So, it finally happened. After being so close on a couple of previous occasions, and knowing we were making steps in the right direction, the results fell our way as the European Le Mans Series returned to Italy. A P2 finish at Mugello, underlining the hard work by every member of the team, and the progress we have made since we first rolled out for the season opener.

Racing in Italy is always special, and the ELMS calendar’s second visit for the season didn’t disappoint. It was a debut visit for the championship, and a welcome addition to the calendar. Practice sessions looked promising, and we were immediately close to the pace as we fine-tuned the #97 ahead of, yet another, strong qualifying run by Martin. Initially he looked like he was on for pole position, setting the benchmark for the grid, before a late shuffle to the order, but we were well in the fight, lining up on the second row, and the three of us were feeling confident we could be on for a strong result – and that elusive top-3.

The race followed a similar trend, through the picturesque Italian countryside. Martin, again, was on good form, and pushing forwards to take advantage early on as the leaders battled. A position was gained ahead of the first stop, before multiple caution periods and incidents shuffled the pack and opened up the strategies. My stint was interrupted, but we were in a good position, and moved into the lead just before the halfway mark, as pace and strategy both looked strong.

Into the final stages, the strategy played out with us in the lead, with Lorcan battling hard at the front. It was a close-run thing to the flag, and a huge effort throughout the whole four hours, eventually bringing it home for our first podium of the year – crossing the line P2, just 3.1s off the overall race win. As a racing driver, we always want to win, and we were ultimately unlucky not to be one step higher, but that takes nothing away from this huge achievement for everyone involved.

We have one round left. 4 hours of battling to go, and we are now in a strong position in the championship, heading to one of my favourite events – Portimao.

European Le Mans Series 2024 –

Team: Grid Motorsport by TF Sport
Car number: #97

Circuit: Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Italy
Race 5: P2