Starting from pole position in the LMP2 category for the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IDEC SPORT entered the race with legitimate ambitions. At the wheel of the No. 28 Oreca 07, Paul Lafargue, Job van Uitert and Valerio Rinicella made a strong start before a series of setbacks disrupted their progress.
A penalty, a drive-through, and a few seconds lost during certain pit stops initially affected the team’s strategy. The situation then became more complicated during the first safety car intervention. As IDEC SPORT found itself in an unfavorable position when the field was regrouped, several direct competitors were able to take advantage of the neutralization period, dropping the No. 28 Oreca 07 one lap behind the LMP2 leaders.
During the night, a puncture further reduced the team’s chances of fighting back to the front. Despite maintaining one of the most competitive paces in the category and the unwavering commitment of both the drivers and the entire team, IDEC SPORT was never able to recover the lost lap.
In the face of adversity, however, the team once again demonstrated its endurance racing expertise. Strong under pressure and united through difficult moments, the team continued to push with determination all the way to the chequered flag.
While this 6th-place finish naturally leaves a sense of unfinished business after securing pole position and setting high expectations, it does not fully reflect the potential displayed throughout the Le Mans week. The pace shown on track, the competitiveness of the No. 28 Oreca 07, and the team’s ability to remain focused despite unforeseen challenges are all positive takeaways.
In its tenth participation at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IDEC SPORT once again embodied the values that define its identity: commitment, resilience, and team spirit.
Drivers reactions
Paul Lafargue
“We didn’t have the luck required to achieve a truly outstanding result, but we fought until the very end. The car crossed the finish line without a single scratch, and we gave it everything we had. Starting from pole and finishing sixth is obviously not the objective, but we have no regrets about the effort we put in.”
Valerio Rinicella
“It was an intense race from start to finish. Leading the opening stints after starting from pole position will remain a special memory. I am proud of the work accomplished by the entire team during this exceptional edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
Job van Uitert
“A few mistakes and race circumstances cost us a lap, and we were never able to close the gap to the leader. Despite that, we can be proud of our competitiveness. The car was strong throughout the race, and we have the foundations in place to aim even higher in the future.”
Between an LMP2 pole position, front-running pace, and unwavering determination in the face of difficulties, the Signes-based team once again confirmed the strength and consistency of its sporting project.
Attention now turns to the upcoming events. From the first weekend of July, IDEC SPORT will be competing on two fronts. IDEC SPORT LEGEND will take part in Le Mans Classic, one of the most prestigious historic motorsport events, while the team’s European Le Mans Series squad will return to action at Imola for the third round of the season.
Two new challenges that will allow the team to maintain its momentum and continue writing the next chapter of its story on Europe’s most iconic circuits.
All our vidéos on our YouTube TV channel
And all the replay of our #28 onboard camera
