April 13, 2026 – This past weekend, R-ace GP kicked off its European endurance season in Barcelona and made its debut in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). Despite its rookie status, the Vendée-based team immediately showed its potential by claiming pole position and finishing second in the 4 Hours of Barcelona. A look back at a highly successful start.
After several weeks of preparation, R-ace GP returned to the track for the opening round of the 2026 ELMS and Michelin Le Mans Cup seasons.
For its first-ever ELMS campaign, the team is fielding the Duqueine D09 #85, driven by Germany’s Hugo Schwarze (reigning Michelin Le Mans Cup champion with R-ace GP), Luxembourg’s Pierre-Alexandre Provost, and French Bronze driver Fabien Michal (2024 Michelin Le Mans Cup vice-champion with R-ace GP).
Prologue
Ahead of the official race weekend, teams and drivers took part in the traditional pre-season official tests, held over two days with two sessions per day.
The #85 finished P6 and P1 on the first day, then P4 and P1 on the second—very encouraging results for a rookie team.
Free Practice
On Friday, the #85 made a strong start by finishing second in FP1. In the afternoon, Fabien Michal finished P6 in the Bronze drivers’ collective test session. On Saturday morning, results were more moderate, with the crew finishing P7.
Qualifying
On Saturday afternoon, Hugo Schwarze, reigning Michelin Le Mans Cup Champion, delivered an outstanding performance and clinched pole position. The young German set the fastest lap in the LMP3 category with a lap in 1:36.524.
“The team worked extremely hard during testing, and I’m happy to reward that effort with this pole position—especially with a half-second margin over the rest of the field.” Hugo Schwarze.
Race
The start of the race was given at midday on Sunday. Several incidents occurred, but despite the chaotic conditions, Fabien Michal managed to pick his way through and retain the lead in the LMP3 category. After a 30-minute red flag period, the race resumed.
At mid-race, after a flawless stint, Fabien Michal pitted for the driver change. At the same time, two competitors collided on track, triggering a yellow flag followed by a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). Pierre-Alexandre Provost rejoined in second position.
“I spent my entire stint behind the leader—it was very frustrating. We had great pace, but it’s very difficult to overtake in dirty air. We know it’s often an issue at this circuit.” Pierre-Alexandre Provost.
Hugo Schwarze took over the #85 in the final hour. The German managed to close the gap to the leader by around fifteen seconds, but despite his efforts, the #85 crossed the finish line in second place.
“We’re obviously a bit disappointed with second place, as we had the pace to win the race. We were unlucky with the VSC, which was deployed just as we exited the pits and cost us a lot of time. But overall, the weekend remains very positive. Our drivers were highly competitive and we’ve secured valuable championship points. It’s a very strong ELMS debut for the team.” Fabien Lavergne, Team Manager.
The team will return in a few weeks’ time for the second round of the ELMS at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet.
To rewatch the 4 Hours of Barcelona, click here.
Photo credit: Jules Beaumont