Inter Europol Competition has confirmed its two LMP2 driver line-ups for the 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) as the team targets another championship challenge.
Nick Yelloly, Tom Dillmann and Kuba Smiechowski will continue together in the #43 Oreca after winning the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans and finishing second in the ELMS championship. Meanwhile, Bijoy Garg and Reshad De Gerus will share the #34 entry as Inter Europol expands its LMP2 programme.
Consequently, the Polish squad will approach the new campaign with both continuity and fresh potential. The #43 crew will aim to convert its recent success into the ELMS title, while the #34 pairing will combine Garg’s growing role within Inter Europol with De Gerus’ proven LMP2 pace.
Fassbender outlines clear title ambitions
Inter Europol Team Principal Sascha Fassbender believes the returning #43 crew gives the team a strong opportunity to challenge for the championship from the opening round.
Yelloly, Dillmann and Smiechowski already share an established working relationship after their successful 2025 campaign. Furthermore, their Le Mans victory and second-place championship finish demonstrated their ability to compete at the front throughout major endurance events.
At the same time, Fassbender expects the younger #34 pairing to contribute strongly. Garg will represent Inter Europol across several international programmes, while De Gerus arrives with previous ELMS experience and multiple pole positions.
“I’m really looking forward to the 2026 ELMS season. In car #43 we have the same lineup as last year, where we finished second in the championship and won Le Mans, so the objective is clear — to fight for the ELMS title. For car #34 we have two young drivers with Bijoy, who continues to show his strong commitment to the team through his programmes in IMSA, ALMS, ELMS and Le Mans. As a Silver driver he has great talent and will be strong for us. Reshad already has good experience for his age, having competed in several ELMS seasons and showing impressive pace, including multiple pole positions. With the two-driver lineup we will have some interesting strategic possibilities during the season, and I hope we can achieve strong results with both cars across the championship.”
Therefore, Inter Europol will enter 2026 with different approaches across its two cars. While the #43 relies on complete continuity, the #34 will use its two-driver structure to explore alternative strategic options during the season.
Yelloly targets the final step after successful reunion
Yelloly will continue with the same teammates and crew after helping Inter Europol achieve one of the strongest seasons in its prototype racing history.
The British driver believes that familiarity should allow the #43 team to begin the campaign more effectively. Rather than spending the opening rounds establishing working relationships, the returning trio can immediately focus on car development, strategy and performance.
Moreover, Yelloly wants Inter Europol to take the final step after repeatedly challenging near the front of the ELMS field.
“I’m really looking forward to being back with the same crew as last year. We had a very strong season, finishing second in the championship and of course winning Le Mans. This year we want to go one step further and fight for the ELMS title, which I feel the team has been knocking on the door of for the past few seasons. We’ll also return to Le Mans as the defending champions and aim to fight for victory again. Having worked together already, we should be able to start the season stronger and get straight back into the rhythm of things, so I’m really excited for the year ahead.”
In addition to its ELMS objectives, the crew will return to Le Mans as the defending LMP2 winner. As a result, the #43 programme will carry significant expectations across both its European campaign and its return to the French endurance classic.
Dillmann and Smiechowski focus on championship success
Dillmann also views continuity as an important strength. The Frenchman already knows his teammates, engineers and wider Inter Europol operation, giving the team an established platform before the season begins.
However, he has set a straightforward objective after the team narrowly missed the championship in 2025.
“The continuity is great, and I look forward to going racing with the team and my teammates. The goal is clear: make the final step and win the championship.”
Similarly, Smiechowski wants the #43 crew to turn its proven race-winning ability into sustained championship success. He will once again represent a central part of Inter Europol’s long-standing prototype programme.
“I am very happy that we were able to retain the lineup from last year. I think the goal for us is clear – we want to finish the year on top and take the championship trophy home, winning as many races as we can in the process.”
Accordingly, the returning trio will not simply aim to repeat its 2025 results. Instead, Yelloly, Dillmann and Smiechowski will target more victories and the championship that eluded them during their previous campaign.
Garg strengthens his role within Inter Europol
Alongside the returning #43 crew, Garg will add the ELMS to an extensive programme with Inter Europol.
The American continues to develop his prototype racing career while representing the team across several major championships and events. Furthermore, he enters the European campaign after starting the year with podium finishes at Daytona and Abu Dhabi.
Garg expects strong competition throughout the season. Nevertheless, Inter Europol’s recent title challenges and De Gerus’ addition give him confidence that the #34 can compete for major results.
“I am very excited to be back in ELMS and back with Inter Europol! We already started the season strong with podiums in Daytona and Abu Dhabi. The competition will be strong this year, but the team has challenged for the title the last two years, and Reshad will be a great addition to the lineup. I can’t wait to start the season in Barcelona and to contend for wins and podiums.”
Consequently, Garg will enter Barcelona with both momentum and familiarity. His existing relationship with Inter Europol should also help the team integrate De Gerus into the programme efficiently.
De Gerus adds proven ELMS speed
De Gerus joins the #34 entry after finishing fourth in the 2025 ELMS LMP2 standings.
Across his previous ELMS campaigns, the French driver secured two pole positions at Barcelona and two podium finishes. Additionally, he has contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times, finishing third in 2024 and earning the Goodyear Wingfoot Award.
Therefore, De Gerus brings valuable experience despite his relative youth. His established pace should complement Garg and strengthen Inter Europol’s second LMP2 entry from the start of the season.
“It is a privilege to join a team as successful as Inter Europol for the 2026 season. We share the same goals and determination to maximise our potential and compete at the highest level. I believe we have everything we need to have a great season. I can’t wait to be in Barcelona for the first round of the year !”
Moreover, his previous success at Barcelona could prove useful when the championship opens its campaign at the Spanish circuit.
Two-car programme strengthens Inter Europol challenge
Inter Europol will begin the 2026 ELMS season with two crews that offer different but complementary strengths.
The #43 trio brings continuity, championship experience and recent Le Mans-winning form. By contrast, the #34 pairing combines two emerging talents with an adaptable two-driver structure and extensive experience across international prototype competition.
As a result, Inter Europol has created multiple opportunities to fight near the front. The team will pursue the overall title with Yelloly, Dillmann and Smiechowski while also targeting victories and podium finishes through Garg and De Gerus.
After finishing second in the 2025 championship, Inter Europol now enters the new season determined to convert its momentum into the ELMS crown.
