Record-Breaking 43-Car Entry for 2024 European Le Mans Series
Unprecedented Surge in LMP2 Class and Introduction of LMGT3 Category Mark a New Era in Endurance Racing
The 2024 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) is poised to witness an unprecedented grid size, with a staggering 43 cars confirmed to participate, marking the largest ever field in the history of the series. This surge is highlighted by a significant increase in the LMP2 entries, featuring 22 cars across two classes, which is the highest concentration of LMP2 vehicles outside the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
LMP2 Class Expansion
The LMP2 category sees a 100% increase in its fleet, growing from 7 to 14 cars. Algarve Pro Racing is set to return, defending their title with a formidable lineup, including 2023 champion Alex Lynn, Olli Caldwell, and Matthias Kaiser in the Oreca-Gibson. United Autosports, the 2020 ELMS Champions, will also be a strong contender with two cars in the fray, featuring former ELMS Drivers' champion Filipe Albuquerque and 2022 Asian Le Mans Series champion Ben Hanley.
Prominent Moves and Debuts
Several notable shifts and debuts are shaping the 2024 season. 2023 LMP3 Champion Alejandro Garcia steps up to LMP2 with COOL Racing, while Le Mans winner Will Stevens joins Nielsen Racing. The Inter Europol Competition boasts two LMP2 cars, with 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 winner Jakub Smiechowski leading the charge. IDEC Sport, the 2019 ELMS Champions, returns with a single-car entry, and British team Vector Sport makes its ELMS debut.
The Emergence of LMP2 Pro/Am Class
The LMP2 Pro/Am class, featuring eight cars, includes the return of reigning champions AF Corse. Notable drivers such as François Perrodo, Matthieu Vaxiviere, and Alessio Rovera will grace this category, alongside Greek driver Kriton Lendoudis with Algarve Pro Racing.
Inaugural LMGT3 Category
The ELMS 2024 season will also see the introduction of the LMGT3 class, attracting eleven cars from prestigious brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. The class features entries such as the reigning LMGTE Champions Proton Competition and the Iron Dames team.
Anticipation for the Season
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, and Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the ELMS, have expressed their excitement for what promises to be an extraordinary season. The series will commence on 14th April at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with additional races at Le Castellet, Imola, Spa-Francorchamps, and Mugello, concluding in Portimão on 19th October.
The 2024 ELMS season is shaping up to be a historic one, marked by its largest grid, the introduction of the LMGT3 class, and an array of talented drivers and teams. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the start of what promises to be a thrilling and competitive series of endurance racing events.
