2025 ELMS 4 Hours of Le Castellet: Qualifying Report
Paul Ricard, France – Inter Europol Competition’s #43 ORECA secured pole position for the 2025 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) 4 Hours of Le Castellet, thanks to an impressive final lap from Nick Yelloly, clocking a time of 1:48.741. This marks the Polish team’s inaugural overall pole in the series.
In a competitive LMP2 qualifying session, the #43 edged out Charles Milesi of VDS Panis Racing, who finished second with a time of 1:48.876. Matteo Carioli’s provisional pole time in the #9 Iron Lynx ORECA was insufficient as he dropped to third with a 1:49.006, while Mathys Jaubert for IDEC Sport secured fourth with a 1:49.206. Inter Europol’s second entry, the #34 ORECA, qualified fifth.
In LMP2 Pro/Am, PJ Hyett from AO by TF clinched pole with a late lap of 1:51.442, narrowly beating Giorgio Roda of Proton Competition, who finished second at 1:51.586. Hyett commented, “I was able to put it together… I think there was still time left in the car.” Rodrigo Sales for TDS Racing placed third at 1:52.353, while DKR’s ORECA completed the top four.
Notably absent was the #83 AF Corse ORECA, which missed qualifying due to driver Francois Perrodo’s obligations, though he is expected to return for the race.
In LMP3, Adrien Closmenil dominated, securing pole for CLX Motorsport with a blistering time of 1:57.194, nearly one second clear of the competition. Rik Koen claimed second for Team Virage, and WTM by Rinaldi finished third.
In LMGT3, Clement Mateu led the Aston Martin contingent, posting a time of 2:04.641 for Racing Spirit of Leman. His performance propelled him ahead of Duncan Cameron of Spirit of Race and Martin Berry from Iron Lynx, who finished second and third, respectively. Berry’s earlier lap was disqualified due to track limits, but he rebounded with a strong final effort.
The race is set to commence at 12:00 local time, promising an exciting showdown on the Circuit Paul Ricard.
