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2026 | ELMS | Imola | Forestier Racing by Panis converts pole into commanding win

Karishma Persad018 mins
Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as TF Sport, Vector Sport and CLX Motorsport triumph in the 2026 ELMS class battles today.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia
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Forestier Racing by Panis claimed victory in Round 3 of the 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS), as Esteban Masson, Louis Rousset and Oliver Gray won the 4 Hours of Imola in the #29 Oreca-Gibson.

Masson crossed the line 51.594 seconds ahead of the #22 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson of Ben Hanley, Grégoire Saucy and Griffin Peebles. Meanwhile, the #25 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca-Gibson completed the overall podium.

Vector Sport took LMP2 Pro/Am victory with the #7 Oreca-Gibson, while CLX Motorsport won LMP3 with the #17 Ligier-Toyota. In LMGT3, TF Sport converted pole into victory with the #33 Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R.

Before Sunday’s race, Forestier Racing by Panis had already led both practice sessions. Then, Masson secured his second consecutive ELMS pole position of 2026, before the team completed a commanding weekend with victory in Imola.

2026 ELMS Imola: FP1: Forestier Racing by Panis starts Italian weekend on top

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Esteban Masson set the pace during Friday’s opening 90-minute Free Practice session in the #29 Forestier Racing by Panis Oreca-Gibson. The French driver recorded a 1:31.500 to put the team at the head of the 47-car field in hot conditions at Imola.

Jake Hughes followed in the #25 Algarve Pro Racing entry, finishing 0.529s behind. Jack Doohan placed third overall for Nielsen Racing with a 1:32.117 in the #24 Oreca-Gibson.

Scott Huffaker led LMP2 Pro/Am for TDS Racing with a 1:32.314 in the #14 Oreca-Gibson, which placed him fourth overall. Malthe Jakobsen finished second in the category for Algarve Pro Racing, while Alex Quinn put the #27 Nielsen Racing car third in class.

Wyatt Brichacek led LMP3 for DKR Engineering with a 1:39.514 in the #4 Ligier-Toyota. Matteo Quintarelli followed in the #8 Team Virage Ligier, while the #13 Inter Europol Competition car completed the top three in class.

Marius Fossard moved the #59 Racing Spirit of Léman Aston Martin to the top of LMGT3 with a 1:42.492. Charlie Eastwood followed in the #33 TF Sport Corvette, while Daniel Serra placed the #57 Kessel Racing Ferrari third in class. The top six LMGT3 cars came from six different manufacturers and finished within 0.450s of each other.

FP1 classification

  1. #29 Forestier Racing by Panis – LMP2 – 1:31.500 – Leader
  2. #25 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 – 1:32.029 – +0.529
  3. #24 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 – 1:32.117 – +0.617
  4. #14 TDS Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.314 – +0.814
  5. #28 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – 1:32.337 – +0.837
  6. #20 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.381 – +0.881
  7. #22 United Autosports – LMP2 – 1:32.438 – +0.938
  8. #27 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.483 – +0.983
  9. #18 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – 1:32.636 – +1.136
  10. #21 United Autosports – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.703 – +1.203
  11. #30 Duqueine Team – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.861 – +1.361
  12. #3 DKR Engineering – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.876 – +1.376
  13. #83 AF Corse – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.882 – +1.382
  14. #47 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.912 – +1.412
  15. #37 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 – 1:32.978 – +1.478
  16. #88 Proton Competition – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.337 – +1.837
  17. #99 AO by TF – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.350 – +1.850
  18. #19 Rossa Racing by Virage – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.364 – +1.864
  19. #43 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – 1:33.406 – +1.906
  20. #34 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – 1:33.441 – +1.941
  21. #10 Vector Sport – LMP2 – 1:33.705 – +2.205
  22. #9 Proton Competition – LMP2 – 1:33.808 – +2.308
  23. #7 Vector Sport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.815 – +2.315
  24. #4 DKR Engineering – LMP3 – 1:39.514 – +8.014
  25. #8 Team Virage – LMP3 – 1:40.058 – +8.558
  26. #13 Inter Europol Competition – LMP3 – 1:40.063 – +8.563
  27. #17 CLX Motorsport – LMP3 – 1:40.081 – +8.581
  28. #5 Rinaldi Racing – LMP3 – 1:40.495 – +8.995
  29. #35 Ultimate – LMP3 – 1:40.542 – +9.042
  30. #31 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMP3 – 1:40.569 – +9.069
  31. #11 Eurointernational – LMP3 – 1:40.710 – +9.210
  32. #85 R-ace GP – LMP3 – 1:40.765 – +9.265
  33. #68 M Racing – LMP3 – 1:41.153 – +9.653
  34. #59 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMGT3 – 1:42.492 – +10.992
  35. #33 TF Sport – LMGT3 – 1:42.728 – +11.228
  36. #57 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 1:42.764 – +11.264
  37. #77 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 1:42.854 – +11.354
  38. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 1:42.936 – +11.436
  39. #23 United Autosports – LMGT3 – 1:42.942 – +11.442
  40. #50 Richard Mille AF Corse – LMGT3 – 1:43.057 – +11.557
  41. #55 Spirit of Race – LMGT3 – 1:43.148 – +11.648
  42. #74 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 1:43.404 – +11.904
  43. #75 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 1:43.605 – +12.105
  44. #51 AF Corse – LMGT3 – 1:43.651 – +12.151
  45. #54 High Class Racing – LMGT3 – 1:43.676 – +12.176
  46. #63 Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 1:43.740 – +12.240
  47. #86 GR Racing – LMGT3 – 1:43.761 – +12.261

2026 ELMS Imola: Bronze Driver Test: Roda puts Duqueine Team on top

Giorgio Roda led the Bronze Driver Collective Test at Imola for Duqueine Team, setting a 1:33.854 in the #30 Oreca-Gibson. The Italian driver completed his best lap on lap 12 and placed the LMP2 Pro/Am entry at the top of the session.

Georgios Kolovos followed in second for CLX Motorsport in the #47 Oreca-Gibson, 0.178s behind Roda. Meanwhile, Jean Glorieux completed the top three for DKR Engineering in the #3 Oreca-Gibson, 0.283s off the fastest time.

Steven Thomas placed the #14 TDS Racing Oreca fourth, ahead of PJ Hyett in the #99 AO by TF entry. Jens Reno Møller followed in sixth for Vector Sport, while Michael Jensen put the #20 Algarve Pro Racing car seventh.

In LMP3, DKR Engineering led the way with the #4 Ligier-Toyota. Antti Rammo set a 1:40.399 to finish 13th overall, ahead of the #11 Eurointernational Ligier and the #85 R-ace GP Duqueine.

TF Sport topped LMGT3 with the #33 Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R. Blake McDonald set a 1:42.984 to beat the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG and the #59 Racing Spirit of Léman Aston Martin. The session took place in dry conditions, with air temperature at 32.90°C and track temperature at 50.40°C.

Bronze Driver Collective Test classification

  1. #30 Duqueine Team – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.854 – Leader
  2. #47 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:34.032 – +0.178
  3. #3 DKR Engineering – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:34.137 – +0.283
  4. #14 TDS Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:34.831 – +0.977
  5. #99 AO by TF – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:34.903 – +1.049
  6. #7 Vector Sport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:34.987 – +1.133
  7. #20 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:35.226 – +1.372
  8. #83 AF Corse – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:35.413 – +1.559
  9. #88 Proton Competition – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:35.614 – +1.760
  10. #21 United Autosports – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:35.649 – +1.795
  11. #19 Rossa Racing by Virage – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:36.244 – +2.390
  12. #27 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:38.495 – +4.641
  13. #4 DKR Engineering – LMP3 – 1:40.399 – +6.545
  14. #11 Eurointernational – LMP3 – 1:40.820 – +6.966
  15. #85 R-ace GP – LMP3 – 1:40.946 – +7.092
  16. #17 CLX Motorsport – LMP3 – 1:41.168 – +7.314
  17. #5 Rinaldi Racing – LMP3 – 1:41.234 – +7.380
  18. #13 Inter Europol Competition – LMP3 – 1:42.129 – +8.275
  19. #31 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMP3 – 1:42.298 – +8.444
  20. #35 Ultimate – LMP3 – 1:42.339 – +8.485
  21. #8 Team Virage – LMP3 – 1:42.743 – +8.889
  22. #33 TF Sport – LMGT3 – 1:42.984 – +9.130
  23. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 1:43.076 – +9.222
  24. #59 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMGT3 – 1:43.088 – +9.234
  25. #68 M Racing – LMP3 – 1:43.688 – +9.834
  26. #50 Richard Mille AF Corse – LMGT3 – 1:43.966 – +10.112
  27. #55 Spirit of Race – LMGT3 – 1:43.985 – +10.131
  28. #63 Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 1:44.113 – +10.259
  29. #74 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 1:44.300 – +10.446
  30. #75 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 1:44.324 – +10.470
  31. #57 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 1:44.524 – +10.670
  32. #54 High Class Racing – LMGT3 – 1:44.625 – +10.771
  33. #23 United Autosports – LMGT3 – 1:44.813 – +10.959
  34. #77 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 1:44.853 – +10.999
  35. #86 GR Racing – LMGT3 – 1:45.404 – +11.550
  36. #51 AF Corse – LMGT3 – 1:45.527 – +11.673
  37. #9 Proton Competition – LMP2 – No time
  38. #10 Vector Sport – LMP2 – No time
  39. #18 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – No time
  40. #22 United Autosports – LMP2 – No time
  41. #24 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 – No time
  42. #25 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 – No time
  43. #28 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – No time
  44. #29 Forestier Racing by Panis – LMP2 – No time
  45. #34 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – No time
  46. #37 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 – No time
  47. #43 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – No time

2026 ELMS Imola: FP2: Forestier Racing by Panis continues to set the pace

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Forestier Racing by Panis remained fastest in the second 90-minute Free Practice session at Imola, as Esteban Masson put the #29 Oreca-Gibson back on top with a 1:31.991. The lap kept the team ahead for the second consecutive practice session.

Ian Aguilera came closest in the #37 CLX Motorsport Oreca-Gibson, finishing just 0.005s behind Masson. Grégoire Saucy placed the #22 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson third, while IDEC Sport completed the top four with the #28 Oreca-Gibson.

TDS Racing led LMP2 Pro/Am again, with Sami Meguetounif setting a 1:32.461 in the #14 Oreca-Gibson. Louis Delétraz followed in the #99 AO by TF entry, while James Allen put the #27 Nielsen Racing car third in class.

In LMP3, Pierre-Alexandre Provost moved the #85 R-ace GP Duqueine-Toyota to the top with a 1:39.800. Louis Iglesias placed second for CLX Motorsport in the #17 Ligier-Toyota, while DKR Engineering completed the class top three with the #4 Ligier-Toyota.

Racing Spirit of Léman continued its strong LMGT3 practice form. Valentin Hasse Clot set a 1:41.688 in the #59 Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3, beating Charlie Eastwood in the #33 TF Sport Corvette by 0.780s. GR Racing followed in third with the #86 Ferrari 296 LMGT3 Evo.

FP2 classification

  1. #29 Forestier Racing by Panis – LMP2 – 1:31.991 – Leader
  2. #37 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 – 1:31.996 – +0.005
  3. #22 United Autosports – LMP2 – 1:32.155 – +0.164
  4. #28 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – 1:32.391 – +0.400
  5. #14 TDS Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.461 – +0.470
  6. #10 Vector Sport – LMP2 – 1:32.511 – +0.520
  7. #34 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – 1:32.565 – +0.574
  8. #99 AO by TF – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.569 – +0.578
  9. #27 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.674 – +0.683
  10. #24 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 – 1:32.729 – +0.738
  11. #25 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 – 1:32.797 – +0.806
  12. #83 AF Corse – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.944 – +0.953
  13. #47 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:32.949 – +0.958
  14. #18 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – 1:33.119 – +1.128
  15. #20 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.171 – +1.180
  16. #43 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – 1:33.205 – +1.214
  17. #19 Rossa Racing by Virage – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.288 – +1.297
  18. #3 DKR Engineering – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.569 – +1.578
  19. #21 United Autosports – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.622 – +1.631
  20. #30 Duqueine Team – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.631 – +1.640
  21. #88 Proton Competition – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.656 – +1.665
  22. #7 Vector Sport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 1:33.667 – +1.676
  23. #9 Proton Competition – LMP2 – 1:33.805 – +1.814
  24. #85 R-ace GP – LMP3 – 1:39.800 – +7.809
  25. #17 CLX Motorsport – LMP3 – 1:39.963 – +7.972
  26. #4 DKR Engineering – LMP3 – 1:40.506 – +8.515
  27. #31 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMP3 – 1:40.600 – +8.609
  28. #68 M Racing – LMP3 – 1:40.734 – +8.743
  29. #35 Ultimate – LMP3 – 1:41.508 – +9.517
  30. #8 Team Virage – LMP3 – 1:41.580 – +9.589
  31. #59 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMGT3 – 1:41.688 – +9.697
  32. #5 Rinaldi Racing – LMP3 – 1:42.016 – +10.025
  33. #13 Inter Europol Competition – LMP3 – 1:42.074 – +10.083
  34. #33 TF Sport – LMGT3 – 1:42.468 – +10.477
  35. #86 GR Racing – LMGT3 – 1:42.720 – +10.729
  36. #57 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 1:42.743 – +10.752
  37. #23 United Autosports – LMGT3 – 1:42.851 – +10.860
  38. #77 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 1:42.885 – +10.894
  39. #50 Richard Mille AF Corse – LMGT3 – 1:42.927 – +10.936
  40. #63 Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 1:42.988 – +10.997
  41. #51 AF Corse – LMGT3 – 1:42.988 – +10.997
  42. #54 High Class Racing – LMGT3 – 1:43.007 – +11.016
  43. #74 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 1:43.132 – +11.141
  44. #55 Spirit of Race – LMGT3 – 1:43.169 – +11.178
  45. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 1:43.186 – +11.195
  46. #75 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 1:44.011 – +12.020
  47. #11 Eurointernational – LMP3 – No time

2026 ELMS Imola: LMGT3 Qualifying: McDonald claims pole for TF Sport

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Blake McDonald claimed LMGT3 pole for TF Sport in the #33 Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R after a close fight with Clément Mateu in the #59 Racing Spirit of Léman Aston Martin.

Mateu set the early pace and posted provisional pole for three consecutive laps before he returned to the pits for fresh Goodyear Eagles. Abdulla Ali Al-Khelaifi also joined the fight in the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG, as he chased a third consecutive LMGT3 pole.

With three minutes remaining, McDonald moved ahead with a 1:42.664, only 0.060s clear of Mateu. However, Mateu responded on the next lap and put the Aston Martin back on top with a 1:42.441.

Both drivers improved their pace on the final lap, but McDonald crossed the line with a 1:42.339 to secure pole by 0.102s. Mateu stayed second and put Racing Spirit of Léman on the front row, while Al-Khelaifi qualified third for Team Qatar by Iron Lynx.

Custodio Toledo placed the #50 Richard Mille AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3 fourth. Meanwhile, Martin Berry completed the top five in the #77 Proton Competition Porsche 911 GT3 R, giving LMGT3 five different manufacturers inside the top five.

LMGT3 Qualifying classification

  1. #33 TF Sport – 1:42.339 – Pole
  2. #59 Racing Spirit of Léman – 1:42.441 – +0.102
  3. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx – 1:42.985 – +0.646
  4. #50 Richard Mille AF Corse – 1:43.781 – +1.442
  5. #77 Proton Competition – 1:43.785 – +1.446
  6. #54 High Class Racing – 1:43.882 – +1.543
  7. #75 Proton Competition – 1:43.952 – +1.613
  8. #63 Iron Lynx – 1:43.990 – +1.651
  9. #74 Kessel Racing – 1:44.201 – +1.862
  10. #57 Kessel Racing – 1:44.343 – +2.004
  11. #86 GR Racing – 1:44.955 – +2.616
  12. #23 United Autosports – 1:45.169 – +2.830
  13. #51 AF Corse – 1:45.525 – +3.186
  14. #55 Spirit of Race – No time

2026 ELMS Imola: LMP3 Qualifying: Iglesias claims pole on ELMS debut

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Louis Iglesias claimed LMP3 pole on his ELMS debut in Imola for CLX Motorsport, putting the #17 Ligier-Toyota at the front of the class grid for the first time in 2026.

The 15-minute session developed into a three-way fight between Iglesias, Pierre-Alexandre Provost in the #85 R-ace GP Duqueine-Toyota and Wyatt Brichacek in the #4 DKR Engineering Ligier-Toyota. The trio repeatedly traded provisional pole as the lap times continued to fall.

With four minutes remaining, Provost held the top spot with a 1:39.296, only 0.018s ahead of Brichacek. However, Iglesias then posted a 1:39.046 to move 0.250s clear.

Provost responded with a 1:38.731, before Iglesias improved again with a 1:38.806. Then, at the chequered flag, Iglesias delivered a 1:38.367 to take pole by 0.232s from Provost, who improved to a 1:38.599.

Brichacek qualified third for DKR Engineering, while Lenny Ried placed fourth in the #31 Racing Spirit of Léman Ligier-Toyota. Matteo Quintarelli completed the top five for Team Virage in the #8 Ligier-Toyota.

LMP3 Qualifying classification

  1. #17 CLX Motorsport – 1:38.367 – Pole
  2. #85 R-ace GP – 1:38.599 – +0.232
  3. #4 DKR Engineering – 1:39.207 – +0.840
  4. #31 Racing Spirit of Léman – 1:39.322 – +0.955
  5. #8 Team Virage – 1:39.490 – +1.123
  6. #5 Rinaldi Racing – 1:39.609 – +1.242
  7. #35 Ultimate – 1:40.041 – +1.674
  8. #68 M Racing – 1:40.070 – +1.703
  9. #11 Eurointernational – 1:40.117 – +1.750
  10. #13 Inter Europol Competition – 1:40.251 – +1.884

2026 ELMS Imola: LMP2 Pro/Am Qualifying: Roda beats Glorieux by 0.007s

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Giorgio Roda claimed LMP2 Pro/Am pole for Duqueine Team after edging Jean Glorieux by just 0.007s in a tense qualifying fight at Imola.

Roda put the #30 Oreca-Gibson at the head of the class with a 1:33.195. Glorieux pushed him to the final moments in the #3 DKR Engineering Oreca-Gibson, but his 1:33.202 left him narrowly short of pole.

Steven Thomas also joined the fight in the #14 TDS Racing Oreca-Gibson and qualified third with a 1:33.251. As a result, the top three finished covered by only 0.056s.

Jens Reno Møller placed fourth for Vector Sport in the #7 Oreca-Gibson, while John Falb completed the top five in the #19 Rossa Racing by Virage entry. PJ Hyett followed in sixth for AO by TF, with Horst Felbermayr seventh for Proton Competition.

Meanwhile, Georgios Kolovos failed to set a valid time in the #47 CLX Motorsport Oreca-Gibson and started from the back of the LMP2 Pro/Am field.

LMP2 Pro/Am Qualifying classification

  1. #30 Duqueine Team – 1:33.195 – Pole
  2. #3 DKR Engineering – 1:33.202 – +0.007
  3. #14 TDS Racing – 1:33.251 – +0.056
  4. #7 Vector Sport – 1:33.652 – +0.457
  5. #19 Rossa Racing by Virage – 1:33.918 – +0.723
  6. #99 AO by TF – 1:34.014 – +0.819
  7. #88 Proton Competition – 1:34.761 – +1.566
  8. #83 AF Corse – 1:34.784 – +1.589
  9. #21 United Autosports – 1:34.964 – +1.769
  10. #20 Algarve Pro Racing – 1:35.382 – +2.187
  11. #27 Nielsen Racing – 1:36.075 – +2.880
  12. #47 CLX Motorsport – No valid time

2026 ELMS Imola: LMP2 Qualifying: Masson takes second consecutive pole

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Esteban Masson completed Forestier Racing by Panis’ qualifying sweep at Imola by taking overall pole in the #29 Oreca-Gibson.

Masson set a 1:30.866 and secured his second consecutive ELMS pole position of 2026 in Imola after also leading qualifying at Le Castellet. The lap confirmed Forestier Racing by Panis’ pace after the team topped both Free Practice sessions earlier in the weekend.

Ian Aguilera came closest in the #37 CLX Motorsport Oreca-Gibson. He crossed the line with a 1:30.898 and missed pole by only 0.032s. Meanwhile, Grégoire Saucy put the #22 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson third with a 1:30.928.

Reshad de Gerus placed the #34 Inter Europol Competition Oreca-Gibson fourth, just 0.116s away from pole. Job van Uitert followed in fifth for IDEC Sport, while Jack Doohan took sixth for Nielsen Racing.

Laurents Hörr qualified seventh in the #18 IDEC Sport Oreca-Gibson, ahead of Jake Hughes in the #25 Algarve Pro Racing entry. Nicholas Yelloly and Vladislav Lomko completed the top 10 for Inter Europol Competition and Vector Sport respectively.

LMP2 Qualifying classification

  1. #29 Forestier Racing by Panis – 1:30.866 – Pole
  2. #37 CLX Motorsport – 1:30.898 – +0.032
  3. #22 United Autosports – 1:30.928 – +0.062
  4. #34 Inter Europol Competition – 1:30.982 – +0.116
  5. #28 IDEC Sport – 1:30.990 – +0.124
  6. #24 Nielsen Racing – 1:31.228 – +0.362
  7. #18 IDEC Sport – 1:31.270 – +0.404
  8. #25 Algarve Pro Racing – 1:31.336 – +0.470
  9. #43 Inter Europol Competition – 1:31.676 – +0.810
  10. #10 Vector Sport – 1:32.122 – +1.256
  11. #9 Proton Competition – 1:32.174 – +1.308

2026 ELMS Imola: Race: Forestier Racing by Panis converts pole into victory

Forestier Racing by Panis wins at Imola as Vector Sport, CLX Motorsport and TF Sport take major 2026 ELMS class wins in Italy race now.
Photo Credit: European Le Mans Series | FocusPackMedia

Louis Rousset led the 47-car field into Turn 1 from pole in the #29 Forestier Racing by Panis Oreca-Gibson, with Adrien Closmenil following in the #37 CLX Motorsport Oreca-Gibson. Griffin Peebles held third for United Autosports in the #22 Oreca-Gibson. Further back, Giorgio Roda led LMP2 Pro/Am from pole in the #30 Duqueine Team Oreca-Gibson, Paul Lanchère headed LMP3 in the #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier-Toyota, and Blake McDonald controlled LMGT3 in the #33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R.

Closmenil attacked on lap eight and moved the #37 CLX Motorsport Oreca-Gibson past Rousset at Variante Villeneuve. However, the race changed almost immediately when the #68 M Racing Ligier-Toyota ran into the gravel. Race Control deployed the first Virtual Safety Car, and most of the field pitted. The #37 CLX Motorsport car and the #19 Rossa Racing by Virage Oreca-Gibson stayed out, while CLX Motorsport and Team Virage used the neutralisation to complete early long stops in LMP3.

When racing resumed, Peebles moved the #22 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson into second, with the #29 Forestier Racing by Panis entry close behind. However, the #37 CLX Motorsport car then served a drive-through penalty for a start infringement, which handed the overall lead to Peebles.

Further incidents continued to reshape the race. The #28 IDEC Sport Oreca-Gibson went into the gravel at Villeneuve and triggered a Full Course Yellow. Later, contact between the #4 DKR Engineering Ligier-Toyota and the #57 Kessel Racing Ferrari 296 LMGT3 left Takeshi Kimura in the gravel. Then, the #99 AO by TF Oreca-Gibson lost its front-left wheel and returned slowly to the pits.

Another Virtual Safety Car followed when the #59 Racing Spirit of Léman Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 missed the braking point at Turn 2 and collided with the #63 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3. After the restart, Grégoire Saucy defended the race lead in the #22 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson, while Oliver Gray attacked in the #29 Forestier Racing by Panis car.

The decisive moment came in the pits. Forestier Racing by Panis completed the cleaner stop and sent Esteban Masson back out ahead of United Autosports. From there, Masson pulled clear and built a lead of more than 50 seconds before taking the chequered flag. He secured victory for the #29 Forestier Racing by Panis crew of Masson, Rousset and Gray.

The #22 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson of Ben Hanley, Saucy and Peebles finished second, while the #25 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca-Gibson completed the overall 2026 ELMS podium in Imola. Vector Sport claimed its first ELMS class victory in LMP2 Pro/Am with Jens Reno Møller, Cem Bölükbaşı and Lorenzo Fluxa in the #7 Oreca-Gibson. CLX Motorsport won LMP3 with the #17 Ligier-Toyota, while TF Sport won LMGT3 with the #33 Corvette.

Vector Sport takes first LMP2 Pro/Am victory

The LMP2 Pro/Am battle changed repeatedly during the four-hour race. The #88 Proton Competition Oreca-Gibson led the class with Horst Felix Felbermayr, but a 10-second stop-and-go penalty dropped the car down the order.

Later, the #19 Rossa Racing by Virage Oreca-Gibson pitted from the class lead and handed first place to Vector Sport. Lorenzo Fluxa then kept the #7 Vector Sport Oreca-Gibson ahead and crossed the line 4.103s in front of Malthe Jakobsen in the #20 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca-Gibson. The #21 United Autosports Oreca-Gibson completed the class podium.

CLX Motorsport controls LMP3

CLX Motorsport converted LMP3 pole into victory after an impressive weekend from the #17 Ligier-Toyota crew. Lanchère started from the class lead, and the team’s early strategy call helped it control the race after the pit cycles.

Louis Iglesias completed a standout 2026 ELMS debut weekend after taking pole on Saturday and helping CLX Motorsport win on Sunday in Imola. Rinaldi Racing finished second with the #5 Ligier-Toyota, while Team Virage completed the podium with the #8 Ligier-Toyota.

Eastwood charges TF Sport back to LMGT3 lead

TF Sport also converted pole into victory in LMGT3, although Charlie Eastwood needed a late charge to reclaim the class lead.

High Class Racing moved the #54 Porsche 911 GT3 R into the lead after fitting only two Goodyear tyres during the final stop. Eastwood rejoined fourth in the #33 TF Sport Corvette, behind the #54 Porsche, Maxime Martin in the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG, and Thomas Sargent in the #75 Proton Competition Porsche.

Eastwood then attacked quickly. He passed Sargent, overtook Martin, and moved past the leading #54 Porsche on the same lap. Martin also cleared the struggling Porsche shortly afterwards, but Eastwood held on and won LMGT3 by 1.898s. The #77 Proton Competition Porsche completed the podium.

2026 4 Hours of Imola classification

  1. #29 Forestier Racing by Panis – LMP2 – 126 laps – 4:00:05.880 – Winner
  2. #22 United Autosports – LMP2 – 126 laps – 4:00:57.474 – +51.594
  3. #25 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 – 126 laps – 4:01:04.886 – +59.006
  4. #18 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – 126 laps – 4:01:10.452 – +1:04.572
  5. #7 Vector Sport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:15.908 – +1:10.028
  6. #20 Algarve Pro Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:20.011 – +1:14.131
  7. #21 United Autosports – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:21.435 – +1:15.555
  8. #24 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 – 126 laps – 4:01:22.842 – +1:16.962
  9. #19 Rossa Racing by Virage – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:28.195 – +1:22.315
  10. #83 AF Corse – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:29.632 – +1:23.752
  11. #47 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:33.625 – +1:27.745
  12. #30 Duqueine Team – LMP2 Pro/Am – 126 laps – 4:01:34.409 – +1:28.529
  13. #34 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – 125 laps – 4:01:15.804 – 1 lap
  14. #9 Proton Competition – LMP2 – 125 laps – 4:01:16.154 – 1 lap
  15. #3 DKR Engineering – LMP2 Pro/Am – 125 laps – 4:01:19.198 – 1 lap
  16. #99 AO by TF – LMP2 Pro/Am – 125 laps – 4:01:26.848 – 1 lap
  17. #37 CLX Motorsport – LMP2 – 125 laps – 4:01:28.802 – 1 lap
  18. #43 Inter Europol Competition – LMP2 – 125 laps – 4:01:38.004 – 1 lap
  19. #88 Proton Competition – LMP2 Pro/Am – 124 laps – 4:00:39.900 – 2 laps
  20. #27 Nielsen Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 121 laps – 4:00:36.841 – 5 laps
  21. #28 IDEC Sport – LMP2 – 121 laps – 4:01:35.098 – 5 laps
  22. #17 CLX Motorsport – LMP3 – 119 laps – 4:00:25.361 – 7 laps
  23. #33 TF Sport – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:00:50.527 – 7 laps
  24. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:00:52.425 – 7 laps
  25. #5 Rinaldi Racing – LMP3 – 119 laps – 4:00:54.697 – 7 laps
  26. #8 Team Virage – LMP3 – 119 laps – 4:01:11.034 – 7 laps
  27. #77 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:01:16.533 – 7 laps
  28. #75 Proton Competition – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:01:23.431 – 7 laps
  29. #11 Eurointernational – LMP3 – 119 laps – 4:01:25.572 – 7 laps
  30. #4 DKR Engineering – LMP3 – 119 laps – 4:01:27.161 – 7 laps
  31. #54 High Class Racing – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:01:29.501 – 7 laps
  32. #31 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMP3 – 119 laps – 4:01:30.885 – 7 laps
  33. #51 AF Corse – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:01:40.373 – 7 laps
  34. #86 GR Racing – LMGT3 – 119 laps – 4:01:47.745 – 7 laps
  35. #50 Richard Mille AF Corse – LMGT3 – 118 laps – 4:00:07.958 – 8 laps
  36. #35 Ultimate – LMP3 – 118 laps – 4:00:17.618 – 8 laps
  37. #55 Spirit of Race – LMGT3 – 118 laps – 4:00:42.234 – 8 laps
  38. #74 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 118 laps – 4:00:43.318 – 8 laps
  39. #85 R-ace GP – LMP3 – 118 laps – 4:00:44.087 – 8 laps
  40. #68 M Racing – LMP3 – 118 laps – 4:01:29.975 – 8 laps
  41. #57 Kessel Racing – LMGT3 – 117 laps – 4:01:34.126 – 9 laps
  42. #13 Inter Europol Competition – LMP3 – 109 laps – 4:00:48.606 – 17 laps
  43. #23 United Autosports – LMGT3 – 70 laps – 2:38:05.781 – 56 laps
  44. #14 TDS Racing – LMP2 Pro/Am – 55 laps – 1:54:58.437 – 71 laps
  45. #63 Iron Lynx – LMGT3 – 51 laps – 1:51:14.555 – 75 laps
  46. #59 Racing Spirit of Léman – LMGT3 – 51 laps – 1:51:15.194 – 75 laps
  47. #10 Vector Sport – LMP2 – 126 laps – 4:01:20.761 – Classified 47th

LMP2 classification

  1. #29 Forestier Racing by Panis – 126 laps – Winner
  2. #22 United Autosports – 126 laps – +51.594
  3. #25 Algarve Pro Racing – 126 laps – +59.006
  4. #18 IDEC Sport – 126 laps – +1:04.572
  5. #24 Nielsen Racing – 126 laps – +1:16.962
  6. #34 Inter Europol Competition – 125 laps – 1 lap
  7. #9 Proton Competition – 125 laps – 1 lap
  8. #37 CLX Motorsport – 125 laps – 1 lap
  9. #43 Inter Europol Competition – 125 laps – 1 lap
  10. #28 IDEC Sport – 121 laps – 5 laps
  11. #10 Vector Sport – 126 laps – Classified 47th

LMP2 Pro/Am classification

  1. #7 Vector Sport – 126 laps – Winner
  2. #20 Algarve Pro Racing – 126 laps – +4.103
  3. #21 United Autosports – 126 laps – +5.527
  4. #19 Rossa Racing by Virage – 126 laps – +12.287
  5. #83 AF Corse – 126 laps – +13.724
  6. #47 CLX Motorsport – 126 laps – +17.717
  7. #30 Duqueine Team – 126 laps – +18.501
  8. #3 DKR Engineering – 125 laps – 1 lap
  9. #99 AO by TF – 125 laps – 1 lap
  10. #88 Proton Competition – 124 laps – 2 laps
  11. #27 Nielsen Racing – 121 laps – 5 laps
  12. #14 TDS Racing – 55 laps – 71 laps

LMP3 classification

  1. #17 CLX Motorsport – 119 laps – Winner
  2. #5 Rinaldi Racing – 119 laps – +29.336
  3. #8 Team Virage – 119 laps – +45.673
  4. #11 Eurointernational – 119 laps – +1:00.211
  5. #4 DKR Engineering – 119 laps – +1:01.800
  6. #31 Racing Spirit of Léman – 119 laps – +1:05.524
  7. #35 Ultimate – 118 laps – 1 lap
  8. #85 R-ace GP – 118 laps – 1 lap
  9. #68 M Racing – 118 laps – 1 lap
  10. #13 Inter Europol Competition – 109 laps – 10 laps

LMGT3 classification

  1. #33 TF Sport – 119 laps – Winner
  2. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx – 119 laps – +1.898
  3. #77 Proton Competition – 119 laps – +26.006
  4. #75 Proton Competition – 119 laps – +32.904
  5. #54 High Class Racing – 119 laps – +38.974
  6. #51 AF Corse – 119 laps – +49.846
  7. #86 GR Racing – 119 laps – +57.218
  8. #50 Richard Mille AF Corse – 118 laps – 1 lap
  9. #55 Spirit of Race – 118 laps – 1 lap
  10. #74 Kessel Racing – 118 laps – 1 lap
  11. #57 Kessel Racing – 117 laps – 2 laps
  12. #23 United Autosports – 70 laps – 49 laps
  13. #63 Iron Lynx – 51 laps – 68 laps
  14. #59 Racing Spirit of Léman – 51 laps – 68 laps

Spa-Francorchamps awaits

Forestier Racing by Panis left Imola with a statement victory after leading both practice sessions, taking pole and converting that speed into a dominant race win. However, United Autosports limited the damage with second place and kept control of the LMP2 championship lead.

Meanwhile, Vector Sport strengthened its LMP2 Pro/Am title challenge with a first 2026 ELMS class win, CLX Motorsport delivered a breakthrough LMP3 performance, and TF Sport moved ahead in LMGT3 after turning pole into victory in Imola.

The European Le Mans Series now heads to Spa-Francorchamps for Round 4, where the championship fights will continue across all four classes.

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