VDS Panis Racing Triumphs at ELMS 4 Hours of Imola Amid Controversy
VDS Panis Racing claimed victory in the ELMS 4 Hours of Imola today, navigating a race marked by a significant red flag and a late safety car. The #48 ORECA, driven by Charles Milesi, Oliver Gray, and Esteban Masson, crossed the finish line 8.8 seconds ahead of the #43 ORECA from Inter Europol Competition, piloted by Tom Dillmann.
The race experienced a dramatic turn when it was red-flagged due to a four-car incident at the Tamburello chicane, leading to a 20-minute extension. Prior to this stoppage, VDS Panis Racing had managed a substantial lead, with Gray holding a 30-second advantage over the field after overtaking Jamie Chadwick at Variante Alta.
However, pressure mounted in the latter stages as Dillmann began to close the gap on Masson, reducing it to under 10 seconds before the final safety car was deployed due to a blowout on the M Racing Ligier. This development allowed VDS Panis to regain control and secure the win, although both the #48 and #43 ORECAs are currently under investigation for potential violations during the race.
The podium was completed by Algarve Pro Racing’s #25 car, which benefited from strategic timing during a Full Course Yellow. Iron Lynx’s #9 car fell from third to fourth following a penalty related to a Full Course Yellow infringement.
In the Pro/Am LMP2 category, the #99 AO by TF ORECA secured victory for PJ Hyett, Louis Deletraz, and Dane Cameron, reaffirming their successful partnership. LMP3 was characterized by unpredictability, yet CLX Racing’s #17 Ligier JS P325 emerged victorious despite a drive-through penalty.
In GT, TF Sport’s #82 Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R achieved a landmark victory, marking the brand’s first ELMS LMGT3 win. They were followed closely by AF Corse’s #51 Ferrari and Kessel Racing’s #74 Ferrari, the latter dropping from second to third due to a late penalty.
Today’s race was defined not only by competitive racing but also by significant incidents that demonstrated the inherent risks of the sport. The incident involving multiple cars at the Tamburello chicane resulted in all drivers escaping unharmed.
Further updates on the post-race investigations are anticipated as teams await the findings regarding the suspected infractions.
