Jean Glorieux will return to the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with DKR Engineering in 2026 after spending the past two seasons away from regular competition.
The 41-year-old Belgian reunites with a team that has played a significant role throughout his prototype racing career. Together, Glorieux and DKR achieved considerable success in the Michelin Le Mans Cup before stepping up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where they secured an LMP2 Pro/Am podium in 2022.
Consequently, Glorieux enters his ELMS comeback with championship-winning experience, a strong relationship with DKR and a clear appreciation of the competitive challenge ahead. The new campaign will begin at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 12 April.
Glorieux returns after two seasons away
Glorieux last competed during the 2023 24 Hours of Spa, where he earned a Pro-Am podium. He then stepped away from racing for two seasons before deciding to resume his career with DKR.
Although the break has required him to rebuild his preparation and race fitness, Glorieux approaches his return with considerable enthusiasm. Moreover, the opportunity to compete in the ELMS gives him the chance to re-establish himself in one of Europe’s leading endurance racing championships.
“I had a break from racing for the last two seasons, with a pro-am podium in the 2023 Spa 24hrs being my last race,” he said. “I am looking forward to compete again in one of the most beautiful championships and cars of the planet.”
His return also renews a successful partnership. Rather than joining an unfamiliar organisation after his absence, Glorieux will work with personnel whose methods, standards and ambitions he already understands.
Previous success strengthens Glorieux’s comeback
Glorieux first established himself as a leading prototype competitor through his performances in the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
During the 2017 season, he and Spanish teammate Alex Toril claimed four victories from seven starts and won the championship by 24 points. Glorieux also demonstrated exceptional Qualifying pace by securing five pole positions from six attempts, while Toril took pole for the opening Road to Le Mans contest.
Glorieux later returned to the championship with DKR and finished second to teammate Laurents Hörr in the 2020 Drivers’ standings despite missing the Portimão finale. During that campaign, he won at Le Castellet, Le Mans and Monza, while his pole position at Le Castellet provided the foundation for another victory.
Therefore, Glorieux returns to the ELMS with an established record of success rather than approaching the season as an inexperienced competitor. His previous results also underline the strength of his relationship with DKR.
Le Mans podium remains a career highlight
Glorieux last competed in the Michelin Le Mans Cup during the 2021 Road to Le Mans before stepping up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with DKR the following year.
Years of contesting support races at the Circuit de la Sarthe and watching the 24-hour event had already taught him how quickly conditions could transform the race. In particular, he understood the additional risks that rain could create during the night.
“From my personal experience in the Le Mans support races and by following most of the Le Mans 24h races on television, I know that things can change rapidly when it rains, certainly during the night, and conditions can be very challenging,” Glorieux said.
The 2022 race remained dry throughout. Nevertheless, Glorieux and his teammates still faced setbacks after two minor incidents cost the crew time.
Despite those difficulties, they recovered and completed the race on the LMP2 Pro/Am podium. The result carried additional significance because all three drivers and the DKR team entered the event as Le Mans rookies.
“The 2022 edition was without any drop of rain, and even with two minor incidents where my co driver and myself lost some time because of a driver error, we were able to get the podium of this legendary race.
“All three drivers and the entire team were rookies at the 24hr race in Le Mans, so we were very proud with this achievement. A boy’s dream coming true.”
That result represented one of the strongest moments of Glorieux’s career and demonstrated his ability to manage the physical, mental and strategic demands of a major endurance race.
Familiarity with DKR supports preparations
Glorieux believes his previous experience with DKR will help him prepare for his return to competition.
The Belgian has already experienced the team’s organisation, commitment and competitive approach. Therefore, he deliberately chose a familiar environment as he prepared to resume racing after his two-year absence.
“I certainly hope so,” he said. “We will see at the end of each race what the results will be, but my choice to drive with DKR again is definitely no coincidence as I’ve experienced how well organised and most of all committed they are to go for the win.
“DKR is an inspiring team with unparalleled dedication and hard work, combined with kindness, sympathy and family traditions. The results they ‘ve achieved so far, speak for themselves.”
The existing relationship should allow Glorieux and DKR to focus immediately on performance. Furthermore, the team already understands his feedback and working style, while he knows what DKR expects from its drivers.
That familiarity could prove particularly valuable during the opening stages of the campaign as Glorieux rebuilds his race rhythm.
Competitive ELMS field adds motivation
Glorieux has chosen not to concentrate on rival teams or driver combinations before the season begins. Instead, he has focused on his preparation and DKR’s programme.
However, he expects the ELMS field to provide a demanding challenge. Rather than seeking an easy path back into competition, he views the strength of the championship as one of the main reasons to return.
“Honestly, I haven’t been looking at the other teams or drivers at all. I am convinced the level will be high and that’s part of my motivation to compete in this series. When you go racing, it’s because you like to compete. And when you like to compete, you don’t want to fight for an easy win. There is no reward behind an easy win.
“We will do our utmost best for the start of the season and work from session to session, from race to race and finally see where we end up at the end of the season knowing that we’ve given our 100%.”
Accordingly, Glorieux intends to adopt a methodical approach. He will evaluate each session, build his performance throughout every race weekend and judge the success of his comeback at the end of the campaign.
Nevertheless, his record with DKR ensures that the partnership will retain strong competitive ambitions.
Barcelona provides a familiar opening test
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the opening round of the 2026 ELMS season on Sunday, 12 April.
Glorieux already knows the Spanish venue and enjoys its combination of high-, medium- and low-speed corners. In addition, he welcomed the removal of the final-sector chicane in 2023, which restored a faster and more flowing conclusion to the lap.
“I love the track,” Glorieux said without hesitation. “It’s not new to me nor to the team, I like the lay out since 2023 when the final sector chicane got removed, increasing the cornering speed in the last two corners. It will be an interesting season opener, a real old school track with a combination of high, low and mid speed sections.”
Barcelona will provide an immediate measure of Glorieux’s preparations after his time away. However, his previous experience of the circuit and DKR’s familiarity with the venue should give the partnership a useful starting point.
Spa stands out on the ELMS calendar
Although Glorieux appreciates the complete ELMS schedule, Spa-Francorchamps holds particular significance.
The championship will visit the Belgian venue on 23 August, giving him the opportunity to compete at home. Spa also carries positive memories after Glorieux earned his most recent podium there during the 2023 24-hour race.
“I am definitely looking forward to race again at my home track Spa Francorchamps on the 23rd August. I have to admit that the calendar in general is looking fantastic and it is composed of many of my top ranked tracks.”
Before reaching Spa, Glorieux must first navigate the opening stages of his ELMS comeback. Nevertheless, he returns with extensive prototype experience, a trusted team and renewed motivation.
After two seasons away, Glorieux will now attempt to turn his successful history with DKR into another competitive European campaign.
