Custom Racing Suit
Get Started for FREE
Andre Lotterer, a three-time winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, shared his recent struggles after his debut in the LMP2 class at this year’s race. Driving the #18 ORECA-Gibson 07 for IDEC Sport and Genesis Magma Racing, Lotterer was adjusting to new equipment and a revised driver lineup.
The original plan included former Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant, but after Sargeant left the project, Lotterer was joined by W Series champion Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, both new to Le Mans. Heading into the race, Lotterer only had a single day of testing at Paul Ricard in the LMP2 car, making adapting to the new machine and its tires especially challenging.
In qualifying, Lotterer admitted he “overdrove the car” as he tried to push for better lap times, expecting more grip from the Goodyear tires fitted to the LMP2. The team finished 14th in the qualifying session and did not advance into the Hyperpole stage, one of five crews to miss out.
Despite 13 prior starts at Le Mans, Lotterer found the transition to LMP2’s tire behavior unexpected, especially in slower corners and chicanes where car handling and tire feedback can make a big difference. He remarked that the LMP2 car was agile and fast through high-speed corners like the Porsche Curves and Tertre Rouge but was still learning how to best handle the tires.
He described Goodyear’s LMP2 specification as behaving differently from what he is used to, requiring drivers to be almost off the brakes before turning in—a style he is still adapting to. His qualifying lap suffered because he expected more lateral grip and did not carry enough speed through chicanes, missing out on some of the track’s time-saving lines.
Despite these challenges, Lotterer expressed optimism about their race prospects. He noted that grid position is less important at Le Mans than at other events, as the final result is determined over 24 hours with many variables at play.
While he was “a bit disappointed” with their starting spot, he sees room for improvement once he and his teammates are more familiar with tire management and the car’s handling in race conditions. Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, both making their first Le Mans appearances, add another variable for IDEC Sport as they learn the demands of one of the world’s most famous endurance races.
With only one official test session completed as a crew ahead of the event, the learning curve remains steep heading into the race weekend. Lotterer’s drive for IDEC Sport also comes as part of preparations for a future entry into the Le Mans Hypercar class, in partnership with Genesis Magma Racing.
The experience gained working with LMP2 machinery and his new teammates is expected to be valuable as the team builds toward higher competition levels. The 24 Hours of Le Mans remains a unique challenge even for experienced drivers, and Lotterer’s comments reflect the constant evolution and adaptation that top competitors face on racing’s most demanding stage.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.