IDEC Sport Claims Historic Victory at 4 Hours of Le Castellet
In a gripping race at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, IDEC Sport delivered a compelling performance, securing their first overall win at the Circuit Paul Ricard and their second consecutive triumph in the LMP2 category to kick off the European Le Mans Series season.
Under challenging conditions, Jamie Chadwick, Dani Juncadella, and Mathys Jaubert demonstrated exceptional teamwork and strategic acumen. After struggling with wet tires on a drying track, Chadwick recovered from a poor start, rising from 11th to 6th before handing over to Juncadella. “My stint was a fight, throughout,” said Chadwick, reflecting on her race. “But I enjoyed it after that scary first moment.”
Juncadella faced a critical phase of the race with wet Goodyear tires still in use as competitors switched to slicks. His perseverance paid off, and he noted, “I was calling for dry tires, but the team was smart to keep me out. We extended the stint and made sure we could go on a one-stopper with Mathys at the end. It won us the race.”
Mathys Jaubert, who showcased commendable pace, reiterated the team’s synergy: “He seems like a 35-year-old with 15 years of endurance experience,” Juncadella commented, praising Jaubert’s talent.
The victory marks a significant milestone for IDEC Sport, particularly as it coincides with the team’s 10th anniversary. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul acknowledged the race’s complexities, stating, “Every strategy decision had to be right, and the drivers had to handle some very difficult conditions on track, which they did really well.”
Despite a handful of incidents and tire challenges throughout the race, the team’s strategic excellence and adaptability were pivotal. With this win, IDEC Sport leads the championship standings with a 23-point advantage as the halfway point of the season approaches.
Looking ahead, the team is set to face another test at Le Mans, where Chadwick and Jaubert will be joined by Andre Lotterer for their upcoming race. Abiteboul concluded, “From the outside, it could look easy, but I promise it has not been the case.”
As IDEC Sport prepares for future challenges, their impressive start to the season indicates they are a team to watch, not just within the ELMS but also as they prepare for entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship.
