IDEC SPORT kicks off its Le Mans week in the best possible way
With just a few days to go before the start of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IDEC SPORT sent a strong initial signal during the traditional Test Day. After a morning dedicated to setup adjustments and getting a feel for the Circuit de la Sarthe, the French team gradually raised its performance level to set the fastest time of the afternoon session in the LMP2 class.
This surge in performance confirms the potential of the #28 Oreca 07-Gibson and the quality of the work carried out by the entire team ahead of the official start of the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans week.
Key takeaway
- IDEC SPORT set the fastest time of the afternoon session.
- The team successfully completed its entire technical program.
- Valerio Rinicella successfully completed his mandatory rookie program.
- No technical issues or major incidents were encountered.
- Qualifying and the Hyperpole are now the next objectives.
A productive first day at the Circuit de la Sarthe
Following a comprehensive test program conducted over the 13.626-kilometer Circuit de la Sarthe, IDEC SPORT achieved all of its preparation objectives.
Thirteenth in the morning session, the Oreca 07-Gibson crew methodically continued its setup work before setting the fastest time of the afternoon. This improvement demonstrates the quality of the analysis of the data collected throughout the day.
Under summer conditions representative of those expected during race week in Le Mans, the engineers and drivers were able to test different setups and validate several strategic approaches for the race.
A day full of insights
With track temperatures reaching nearly 30°C in the afternoon, conditions were ideal for evaluating the car’s behavior over long stints.
The adjustments made throughout the runs allowed IDEC SPORT to steadily improve its performance until it took the lead in the session. An encouraging result that confirms the right direction taken in development work while remaining faithful to the main objective of this Test Day: preparing for the race rather than seeking absolute performance.
Valerio Rinicella completes his rookie program
This Test Day also marked an important milestone for Valerio Rinicella. For his first appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Italian driver had to complete the ten mandatory laps required of rookies by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
Mission accomplished for the young driver, who got to know the Circuit de la Sarthe under real-world conditions after preparing for this event on the 24 Hours of Le Mans-certified AOTECH simulator.
This validation now allows him to approach the official practice sessions, qualifying, and the race with greater confidence.
A solid foundation ahead of official practice and qualifying
Beyond the standings, IDEC SPORT emerges from this Test Day with a wealth of valuable information.
The car’s reliability, the quality of the team’s collective effort, and the progress shown between the two sessions are all reasons for satisfaction ahead of the official start of race week.
Nicolas Minassian, Team Principal
“This Test Day perfectly fulfilled its purpose. The primary goal was to get the entire team back into the Le Mans rhythm, whether it was the drivers, engineers, or mechanics. We worked extensively on procedures, setups, tires, fuel consumption, and initial strategic directions for the race.
Finishing at the top of the afternoon session is encouraging and confirms that we’re on the right track, but the most important thing is the quality of the data we gathered today. We’re leaving with a reliable car, with no technical issues or on-track incidents, which provides an excellent foundation for the race week.”
Reactions
For the drivers, this Test Day also marked a return to the track at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe after several months of waiting. In a focused yet enthusiastic atmosphere, the team completed numerous stints to gather data and fine-tune race setups, while gradually regaining their bearings on one of the most demanding circuits on the global calendar.
Paul Lafargue
“Coming back to Le Mans is always a huge pleasure. We had a very productive day, with a lot of work on race setups and many kilometers covered. The car felt good, and finishing the day with the fastest time is a positive sign for the team, even if the most important thing remains everything we’ve learned to prepare for the week.”
Job Van Uitert
“Driving at Le Mans is always something special. For me, it’s the most beautiful circuit, and we only get one chance a year to drive there, so we need to do a lot of laps and gather as much data as possible. This morning, we weren’t quite where we wanted to be, especially on the straights, but the afternoon went better. Finishing at the top of a session is good for the team and for morale, but it’s just a test. Now we need to keep working and further improve the car for the rest of the week.”
Valerio Rinicella
“It was an incredible day. After completing my mandatory ten laps, I was really able to start getting to know Le Mans under real-world conditions, with traffic and all the circuit’s unique features. I’m learning a tremendous amount alongside Paul and Job, who share their experience and advice after every stint. There’s still work to be done to keep improving, but I’m having a lot of fun and making the most of every lap. I’m now looking forward to experiencing the circuit at night, which adds a very special dimension to this race.”
Next step
Preparations are now entering their most intense phase. The upcoming free practice sessions will allow the team to continue its development work and fine-tune its setups under a wide variety of conditions, particularly during night runs, which are always crucial at Le Mans.
Qualifying will then provide the first real timed verdict of the week, with a spot in Hyperpole in the sights, before the grand start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Week’s Schedule
- Tuesday, June 9: Pit Stop Challenge
- Wednesday, June 10: Free Practice 1, Qualifying 1, Free Practice 2
- Thursday, June 11: Free Practice 3, Hyperpole 1 and Hyperpole 2, Free Practice 4
- Friday, June 12: Parade
- Saturday, June 13: Start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (4:00 p.m.)
- Sunday, June 14: Finish of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (4:00 p.m.)
Experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans as if you were on board
For the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, IDEC SPORT offers you an exceptional immersive experience: follow the entire event via the live onboard camera aboard car #28, driven by Paul Lafargue, Job Van Uitert, and Valerio Rinicella.
