As reported by Sportscar365, Porsche factory driver Kevin Estre is set to make his return to LMP2 competition after more than a decade away. Estre has been confirmed as part of the TDS Racing lineup for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he will race the team’s Oreca 07 Gibson alongside Mathias Beche and debutant Tobias Lutke.
Estre’s return to the LMP2 ranks comes after Porsche Penske Motorsport’s withdrawal from the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the 2025 season. This marked the first time in years that Estre was at risk of missing Le Mans, a race he has competed in since 2014. However, TDS Racing’s offer to race in the iconic endurance event has secured Estre’s return to the prestigious competition.
Estre returns after a decade away from LMP2
For Estre, this marks his first LMP2 outing since 2015 when he raced an OAK Racing Ligier JS P2 Honda in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The move to LMP2 with TDS Racing signifies a return to a class that Estre has not competed in for several years, making this a highly anticipated chapter in his career. Estre has spent his recent years with Porsche, racing in the GTE and Hypercar classes. However, the switch back to LMP2 will offer the experienced driver fresh callenges and opportunities.
Estre joins Beche and Lutke in TDS Racing LMP2 lineup for Le Mans
Estre will share the Oreca 07 Gibson with two other drivers: Mathias Beche, a veteran of Le Mans with previous experience in LMP2, and Canadian Tobias Lutke, who will be making his debut at the event. Beche is no stranger to Le Mans, having finished as a runner-up in the LMP2 Pro-Am class last year with TDS Racing alongside Clement Novalak and Rodrigo Sales.
Lutke, on the other hand, is a newcomer to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Canadian driver is part of TDS Racing’s driver roster in the LMP2 class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and his inclusion in the Le Mans lineup marks an exciting first appearance for him in the famed race.
A busy year for Porsche’s IMSA drivers
Estre is not the only Porsche WeatherTech Championship driver to make an LMP2 appearance at Le Mans this year. Julien Andlauer, another of Porsche’s IMSA regulars, has also secured a seat in LMP2 for the race, having been announced as part of the Duqueine Team lineup. This marks a continued presence for Porsche drivers in the competitive LMP2 class, even as the manufacturer shifts its focus within the broader endurance racing landscape.
Looking ahead to the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans
With Estre’s return to LMP2, the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to be a highly anticipated race. The mix of experienced LMP2 drivers like Beche, fresh talent such as Lutke, and the continued participation of key figures like Estre brings added excitement to the event. As Estre joins TDS Racing for his first outing in the class since 2015, all eyes will be on the team as they take on the iconic endurance challenge.
