VDS Panis Racing Claims First ELMS Title at Portimão
Portimão, Portugal – VDS Panis Racing secured its first European Le Mans Series (ELMS) championship title at the 4 Hours of Portimão, marking a significant milestone for the team founded by former Formula 1 driver Olivier Panis. Charles Milesi, alongside teammates Oliver Gray and Esteban Masson, led the #48 ORECA 07 Gibson to victory, clinching the title after a fiercely competitive season.
Debuting in the ELMS nearly a decade ago, VDS Panis Racing has gradually built a solid reputation, with its first podium in 2018 and a maiden win in 2021. The 2025 season proved transformative, highlighted by consecutive victories at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps. After narrowly missing out at Le Mans, the team dominated the latter half of the season to finish atop the standings.
“I don’t cry a lot, but when I saw them on the podium… I’m very proud of them,” said Olivier Panis. “We always try to touch the sky… This year we’re doing it.”
Key Highlights from Portimão
- Strong Performance: Starting from the back of the grid, Gray executed an impressive stint, quickly climbing into the lead. He reflected, “It was tricky… but I capitalized when traffic hit.”
- Strategic Race Management: The team maintained its lead through effective fuel management and race strategy, ultimately finishing ahead in a tightly contested field, where the top three teams were separated by a minimal margin in the standings headed into the final race.
Despite the average age of the title-winning trio being just 21, their performances indicated exceptional talent and growth. Milesi, now 24, adapted quickly to his role as team leader, while Gray’s rise as one of the top Silver-rated drivers has led to speculation about a potential upgrade to Gold status for 2026.
“It was just massive,” Panis lauded Gray’s development throughout the season, noting that his achievements have garnered interest from WEC teams for upcoming tests.
Season Overview
The championship was fiercely contested, particularly with former champions AO by TF moving to LMP2 Pro/Am, leaving VDS Panis Racing, IDEC Sport, and Inter Europol Competition as frontrunners. Consistency was key across the season, with VDS Panis Racing consistently finishing in the top three positions.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Olivier Panis aims to solidify the driver lineup for the title defense, prioritizing Gray and Masson, while seeking a compatible Silver-rated driver. The team’s success this season guarantees a spot at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Now we know we have a team to fight, and winning Le Mans one day, this is my dream,” Panis concluded, emphasizing a desire to cultivate new talent through his team.
VDS Panis Racing’s accomplishment not only signifies personal success for its founder but also serves as an important step for nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent.
