The IDEC SPORT team begins its 2026 campaign in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at the season-opening round, which takes place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This event has become a must-attend fixture on the calendar, marking the start of a highly anticipated new season.
After a solid third-place finish in the overall standings last season, the Signes-based team heads into 2026 with ambition and continuity. Competing in the LMP2 class, IDEC SPORT will field two prototypes: #18 and #28, with strong and complementary crews ready to defend the French team’s colors at the highest level.
The #28 will be driven by Paul Lafargue, Paul-Loup Chatin, and Job Van Uitert. An experienced trio, determined to play a leading role right from this opening round. Meanwhile, the #18 will feature Jamie Chadwick, Valerio Rinicella, and Laurents Hörr. A promising crew, combining youth, talent, and ambition, with the goal of building momentum throughout the season.
The offseason has been a busy one for IDEC SPORT. Several days of testing allowed the team to validate technical choices and strengthen the bond between the drivers and the staff. This groundwork is essential for tackling an increasingly competitive ELMS season.
IDEC SPORT is therefore approaching this first round with determination. The goal is clear: to start the season on a solid footing and capitalize on the potential of both cars to quickly join the fight at the front of the pack.
Patrice Lafargue, President of IDEC SPORT
“We’re approaching this new ELMS season with great enthusiasm and determination. After a solid 2025 season, the goal is to establish ourselves firmly among the leading teams. Barcelona is always a key moment: that’s where the first momentum is built. It’s up to us to seize this opportunity to get our season off to the best possible start and fly the IDEC SPORT colors high.”
Nicolas Minassian, Team Principal of IDEC SPORT
“The start of this new ELMS season in Barcelona is always a key moment for the team. After an encouraging 2025 season that concluded with a 3rd-place finish in the championship, we’re approaching 2026 with continuity, confidence, a certain amount of ambition, but above all with a great deal of humility. The two crews we’re fielding are both solid and complementary, and the work done during the offseason has allowed us to prepare for this first race under the best possible conditions. The goal is clear: to be competitive and establish ourselves as far up the field as possible.”
Paul Lafargue, #28
“Every start of the season is a new story to be written. Barcelona is a demanding circuit that forgives nothing, but it’s also an ideal venue to gauge our level and lay the groundwork for what’s to come. Today, we feel ready, surrounded by an ultra-motivated team, and driven by this passion that never leaves us. The goal is clear: to be competitive from the start and turn the work done during the offseason into concrete results.”
Paul-Loup Chatin, #28
“It’s always important to arrive with a good car in Barcelona, which remains one of the benchmark European circuits. It’s also the first round of the ELMS season. So getting off to a good start there helps build momentum for the rest of the season and shows that the work done this winter has paid off. During the off-season tests, we often faced unpredictable weather conditions, but that’s a good thing—it prepares us even more. Paul, Job, and I have worked hard; we know the performance is there. Now it’s up to us to avoid making any mistakes on the track and to apply what we do best with the whole team. In this context, we can aim for at least a top-5 finish or even a podium. Can’t wait! ”
Job Van Uitert, #28
“ I’m really looking forward to the season starting! We’ve worked very hard this winter, and based on testing, I feel the team has really made good progress. We’re ready to give it our all! Barcelona is always an exciting track. Managing traffic and tires will be crucial. Last year, IDEC won with car #18, and we intend to repeat that feat this year!”
Jamie Chadwick, #18
“ I’m thrilled to be returning to Barcelona. My first ELMS race ended in a victory in Spain. Our expectations for this new season are just as high. We’ve worked hard with my teammates and the entire IDEC SPORT team this winter, and we’ll do everything we can to make that happen on the track. Being part of IDEC SPORT is incredible—the environment is so professional, supportive, and dynamic. I’m confident in what we can achieve again this year. See you at the prologue on April 6 and 7. »
Laurents Hörr, #18
« Barcelona is a magnificent, classic circuit. The team has worked very hard all winter, and we’re surrounded by incredible, highly motivated professionals. We all know our capabilities, and we’re going to use them to achieve the best results—and, I hope, the top step of the podium. It’s great working with Jamie and Valerio. We have an excellent relationship and we combine all our strengths. If we enjoy ourselves, we’ll succeed. I’m really looking forward to this season starting!”
Valerio Rinicella, #18
“Barcelona is one of my favorite tracks. It’s a fast and technical circuit. I’ve raced there many times and I’ve always loved driving there. It’s not very gentle on the tires, with its many fast and long corners, but that doesn’t put pressure on me or the team. I’m really looking forward to starting the season here, and I truly believe in myself and all the work we’ve done this winter. I’m building strong relationships and developing excellent team chemistry with my teammates, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The Catalan circuit, renowned for its technical demands and diversity, serves as a revealing first test for teams and drivers. With its long straights and rapid sequences of turns, it will put performance, consistency, and strategy to the test.
This first round of the ELMS will set the tone for a 2026 season that already promises to be particularly competitive, where every detail will count. IDEC SPORT intends to build on the results of 2025 and will once again aim to play a major role.
Free practice 1 will take place on Friday, April 10, at 11:50 a.m. Free practice 2 is scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:10 a.m., ahead of qualifying (4:20 p.m. for LMP2), which can be followed live. The 4 Hours of Barcelona will start on Sunday, April 12, at 12:00 p.m. The race will be broadcast live and in full for free.
