With three races completed of the six round 2026 European Le Mans Series, we catch up with some of the drivers to discuss their season so far.
2017 Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 Champion has returned to the ELMS paddock in 2026, racing in LMP2 Pro/Am with DKR Engineering. The Belgian driver narrowly missed out on claiming pole position in Imola by just seven thousandths of a second and challenging for the lead in the early part of the race.
Q1: While 8th in Imola must be a disappointment, do you feel that you and the team have something positive from the race in Italy after you qualified on the front row and had a strong stint?
Jean Glorieux: “Absolutely. While the final result didn't reflect our potential, qualifying on the front row and staying right in the fight during the opening stint proved our raw pace. The DKR Engineering No. 3 car is fast, and executing a clean, competitive run early on gives the entire crew huge confidence. We know the speed is there; we just need to stitch it all together for the full four hours.”
Q2: After three races completed of the 2026 ELMS, what are your overall feelings of racing in LMP2 and what are the positives you are taking forward into the second half of the season?
JG: “Moving into the LMP2 Pro/Am category is an incredible challenge because the grid depth this season is unmatched. Driving the Oreca 07 requires absolute precision, and battling against such a high calibre of teams pushes us every single lap. The biggest positive is our clear trajectory of growth. We have unlocked great mechanical understanding over these first three rounds, meaning our foundation for the final three races is exceptionally strong."
Q3: Next up is your home race at Spa-Francorchamps. Almost every driver on the grid rates Spa as one of their favourite tracks, what makes the circuit special for you as a Belgian driver? What is your favourite corner or sequence?
JG: “Racing at Spa-Francorchamps is always deeply moving for me because the home crowd brings an energy you cannot replicate elsewhere. The track's flow, dramatic elevation changes, and rich history make it iconic. My absolute favourite sequence is the climb through Eau Rouge and Radillon. Nailing that compression at full speed, blind over the crest, delivers a pure adrenaline rush that never gets old.”
Q4: What would you consider to be a good result for you and the team after the race at Spa?
JG: “A podium finish on home soil is the ultimate target. Given our front-row pace in Italy, aiming for a top-three finish in the LMP2 Pro/Am class is entirely realistic if we run a flawless race. More than anything, a "good result" means maximizing our strategy, avoiding unnecessary penalties, and showing the true potential of our DKR Engineering crew.”
Q5: Tell us a bit more about Jean Glorieux. What do you enjoy doing when you are not racing?
JG: “When I am away from the paddock, I like to balance my life between running my business ventures and spending quality time outdoors. Staying physically fit is essential for endurance racing, so I spend a lot of time running and training. It helps clear my mind, keeps me sharp, and ensures I am always physically prepared whenever it is time to get back behind the wheel.”
The next round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series is the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday 23 August. Tickets are available from just 8€ HERE.
You can catch up on the ELMS season so far by going to the FIAWEC+ APP to see the first three races of the 2026 season. You can also see the final three races live for free. To sign up to the FIAWEC+ APP CLICK HERE.