Le Mans 24 Hours for several decades without Marie-Reine Beaumesenil in a prominent role.
Marie-Reine passed away last August, after taking on her husband Michelle’s passion for the race, with periods as a timekeeper, pit board operator at Mulsanne corner, and then from 2008 as the person behind the management and development of the ACO’s club des pilotes, a role she cherished and played a visible and prominent part in, not least at the scrutineering sessions, where she greeted every new driver with an offer to join the select club.
She’s survived by her son Vincent, current director of operations for the ACO.
Images courtesy of Peter ‘Pedro’ May, Andrew Lofthouse and Heel Tread
