IDEC SPORT is already in the starting blocks for the 2024 European Le Mans Series season. For this ninth campaign in the European Endurance Championship, Paul Lafargue will be joined by Frenchman Reshad de Gerus and Dutchman Job van Uitert.
For the ninth consecutive season, IDEC SPORT is competing in the European Le Mans Series in the LMP2 class. But for the very first time, the driver trio has been significantly reshuffled with two replacements. A Silver-class driver, Paul Lafargue has been with the team since its creation in 2015 and has been competing in ELMS since 2016, like the team itself. The driver, whose driving style is recognized within the field, has a solid endurance resume and forms the basis of the LMP2 trio. Paul is joined this season by the young talent from Réunion, Reshad de Gerus. Having worked in single-seaters, Reshad started in endurance racing two seasons ago. The young Frenchman has already competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and even took pole position at the 4 Hours of Barcelona in 2023. Job Van Uitert completes the trio. Accustomed to top teams, the Dutchman knows how to make his mark, as demonstrated by some great battles on the track with a certain Paul-Loup Chatin.
A breath of fresh air
This new trio will bring a breath of fresh air to IDEC SPORT, as confirmed by team principal Nicolas Minassian: “I am very happy with this new line-up. We have two experienced drivers joining us. Job is very fast, he has already participated in six seasons in LMP2 and has proven his speed on numerous occasions. He has a great personality, which will fit well with the team. He has a true IDEC SPORT profile. He will bring us that burst of speed that we like to have within the team. We need this type of driver and we are delighted to build the future with him. As for Reshad, I have seen him driving for two years in ELMS and at Le Mans. He is a young driver with a lot of determination and who will give 100% of what he knows how to do, at every moment. He can be very fast too and we saw it when he took pole in Barcelona this year. He will fit in very well with the IDEC SPORT family, where we evolve among enthusiasts. We will pull each other up. They join Paul, who needs no introduction and who is coming off a great season. I think this trio will work wonderfully. We attach great importance to recruitment with Paul and Patrice, we discussed it a lot and we agreed that it was the best option for our trio of drivers. We expect them at the workshop in January and February for a good integration and also so that they can train on our new simulator.
Paul Lafargue: “I am delighted to share the wheel with Job and Reshad”
A pillar of the team behind the wheel but also in decision-making, Paul Lafargue is confident at the dawn of the 2024 season: “I am delighted to share the wheel with Job and Reshad. I think we will really complement each other and that we will do a good job. On the track, it can lead to something very good. And I also believe that they will be able to integrate easily within the group. We have already scheduled tests, starting in February, so that we can start working together and put some automatic reflexes in place. It is very important to arrive prepared from the start of the season given the level there is in ELMS. But we are starting with high hopes. We had some good races last year, where a lack of success did not allow us to convert our performance into results. So we intend to take our revenge this year.”
Reshad of Garus: “On paper we are solid”
At only 19 years old, Reshad de Gerus already has two seasons of experience in LMP2, with some great performances: “It’s a pleasure to join IDEC SPORT. The image I have of the team is that it’s an excellent outfit. I visited the workshops at Le Castellet, which are large, beautiful and it gives you an idea of what we can do with such a tool. I had a very good impression. I can’t wait to meet the whole team. They have shown their skills in the past, with poles, victories and even championships. I have the feeling that everyone is motivated. I’m in a phase of my career where I want to show that I can do great things. I think we have common ambitions. I can’t wait to work with everyone. One thing is certain, when you put on the helmet, you go there and give it your all. It’s a great line-up. Job has a lot of experience and we will continue to progress together.” Paul is an excellent Silver, very experienced in LMP2. On paper, we’re solid. We’ll have to see how it goes once we’re on the track.”
Job Van Uitert, one of the sure values of endurance
With five participations in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, six seasons in LMP2, and one title in LMP3, Job Van Uitert has established himself as one of the sure values of endurance. The Dutchman has everything of a leader for the coming season: “It’s great to join the IDEC SPORT team. It’s a team I’ve been with for a long time. We’ve raced against them every year, and I know Paul, as well as Patrice and Nico, well. I think we have a very good line-up. The last two years we’ve seen that you need a good silver medalist and I’m convinced that Paul has what it takes. He knows how to be consistent while not making mistakes. I’m looking forward to meeting Reshad in January. We already have a certain respect between us. I know I’ll get along with Paul and Reshad seems to be working hard. We just need to find that little something between us that will make the difference.” “In terms of the car, it’s always among the fastest in the race, so we should be able to fight for the championship, even if it won’t be easy. The ELMS is such a high level that we can’t predict anything.
I think I’m coming off my best season. I’m ready to take responsibility, as I’ve done before. I’ll make sure to use my experience and put it to good use for the team. But where I agree with the team is its philosophy: when you’re having fun, you perform,” explains the 25-year-old driver, who already knows how to express himself in the language of Molière.
Patrice Lafargue: “We still have the same desire and the same motivation”
The final word goes to the boss of the IDEC SPORT team and President of the IDEC GROUP, Patrice Lafargue: “We have been lucky enough to have our team for nine years now. And I keep telling myself how lucky we are. We have a great team and for nine years, I have seen the guys fighting with the same desire and motivation. That’s what makes me happy. Like every year, we are going to go back to the fight and do our best to shine. We welcome Job and Reshad to IDEC SPORT and I think it’s an excellent thing. Two guys who are smart, fast, and pleasant. I already know that it will work with them and Paul. We will see what this new season has in store, but I hope we can prove what we are worth.”
