ELMS Returns with Record Grid
The European Le Mans Series began its 22nd season at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya.
A record field of 44 cars competed under warm spring conditions in Spain. The strong entry highlighted the growing popularity of endurance racing in Europe.
The opening round featured packed grids across every category. Fans witnessed close competition and major milestones throughout the weekend.
New LMP3 Era Begins
Barcelona marked the competitive debut for the new generation of LMP3 machinery.
The updated cars now use a 3.5 litre Toyota V6 engine. Ten entries joined the grid for the season opener.
The category immediately delivered strong pace and close racing. Teams adapted quickly to the new package during the opening event.
IDEC Sport and Genesis Make History
The LMP2 category produced one of the biggest stories of the weekend.
IDEC Sport and Genesis secured victory in their first ELMS race together.
The result also created history for Jamie Chadwick. She became the first female winner in the top LMP2 category of the championship.
Overall race victory went to the AF Corse LMP2 Pro Am lineup. Matthieu Vaxiviere, François Perrodo, and Alessio Rovera secured the win after a dramatic final stint.
Vaxiviere overtook three rivals during the closing laps. His charge secured a memorable victory for AF Corse.
Iron Dames Triumph in LMGT3
The LMGT3 category attracted huge attention in Barcelona. Six manufacturers and 13 cars entered the class.
Mercedes AMG and McLaren debuted in ELMS competition. Corvette also returned for the full season.
Victory went to the Iron Dames after a tense finish against Kessel Racing.
Michelle Gatting defended brilliantly during the final lap. She resisted constant pressure from Daniel Serra to secure victory by only 0.7 seconds.
Proton Competition completed the podium with Porsche machinery.
The result carried emotional significance for Iron Dames. Their sister car suffered a major accident during Saturday’s Le Mans Cup race.
Sunday’s victory provided a strong response from the entire team.
Strong Start to the ELMS Season
The 2025 ELMS season opened with impressive numbers across every class.
The championship featured 13 LMP2 cars, 8 LMP2 Pro Am entries, 10 LMP3 cars, and 13 LMGT3 competitors.
Barcelona delivered technical progress, historic achievements, and close racing throughout the weekend.
If the opening round is any indication, the 2025 European Le Mans Series season could become one of the championship’s strongest eras.
Photos: ©Niklas Husmann