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IDEC SPORT heads to Spa as ELMS action resumes

After a few weeks away from the track, IDEC SPORT returns to the European Le Mans Series at Spa-Francorchamps from 21 to 23 August. Two LMP2 cars, six drivers and three races still to go: the second half of the 2026 season is about to begin.

After a few weeks away from the circuits, it is time to go racing again. And there could hardly be a better place to do so: the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps awaits IDEC SPORT for the fourth round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series season.

The team will be back with its two LMP2 cars and six drivers, all sharing the same ambition: to start the second half of the championship in the best possible way.

Barcelona, Le Castellet, Imola… followed by a welcome summer break. A few weeks to recharge, but also to prepare for what comes next. With three rounds still to go, the 2026 ELMS season is far from decided.

And there are few better places to return to competition than Spa-Francorchamps.

Spa is always special

Some circuits are instantly recognisable without even seeing their name.

A change in elevation. A corner. An atmosphere.

Spa is one of them.

Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Les Combes, Pouhon, Blanchimont… Around a lap of Spa-Francorchamps, iconic sections follow one another, giving the drivers little time to breathe.

Fast and demanding, the Belgian circuit requires commitment, precision and, above all, complete confidence in the car. Traffic also plays a major role in endurance racing here, while the famously unpredictable Belgian weather can turn a race on its head in a matter of minutes.

All the ingredients that make the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps one of the most eagerly anticipated rounds of the season.

4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps: three races down, three to go

Spa also marks an important point in the championship.

Three rounds have been completed, with three remaining: Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Portimão.

For IDEC SPORT, the second half of the season begins with two different sporting situations, but one shared ambition: to fight at the front.

In the #18, Jamie Chadwick, Laurents Hörr and Valerio Rinicella have built the first half of their season around one of endurance racing’s most valuable qualities: consistency.

The trio currently sits fourth in the LMP2 championship with 36 points. Their position reflects a solid first half of the season, including another fourth-place finish at Imola.

At Spa, the aim will be to take the next step and turn that consistency into an even stronger result.

For the #28 of Paul Lafargue, Paul-Loup Chatin and Job van Uitert, the first half of the season has told a different story.

Currently eighth in the championship with 17 points, the crew has not always been able to turn its level of performance into results. The potential is certainly there, as demonstrated by the podium secured on home soil at Le Castellet.

Spa therefore opens a new chapter: three races and three new opportunities to return to the front and convert the work carried out since the beginning of the season into results.

Pour la #28 de Paul Lafargue, Paul-Loup Chatin et Job van Uitert, la première moitié de saison a raconté une histoire différente.

Actuellement huitième du championnat avec 17 points, l’équipage n’a pas toujours pu transformer son niveau de performance en résultats. Le potentiel est pourtant bien présent, comme l’a montré le podium décroché à domicile au Castellet.

Spa ouvre donc une nouvelle séquence : trois courses, trois nouvelles occasions de retrouver les avant-postes et de concrétiser le travail réalisé depuis le début de la saison.

Ready to go racing again

The summer break gave everyone a chance to recharge. Now, the overriding feeling throughout the team is simply the desire to get back to racing.

Drivers, engineers and mechanics are preparing to settle back into the rhythm of a race weekend.

“Everyone needed the break, but I can assure you that the whole team is now very eager to get back to racing!” says Nicolas Minassian, IDEC SPORT Team Principal.

“We head to Spa with a lot of energy. The #18 is having a very solid season and we now want to take another step forward. With the #28, we know the results so far do not fully reflect its potential. There are three races left: nothing is decided and nothing is over. The whole team is ready to go again.”

The destination is set: Spa-Francorchamps.

Two cars, six drivers and three races still to go.

The second half of the 2026 ELMS season starts here.


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