The European Le Mans Series returned to life at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the opening round of its 22nd season, delivering a landmark weekend that underlined just how strong the championship has become.
A record-breaking grid of 44 cars took to the Catalan circuit under typical warm April conditions, launching a season that already feels pivotal for prototype and GT racing in Europe.
A new era begins in LMP3
Barcelona marked the first competitive outing for the new generation of LMP3 machinery, now powered by the 3.5L Toyota V6 engine. With 10 entries on the grid, the class wasted no time in proving both its pace and its competitiveness.
LMP2 headlines and a historic breakthrough
The LMP2 category delivered one of the most significant stories of the weekend. The newly formed partnership between IDEC Sport and Genesis made an immediate impact, securing a debut class victory. It was also a historic moment for Jamie Chadwick, who became the first female driver to win in the top LMP2 class of the ELMS.
Overall honours, however, went to the LMP2 Pro-Am entry of AF Corse, driven by Matthieu Vaxiviere, François Perrodo and Alessio Rovera. Vaxiviere delivered a decisive final stint, overtaking three cars in the closing phase of the race to secure a hard-fought victory.
LMGT3 delivers drama and emotion
LMGT3 arrived in Barcelona with huge anticipation, featuring six manufacturers and 13 cars on the grid. The 2025 season marks the ELMS debut for Mercedes-AMG and McLaren, alongside the full-season return of Corvette.
Victory went to the Iron Dames, who edged Kessel Racing by just 0.7 seconds after an intense final lap. Michelle Gatting produced a masterclass in defensive driving, holding off sustained pressure from Daniel Serra to take the win. Proton Competition completed the podium with Porsche.
The result carried extra emotional weight for Iron Dames following a heavy crash involving their sister car in the Le Mans Cup support race on Saturday. Sunday’s victory offered a powerful and well-earned response.
A statement opening round
With 13 cars in LMP2, 8 in LMP2 Pro-Am, 10 in LMP3 and 13 in LMGT3, the 2025 ELMS season has begun with depth, diversity and genuine competition across every class. Barcelona delivered exactly what a season opener should - technical evolution, historic milestones and racing decided by execution under pressure.
If this weekend was any indication, the 22nd season of the European Le Mans Series is set to be one of its strongest yet.
✍️ Amber Reid PLNAIJS
