2026 ELMS: Key Paddock Updates from Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain – The 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) kicked off with a notable gathering at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, showcasing a record 47-car field during a collective photo session on Thursday. This year’s Michelin Le Mans Cup also displayed its competitive spirit with 44 cars participating.
Leadership Changes: Bruno Famin made his debut as Deputy Director in Charge of Competition at the ACO, marking a significant leadership transition in the organization.
Race Insights:
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Bronze Driver Test: Giorgio Roda of Duqueine Team clocked a fastest lap of 1:31.703 during the 30-minute Bronze driver collective test, securing a significant advantage of 0.962 seconds over PJ Hyett. In LMP3, Matthew Richard Bell led with a time of 1:39.019, while Blake McDonald topped LMGT3 with a 1:43.223. The session faced interruptions due to mishaps involving Ameerh Naran and Jean Glorieux.
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Team Withdrawals: Blackthorn announced the withdrawal of its #91 Aston Martin after an accident involving Claude Bovet, who was scheduled to compete alongside Tom Canning.
Penalty Updates: The opening practice of the Michelin Le Mans Cup resulted in penalties for Christian Gisy and Dinamic GT, each receiving a five-minute stop-and-go and a penalty point for infractions during the session.
Tyre Management Focus: Multiple-time Barcelona winner Louis Delétraz emphasized the importance of tyre management for the upcoming race, highlighting the challenges of track degradation and the need for a secure rear axle setup.
Doriane Pin’s Dual Role: Young driver Doriane Pin, making her ELMS return with Duqueine Team, concurrently serves as a development driver for Peugeot’s Hypercar program. She expressed enthusiasm about her dual involvement, aiming for growth in both series.
As the current season unfolds, teams and drivers will need to navigate strategic decisions effectively, particularly concerning tyre performance and race endurance. The focus on these critical elements promises to shape the competitive landscape throughout the 2026 ELMS season.
Images courtesy of the European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup, and Peugeot.
