Goodyear Appoints Bickley as Endurance Racing Manager
Goodyear has officially appointed Stephen Bickley as the new Endurance Racing Programme Manager, based in Barcelona. Bickley will oversee the brand’s operations in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), succeeding Mike McGregor, who transitions to a broader strategic role while remaining present at major sports car events.
Bickley brings a wealth of experience from his prior position as a senior engineer within Goodyear’s motorcycle division.
Peugeot Driver Jakobsen Engages in Pre-Season Fitness Camp
Peugeot Hypercar driver Malthe Jakobsen participated in a fitness camp organized by the Dansk Automobil Sports Union, focusing on team bonding and physical preparation ahead of the European racing season. Jakobsen emphasized the rigorous activities which included cycling, running, and beach sports, noting the importance of teamwork in shaping the upcoming race dynamics.
Christodoulou Returns to ACO Racing After Over a Decade
Nürburgring specialist Adam Christodoulou is set to race the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 at the Barcelona race—his first ACO rules event since 2011. Christodoulou expressed excitement over his return, sharing the significance of consistency in securing championship titles, a strategy reinforced by his team’s podium finishes last year despite three retirements.
Huub van Eijndhoven Set for Double-Duty Weekend
Dutch driver Huub van Eijndhoven will compete in both the ELMS and GT World Challenge Europe this weekend, making his debut in each series. He will drive Herberth Motorsport’s #91 Porsche at Circuit Paul Ricard before switching to Proton Competition’s #77 Porsche for the ELMS.
Lietz Reflects on ELMS Return with Proton Competition
Porsche factory driver Richard Lietz will return to the ELMS this weekend after a two-year hiatus, driving the #75 Porsche 911 GT3 R for Proton Competition. Commenting on the competitive atmosphere and the complexities introduced by Goodyear’s new hard compound tyre, Lietz acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the unique track conditions at Barcelona.
Michelin Le Mans Cup to Feature 44-Car Entry
The opening round of the Michelin Le Mans Cup will see 44 cars, including 24 LMP3 entries, competing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The LMP3 field comprises 19 Ligier JS P325s and five Duqueine D09s, with notable changes across the entry list reflecting team strategies moving into the season.
New Team Entries Spotlighted
BrutalFish Campos Racing and Mücke Motorsport are making their debut in the ACO paddock, each fielding entries in the LMP3 category. These additions follow Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn’s return after a successful one-off appearance last season.
In the GT ranks, the debut of the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, operated by SMC Motorsport, adds a visually stunning entry to the competition alongside established teams like Dinamic GT and AF Corse.
Conclusion
With the season opener for both the ELMS and Michelin Le Mans Cup approaching, teams are finalizing preparations, adapting to new regulations and tyre specifications that will define the early season contests. Key drivers and teams are gearing up for what promises to be an intriguing and competitive year in endurance racing.
