The #26 ORECA 07-Gibson fielded by Russian team G-Drive Racing won the LMP2 class at the 86th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this afternoon. Here are reactions from Roman Rusinov, Andre Pizzitola and Jean-Eric Vergne after the race.

24H Le Mans

24 Heures du Mans

At its Dearborn test facility, Ford Racing is already putting its future Hypercar engine through a full lap simulation of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. It marks another milestone in the American manufacturer's preparation for its return to the Hypercar class of the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Just months before its eagerly awaited return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Ford Racing continues the development of <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ford-hypercar-v8-roars-to-life-for-the-first-time-ahead-of-the-2027-24-hours-of-le-mans-60883" target="_blank">its Hypercar</a>. At its technical centre in Dearborn, Michigan, the manufacturer is simulating a complete lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit on an engine dyno. Gear changes, long full-throttle acceleration zones &ndash; the 5.4-litre V8 is already experiencing the demands of the legendary French endurance classic long before it turns a wheel on track.

Ford Racing Recreates a Lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit

Ford Racing recrée un tour du circuit des 24 Heures du Mans

<h2>When the Dyno Simulates the 24 Hours of Le Mans</h2>

Every time Ford Racing fires up its engine dyno in Dearborn, the room holds its breath. The naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8, derived from the Coyote engine, is not simply running to verify that everything works as intended. Thanks to a real-time simulation, it faithfully reproduces an entire lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.

The engine surges beyond 9,000 rpm, powers down the Mulsanne Straight at full throttle, brakes hard for Mulsanne Corner and accelerates once again towards the Porsche Curves. While the engine cannot tell the difference between a real circuit and a virtual one, Ford&#39;s engineers carefully analyse every piece of data collected to identify where further improvements can be made.

This approach allows valuable development work to continue long before on-track testing begins. Every dyno session provides crucial insights to enhance reliability and performance &ndash; two essential qualities for taking on a race that lasts 24 hours.

<h2>A Legacy Born with the GT40</h2>

This development programme is rooted in a story that is deeply intertwined with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford points out that the test cell used today sits only a few metres from the one where the engines for <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-centenary-the-american-benchmark-ford-gt40-57263" target="_blank">the legendary GT40</a> were developed more than sixty years ago.

The manufacturer proudly embraces this connection between past and present. The lessons learned during the GT40&#39;s victorious Le Mans campaigns of the 1960s continue to shape today&#39;s engineering methods, while modern technologies are opening a new chapter in Ford&#39;s endurance racing story.

<h2>Preparing Drivers Before the First Track Test</h2>

The engine is only one part of the equation. At its Technology Centre in North Carolina, Ford Racing is also preparing <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ford-reveals-the-names-of-the-2027-hypercar-driver-crews-60778" target="_blank">its drivers</a> using a full-scale cockpit mock-up, known as a &quot;buck&quot;, of its future Hypercar.

Driving position, control ergonomics, visibility and operating procedures are all refined in meticulous detail so that drivers are already fully familiar with the car before taking to the track. The objective is straightforward: arrive at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with as few unknowns as possible.

The first test sessions in France are now just around the corner. Until then, every hour spent on the engine dyno and in the simulator brings Ford one step closer to its return to the Hypercar class in 2027.

For every team competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race never begins with the drop of the French tricolour. It comes to life months earlier, in workshops where data still outweighs the roar of the crowd. Yet one thing never changes: every simulation, every test and every finely tuned detail serves the same purpose &ndash; to be ready when the time comes to tackle the 13.626 kilometres of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.

With the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East creating geopolitical and logistical uncertainties, the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series will be held in Europe, with races in France, Spain and Portugal for a special Winter Le Mans Series.

A range of options has been carefully evaluated since the beginning of the year with one clear objective: to avoid any disruption to the championship and provide teams, drivers and partners with certainty, regardless of how the situation evolves.

There were several factors that had a bearing on the decision to move the championship to Europe.&nbsp; Because of the unprecedented situation, the circuits in Asia that are able to host an ALMS event over the winter months had very limited availability and there were significant logistical costs involved. There was also the requirement to avoid clashes with Daytona and Bathurst.

As a result, the 2026&ndash;2027 season will exceptionally be held entirely in Europe under the banner of the Winter Le Mans Series. This unique format preserves the spirit of endurance racing while maintaining the high sporting standards that have become the hallmark of the championship.

The Winter Le Mans Series will begin at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France with Rounds 1 and 2 on the 13-15 November.&nbsp; After the Christmas break, the ALMS will resume with two 4-hour races in Spain at the Circuito de Jerez near Cadiz on the 15-17 January.&nbsp; The 2026/27 season will conclude with a pair of races at the Aut&oacute;dromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on the 19-21 February.&nbsp;

The season will also introduce significant new developments. The Hypercar category will make its debut, while the new Asian Le Mans Cup will be launched for LMP3 and GT3 competitors, with two 2-hour races at each event, further enhancing the diversity and appeal of the championship.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l&#39;Ouest: &ldquo;2026 has proven to be exceptional, with external constraints that are completely out of our control forcing us to make decisions that are in everyone&rsquo;s interests in difficult circumstances.&nbsp; It is with all the facts, and after consultation with all parties, the decision was taken to move the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe for the 2026/27 season.

&ldquo;The Winter Le Mans Series will provide the best platform for teams and drivers to compete for one of the top prizes in endurance, the Asian Le Mans Series title and, for the LMP2 and GT3 champions, an automatic invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans.&nbsp; It will also be a great opportunity for fans of endurance to see Hypercars in action in the ALMS for the first time.

&ldquo;Le Mans is more than a place - it is a spirit. This winter, that spirit will thrive on some of Europe&rsquo;s finest circuits as we look forward to returning to Asia when conditions allow.&rdquo;

Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Lequien, ALMEM and LMEM CEO: &ldquo;While this represents a departure from the championship&rsquo;s traditional identity, it is a carefully considered decision driven by the current circumstances and made in the best interests of the series and its competitors.

&ldquo;We had explored several options with regards to holding races in Asia but, because of the late changes forced on us, the availability of circuits that are able to host an ALMS event were limited and the logistical costs were significant.&nbsp; We also had to try and avoid a clash Daytona and Bathhurst, which limited our options in Asia even further.

&ldquo;Our priority remains to provide teams with a stable, competitive and clearly defined championship. This approach ensures the continuity of the series while allowing competitors to prepare for the season with confidence.

&ldquo;The Asian Le Mans Series extends its sincere thanks to its teams, partners, manufacturers, drivers and fans for their continued trust and support. Although this season will feature an unprecedented format, it will retain all the excitement, competitiveness and endurance spirit that define the championship.&rdquo;

St&eacute;phane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder &amp; CEO: &ldquo;While moving the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe is not ideal, the situation in the Middle East dictated that we worked to find the best solution.&nbsp; Between SRO, LMEM and the ACO we have a huge pool of experience to draw on, and the consensus was a Winter Le Mans Series in southern Europe was the most sensible option given the mounting external constraints.

&ldquo;The championship will visit three of Europe&rsquo;s premier racing venues, Le Castellet, Jerez and Portimao, each renowned for its world-class facilities and outstanding sporting challenge. Now we have a confirmed calendar we are sure that the Winter Le Mans Series will be successful and we look forward to returning to Asia for the 2027/28 season.&rdquo;

2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series / Winter Le Mans Series Calendar:

<ul>
	<li>Rounds 1 &amp; 2 : 13-15 Nov 2026 - Circuit Paul Ricard (FRA)</li>
	<li>Rounds 3 &amp; 4 : 15-17 Jan 2027 - Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto (ESP)</li>
	<li>Rounds 4 &amp; 5 : 19-21 Feb 2027 -&nbsp;Aut&oacute;dromo Internacional do Algarve (POR)</li>
</ul>

Asian Le Mans Series 2026-2027 : an exceptional European season

Team Peugeot TotalEnergies begins the next chapter in the evolution of the Peugeot 9X8 ahead of the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship season.

Drawing on the experience gained since the car&#39;s debut in the Hypercar category, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies is working on a series of technical evolutions aimed at enhancing performance,&nbsp;efficiency&nbsp;and competitiveness. This latest step marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of the Peugeot&nbsp;9X8&nbsp;as the team progresses towards the approval of its planned evolutions for 2027.&nbsp;

&quot;Since its debut,&nbsp;the Peugeot&nbsp;9X8&nbsp;has been a platform in constant evolution. Competing at the highest level of endurance racing means continuously learning,&nbsp;adapting&nbsp;and progressing,&quot;&nbsp;said&nbsp;Emmanuel Esnault, Team Principal, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies.&nbsp;

&quot;The intensity of competition&nbsp;at a world championship level&nbsp;reinforces our determination to keep evolving. Our&nbsp;objective&nbsp;is clear: to position&nbsp;the&nbsp;9X8&nbsp;consistently among the top contenders. As we look ahead to 2027, the team is taking the next step in its development, focused on a revised approach to performance,&nbsp;efficiency&nbsp;and design. This work is a key milestone in preparing the next chapter of the Peugeot&nbsp;9X8&nbsp;story&nbsp;and perpetuating the legacy of Peugeot&nbsp;in endurance racing.&quot;&nbsp;

It is worth recalling that the No. 94 and No. 93 Peugeot 9X8s finished 11th and 12th respectively in the latest edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, four and five laps behind the winning Toyota GR010 Hybrid.

The Peugeot 9X8 enters its next phase of development

Three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ferrari 499P continues to evolve. At Monza, the Italian manufacturer has launched a new phase of testing to prepare the next evolution of its Hypercar for the 2027 season.

With the 95th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans set to take place from 9&ndash;13 June 2027, Ferrari is continuing the development of its 499P. The Maranello-based manufacturer recently completed a full day of testing at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, evaluating new technical and aerodynamic solutions ahead of the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season.

The programme underlines a fundamental aspect of endurance racing: even winning cars never stop evolving.

<h2>At Monza, Ferrari Is Already Writing the Next Chapter of the 499P</h2>

At the legendary Italian circuit, Antonio Fuoco, Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi and Miguel Molina shared driving duties in the Ferrari 499P. The goal was not to chase lap times, but to explore new development directions.

Like an artist refining an already acclaimed masterpiece, Ferrari continues to evaluate a range of technical and aerodynamic configurations. Several solutions are currently under assessment before the car&#39;s final homologation for the 2027 season. Every stint, every piece of driver feedback and every data point collected helps shape the next evolution of the Prancing Horse&#39;s Hypercar.

<h2>A Hypercar That Never Stops Improving</h2>

Since making its FIA WEC debut at Sebring in 2023, the Ferrari 499P has established itself as one of the benchmark cars of the Hypercar era.

Its record speaks for itself: seven victories, twenty-four podium finishes, nine pole positions and, above all, three consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 2023 and 2025. That momentum also enabled Ferrari to secure both the FIA WEC Manufacturers&#39; and Drivers&#39; World Championship titles in 2025.

Yet those achievements are not the finish line. They are the foundation for further progress. In endurance racing, a car is never truly finished; it continues to develop with every kilometre, much like an athlete who keeps training after winning a medal.

The Monza test once again highlights why the 24 Hours of Le Mans is far more than a race. It is a proving ground where manufacturers constantly push the boundaries of technology, performance and reliability.

By preparing the next evolution of the 499P for 2027 today, Ferrari is demonstrating that past success guarantees nothing for tomorrow. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, every edition starts with a clean slate. It is this relentless pursuit of progress that fuels the legend of the race and makes every new generation of Hypercars a promise of even greater competition.

Monza will also host the final round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season, with the race taking place on Sunday, 8 November.

Ferrari Tests an Updated Version of the 499P at Monza

24 Heures du Mans 2018

Roman Rusinov: &quot;We&#39;ve been here before and never won when we should have, when we had the right teammates and everything else, but I&#39;m very happy that it finally happened this time. We made good time, were very efficient in the pit stops, we worked hard all winter for this so it&#39;s great.&quot;

Andrea Pizzitola: &quot;It was a dream but the race felt a bit too easy at times! I kept waiting for a problem...but it&#39;s not only about luck. To manage the traffic, I asked the engineer to tell me when I had an LMP1 behind me and the gap with the next LMP2, and when that gap narrows then the pressure rises.&quot;

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Jean-Eric Vergne: &quot;I&#39;m very pleased. I&#39;m having a fantastic season in WEC, ELMS and now Le Mans. I did it with the team that gave me the best chance to win. We came with a very strong programme. It&#39;s hard when you&#39;re the favourite and it&#39;s your race to lose - and it wasn&#39;t as easy as it might have looked from the outside!&nbsp;What attracts me most is winning, I love to win. Everything&#39;s coming together now and one day, I hope to fight for the overall victory.&quot;

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, 24 HOURS OF LE&nbsp;MANS, SUNDAY&nbsp;17 JUNE 2018, PODIUM. Roman Rusinov, Andrea Pizzitola and&nbsp;Jean-Eric Vergne, the winning drivers of G-Drive Racing&#39;s #26 ORECA&nbsp;07-Gibson.

Reactions from the LMP2 class winners at the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans

Related News

Ford Racing Recreates a Lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit

Asian Le Mans Series 2026-2027 : an exceptional European season

The Peugeot 9X8 enters its next phase of development

Ferrari Tests an Updated Version of the 499P at Monza

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