IDEC Sport Triumphs in Chaotic Silverstone ELMS Race
IDEC Sport’s #18 ORECA, driven by Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert, and Daniel Juncadella, secured its third LMP2 victory of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at Silverstone, emerging strong following a non-score at Spa. The race captivated an estimated 110,000 fans, marred by rain and incidents, resulting in a race duration extended by 48 minutes and concluding prematurely due to worsening weather conditions.
The Genesis Magma Racing-backed team strategically transitioned to wet tires at the optimal moment, which proved crucial in the penultimate hour as conditions deteriorated. Juncadella took the helm for the final stint after Chadwick and Jaubert’s strong opening drives, and he managed to maintain a lead, pulling away from the #43 Inter Europol Competition ORECA, which had earlier dominated the race thanks to Nick Yelloly’s impressive stint.
However, a late off-track moment cost Yelloly valuable time, as the team hesitated in switching to wet tires. Tom Dillmann eventually took the second spot but could not challenge Juncadella before the race was red-flagged. Post-race, Juncadella expressed, “This is one of the sweetest wins… we made the right calls on strategy.”
Vector Sport completed the overall podium with its #10 car after a well-timed run in the latter stages.
In LMP2 Pro/Am, AO By TF’s #99 ORECA appeared to be in contention for the win, led by Louis Deletraz, until post-race adjudications reversed their leading position. Algarve Pro Racing regained the top spot, with Kriton Lentoudis, Olli Caldwell, and Alex Quinn claiming their second consecutive victory.
The LMP3 class saw CLX Motorsport’s #17 Ligier secure its fourth win in five races, clinching the championship with a race left to spare.
In the GT class, an exciting finish saw GR Racing momentarily snatch victory before a last-minute red flag reinstated Richard Mille AF Corse’s Lilou Wadoux and her team to first place, marking their second win of the season. TF Sport’s Corvette rounded off the podium in third.
The next ELMS race is set for October 19 at Portimao, where teams will battle for critical championship points as the season approaches its climax.
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