Michelin Le Mans Cup Qualifying Results: Iglesias Secures Dominant Pole Position
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal – In a thrilling qualifying session for the season finale of the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup, ANS Motorsport’s Louis Iglesias claimed pole position for tomorrow’s race. Driving the #9 Ligier JS P325 – Toyota, Iglesias showcased impressive pace, ultimately clocking a lap of 1:38.916 to outshine his closest competitor, Jules Caranta of Nielsen Racing.
Iglesias initially set a swift 1:39.963, improving to 1:39.780 before Caranta briefly took the lead with a blistering 1:39.193. However, Iglesias reclaimed the top spot with a dramatic final lap. “It felt great to get back on pole, especially at such a critical point in the season,” Iglesias commented post-session.
Colin Queen secured third on the grid in the #50 23Events Racing Ligier, followed by reigning champions Enzo Peugeot in the #85 R-ace GP Duqueine. The #99 More Motorsport and #19 Brutal Fish by Campos Ligiers completed the top six.
In the LMP3 Pro/Am category, Alexander Bukhantsov further solidified his dominance with a record-breaking fifth pole position of the season for Inter Europol Competition, achieving 1:41.108. He edged out Linus Hellberg of Allay Racing by just 0.147 seconds.
In GT3 action, Gonzalo De Andres Martin clinched his first pole of the season, posting a standout time of 1:44.154 in the #77 SMC Motorsport McLaren GT3 Evo, nearly a full second clear of championship leader Philipp Sager in the #10 Racing Spirit of Leman Aston Martin.
The final race of the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup season will commence tomorrow at 9:30 WEST, promising a dramatic conclusion to the season’s championship battle.
Qualifying Summary
LMP3 Grid:
- Louis Iglesias (#9 Ligier) – 1:38.916
- Jules Caranta (#4 Duqueine) – 1:39.021
- Colin Queen (#50 Ligier) – Position TBD
- Enzo Peugeot (#85 Duqueine) – Position TBD
LMP3 Pro/Am Grid:
- Alexander Bukhantsov (#13 Ligier) – 1:41.108
- Linus Hellberg (#48 Ligier) – Position TBD
GT3 Grid:
- Gonzalo De Andres Martin (#77 McLaren) – 1:44.154
- Philipp Sager (#10 Aston Martin) – Position TBD
- Antoine Comeau (#11 Aston Martin) – Position TBD
Note:
The session was interrupted by a red flag due to an incident involving Claude Bovet’s #91 Aston Martin, impacting several drivers’ lap strategies.
All eyes will be on the final race tomorrow, as teams and drivers vie for critical championship points.
