14 September 2026 – After several podium finishes and a number of missed opportunities since the start of the season, R-ace GP has finally secured its first victory in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS)! At the sixth round of the season at Silverstone, the #85 Duqueine D09 driven by Hugo Schwarze, Pierre-Alexandre Provost and Fabien Michal took the chequered flag at the end of a particularly hard-fought and eventful race.
This victory is a reward for the hard work of the whole team and keeps R-ace GP firmly in the title race as the season heads towards the finale at Portimão.
Free Practice
The weekend got off to a quiet start for the #85 car, however. On Friday, during Free Practice 1, Fabien Michal, Pierre-Alexandre Provost and Hugo Schwarze set the seventh-fastest time in the category.
The team continued their work during the Bronze Test, showing a marked improvement in performance. Fabien Michal then put the #85 Duqueine D09 in second place, confirming the team’s progress.
On Saturday morning, the trend continued during Free Practice 2, where the #85 this time topped the session. With a fastest lap of 1:54.232, the Vendée-based team clearly signalled its ambitions ahead of qualifying.
Qualifying
Later, Hugo Schwarze set the second-fastest time in the class, just 0.069 seconds off pole position.
The #85 secured a strong starting position for the 4 Hours of Silverstone.
Race
Fabien Michal took the start and put in two solid stints, keeping the #85 car among the frontrunners. But just as the race seemed to be unfolding as expected, rain suddenly set in and completely turned the tables.
Pierre-Alexandre Provost then took the wheel and quickly found himself hot on the heels of the leader. In increasingly tricky track conditions, the Luxembourg driver put the pressure on his rival until he managed to take the lead.
It was then up to Hugo Schwarze to bring this eventful race to a close. With visibility severely reduced and conditions particularly challenging, the driver put in a solid final stint to hold on to first place right up to the chequered flag.
The #85 Duqueine D09 thus crossed the finish line in first place, securing R-ace GP’s very first victory in the European Le Mans Series!
R-ace GP still in the running for the ELMS title
This victory is particularly significant for the team, following several podium finishes and setbacks since the start of its first season in the ELMS.
“It’s been a great week with a high level of performance. This first victory is a real pleasure and a huge relief for the team. After quite a few setbacks and missed opportunities since the start of the season, we’re delighted to still be in the title race. Whatever happens, we’ll be very happy with this first season in the ELMS,” explains Fabien Lavergne, Team Manager.
Thanks to this success, R-ace GP remains second in the provisional overall standings, just 9 points behind the leader.
The battle for the title will therefore be decided at the season’s grand finale on 10 October in Portimão. Following this historic first victory in the ELMS, the #85 car heads to Portugal with a clear objective: to round off this debut season with another top-class performance.
To rewatch the 4 Hours of Spa, click here.
Photo credit: Jules Beaumont