How Inter Europol Claimed Le Mans LMP2 Win Despite Late Pitlane Speeding Penalty

Nick Yelloly and his teammates Tom Dillmann and Jakub Smiechowski delivered a dramatic victory for Inter Europol Competition in the LMP2 class at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 43 ORECA-Gibson 07 team weathered a tense final hour that included a late penalty and nearly saw their hopes slip away.

For much of the race, Inter Europol was locked in a tight battle with the No. 48 VDS Panis Racing crew driven by Esteban Masson, Oliver Gray, and Franck Perera. Throughout the 24 hours, the two teams traded the lead, often separated by only a few seconds.

The race’s turning point arrived with just over 30 minutes left. Yelloly was hit with a pitlane speeding penalty, costing precious time when every second mattered.

He later described the moment as one of the most challenging he had faced in endurance racing, believing his mistake would cost his team the win. At that stage, the gap to their closest rivals was only around 12 seconds.

Yelloly continued pushing at maximum pace, aware that Le Mans traffic could affect outcomes in unexpected ways. However, the outcome would take another twist.

The VDS Panis Racing car, which had been pushing hard to capitalize on Inter Europol’s penalty, suddenly slowed down due to a suspected front-right suspension problem, more specifically a toe-link issue. This mechanical setback allowed Yelloly and his teammates to regain the lead, building a commanding margin over their rivals.

By the time the checkered flag waved, the Inter Europol ORECA had pulled nearly two minutes clear, sealing victory in one of the most unpredictable conclusions the class had seen in recent years.

Nick Yelloly shared after the race that it had been a rollercoaster experience, featuring more ups and downs than any other 24-hour event in his career. He admitted being frustrated with himself for the pitlane error but was relieved the team’s hard work throughout the event still earned them the top step on the podium.

Their competitors, led by Masson, expressed disappointment but acknowledged that both teams had fought hard and that the outcome could have swung either way.

For Inter Europol, the win marks a major achievement. It follows Smiechowski’s 2023 class victory and shows the team’s ability to recover from setbacks in high-pressure situations.

The trio’s teamwork and pace helped them withstand penalties and late-race worries to triumph at the Circuit de la Sarthe on June 16, 2025. The 2025 Le Mans LMP2 result stands as a testament to endurance racing’s unpredictable nature, where determination and consistency can overcome even the most challenging turns of fate.

Teams will now look ahead to the rest of the World Endurance Championship season, knowing that every second and every pitstop counts in this fiercely competitive class.