Vector Sport Eyes LMP2 Championship Chase After Strong Start
As the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) season progresses, the UK-flagged LMP2 team Vector Sport has emerged as a contender in the tightly contested championship race. Currently positioned second in the standings, the team’s #10 ORECA, driven by Pietro Fittipaldi, Vlad Lomko, and Ryan Cullen, has demonstrated impressive form with a third-place finish at Barcelona and a fourth at Paul Ricard.
Vector Sport trails the Genesis Magma Racing-backed IDEC crew by 23 points, while VDS Panis Racing holds third, just one point adrift. This performance marks a significant turnaround for the team, following a challenging 2024 season where a podium at Imola was their sole top-five finish.
Team principal Gary Holland attributed their early-season success to extensive engineering improvements and enhanced team dynamics. "We’ve quietly gone about our business this year and executed clean races," Holland stated. He emphasized the benefits of a redesigned approach to the car and the recruitment of experienced drivers. "Last year was a real learning experience for us…by the end of the season, we were starting to get a bit more pace.”
The driver lineup changes have also contributed notably. Fittipaldi and Lomko’s addition has brought valuable experience and balance, optimizing the team’s performance. "They have great experience with top teams, and we’re bearing the fruits of that," Holland remarked.
While Vector Sport missed an entry at Le Mans, where their ORECA ranked sixth on the reserve list, they maintained a presence through partnerships with the LMP3 title-winning team RLR Msport, effectively running "RLR by Vector" during the race.
Looking ahead, Holland is committed to returning Vector Sport to the 2026 Le Mans, aiming to expand their ACO presence and potentially re-enter the World Endurance Championship. "We want to be back fighting in the top-tier championship," he affirmed. The team is also exploring opportunities in the Asian Le Mans Series and evaluating a pathway for drivers from LMP3 to Hypercar, emphasizing a sustainable, long-term strategy for growth.
As the ELMS season continues, Vector Sport’s strategic focus and strong performances place them in a solid position to challenge for the title, signaling their intent within the LMP2 ranks.
