Inter Europol’s Title Aspirations in 2026 ELMS Season
Barcelona, Spain – As the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) prepares to kick off, Inter Europol Competition is focused on translating last year’s close call into a championship triumph. Driver Nick Yelloly is optimistic about capitalizing on continuity within the team, which consists of himself, Tom Dillmann, and Jakub Smiechowski in the #43 ORECA.
In 2025, the trio showcased commendable consistency with a streak of five consecutive second-place finishes, ultimately finishing just 14 points shy of the title, lost to VDS Panis Racing. Their only significant misstep was a 10th-place finish at the season opener in Barcelona due to technical issues. “It was just a bad result here last year,” Yelloly noted. “We should have been in the top five.”
The upcoming season opener at Barcelona emphasizes the importance of a strong start. “We know well how important it’s going to be to get off to a strong start,” said Yelloly, reflecting on the stakes involved.
However, Yelloly’s championship pursuit is complicated by a scheduling conflict; an IMSA race at Laguna Seca coincides with the ELMS round at Paul Ricard. “My title chances are essentially over before the season gets underway, but I’m eager to support the team,” he indicated.
Pre-season preparations in Barcelona have included extensive track time and car setup modifications to adapt to the updated Goodyear LMP2 Eagle slick tire, which debuted last year. “We did all the learning last year so it’s just about rolling in and executing,” Yelloly explained.
Forecasts suggest rain for the race, posing an additional variable for strategy and performance. “You could qualify well or poorly and go in the opposite direction in the race if your car isn’t suited to the wet,” Yelloly added, highlighting the potential for unpredictable outcomes.
As the team embarks on the 2026 season, the combination of experienced personnel and a strategic approach positions Inter Europol to be a formidable contender in the LMP2 category.
