The IDEC SPORT team continues its European campaign by entering its LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and its LMP3 in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, where Patrice Lafargue is joined by Dino Lunardi.
For the 2022 season, IDEC SPORT is banking on continuity and on the knowledge acquired over the last few years. The French team is entering two cars in two European championships: its Oreca 07 LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and its LMP3 Ligier JSP320 in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, the sister series of the ELMS.
EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES WITH THE 07 LMP2 ORECA
This 2022 season presents fewer unknowns than the previous one for IDEC SPORT as the Oreca will be run for the fifth year in a row and will be equipped with Goodyear tyres for the second consecutive year.
The trio of 2021 drivers is renewed with Paul Lafargue, Paul-Loup Chatin and Patrick Pilet at the wheel.
Nicolas Minassian, Team Principal of IDEC SPORT: “We have optimised the team and reshaped certain work areas. The LMP2 class is very competitive and the work on performance is becoming increasingly precise, so we are continuing to work on all the details. We have been running a development programme since the end of last season with tests coming up. As far as the drivers are concerned, we are keeping the same line-up, Paul Lafargue and Paul-Loup Chatin, who know each other very well, and Patrick Pilet, who will be with us for a second year. Three drivers who share the same sporting and human values. There is a good atmosphere and a real desire to perform. We know our weak and strong points. We want to try and catch up with the best and get back on the podium”.
The 2022 calendar includes 6 races across Europe. The first will take place in France, at Le Castellet. The second will be held in Italy at Imola, followed by Hungary at the Hungaroring. The fourth meeting will take place in Spain at Barcelona, before Belgium and Spa-Francorchamps. The last race will take place in Portugal at Portimão.
IDEC SPORT is hoping to secure its ticket to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the sixth time, on 11 and 12 June.
MICHELIN LE MANS CUP WITH THE LMP3 LIGIER JSP320
It is in this championship that IDEC SPORT has made its debut, with Dimitri Enjalbert making way for the experienced Dino Lunardi to support Patrice Lafargue in LMP3, the premier class of the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
“We know the LMP3 well. We are starting to drive at Magny-Cours and Spa to get the drivers back on track and for the team to get used to each other. This year, we have Dino Lunardi who will drive with Patrice. He knows the car well and has shown his speed. He is someone who has a lot of experience; it is motivating to have a driver like him with us. He knows how to set up and develop a car, it’s an asset to have him in the team. Patrice is very motivated at the beginning of this season. He is still enjoying the P3 and in the Michelin Cup we can aim for some good results,” explained Nicolas Minassian.
After a first visit to the workshop to mould his bucket, Dino Lunardi is also enthusiastic about the idea of being part of the team: “I am delighted to be joining the big IDEC SPORT family. It’s a new challenge for me. It’s a mark of recognition to be called by Nicolas Minassian. I know him from my karting days and we met on the Peugeot 908. I did a test and he was one of the main drivers. He is one of my mentors. So it’s great to have him back as a team boss,” explained the French driver. “I have a lot of ambition and the desire to do well. I know Patrice well too, we’ve been rubbing shoulders for a few years in the Le Mans Cup. A big thank you for his confidence. This new adventure marks the end with Motorsport 98 and Eric de Doncker, who is a friend of Patrice. I would like to thank them. I’m going to try to give the team the benefit of my experience and we’ll make use of IDEC SPORT’s technical know-how.
Key dates for the 2022 season
ELMS
April 12th : Collective testing
April 17th: Le Castellet
May 15th : Imola
July 3rd : Hungaroring
August 28th : Barcelona
September 25th : SPA-Francorchamps
October 16th: Portimão
Michelin Le Mans Cup
April 13th: collective testing
April 16th: Le Castellet
May 14th : Imola
June 11th : Road to Le Mans
July 2nd : Hungaroring
September 24th : SPA-Francorchamps
October 15th : Portimão
