IDEC Sport celebrated a monumental milestone at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, marking their first-ever win at home after ten years of racing. “It was a dream come true for us,” said team principal and founder, Eric Boullier, reflecting on the emotional victory at the Circuit Paul Ricard.
Amidst moments of chaotic weather and fierce competition, the team managed to pull off a strategic and resilient race. Mathys Jaubert, who drove the final stint in the #18 Oreca-Gibson, expressed the sense of accomplishment felt by the entire team, saying, “Winning here means everything. The support we received from our families and fans made it even more special.”
The race was not just about their triumph; it was also historic for Jamie Chadwick. With her incredible performance in treacherous conditions, she became the first woman to win outright in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). “I am so proud to be a part of this team and to achieve such a milestone for women in motorsport,” Chadwick stated after the race.
The beginning of the race was tumultuous, as rain arrived just before the green flag, turning the pitlane into a strategic gamble. Cars struggled for control almost immediately. IDEC’s #28 car faced an early spin, and other contenders like the #22 United Autosports Oreca found themselves in trouble as well. This chaos led to the introduction of three safety cars, forcing teams to make critical decisions regarding tire strategies.
Despite the early setbacks, the weather later gave way to evolving track conditions. As competitors shuffled positions, Ferdinand Habsburg temporarily took the lead in the #24 Nielsen Racing Oreca after switching to slicks. However, a second safety car, prompted by an incident between Job van Uitert and Luca Ghiotto, allowed IDEC’s #18 car to regain its competitive edge.
“Sometimes, you just have to be in the right place at the right time,” Jaubert reflected after reclaiming the lead post-pit stops. With James Allen hot on his tail in the #27 Nielsen Racing Pro/Am entry, Jaubert maintained composure throughout the closing laps. He crossed the finish line just 1.8 seconds ahead, securing the coveted win for IDEC Sport.
As for the rest of the podium, Louis Deletraz fought valiantly in the #99 AO by TF car to secure third overall while Mathias Beche in the #29 TDS Racing car finished strong in the LMP2 Pro/Am category. “It was a tough race, but we’re happy with our performance,” Beche commented, pleased with the team's results despite challenges faced earlier in the race.
In the LMP3 category, CLX Motorsport continued its impressive form, with drivers Adrien Closmenil, Theodor Jensen, and Paul Lanchere taking a commanding victory. “We executed our strategy perfectly; it felt like we were in control the entire time,” said Closmenil, showcasing the team's confidence.
The LMGT3 class delivered an electrifying finish as well. Lilou Wadoux successfully held off a challenge from Fabian Schiller in the #63 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG, finishing just 0.305 seconds ahead. “That was the most intense few laps of my life,” Wadoux admitted after her second consecutive class victory. Her achievement contributed to a notable trend in the series this year, as it marked the second race where a female driver graced the podium at ELMS.
The competition was fierce throughout, with the top five LMGT3 cars finishing within five seconds of each other. GR Racing crossed the line in third, followed closely by Spirit of Race and the other AF Corse Ferrari, which bounced back after a late spin.
As the dust settles on a thrilling weekend at Le Castellet, the teams now turn their sights to the next challenge, the 4 Hours of Imola on July 6, 2025. However, many will first head to celebrate the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14-15, promising more action and landmark moments in the coming weeks.
