Barcelona Podium in ELMS Season Opener
A strong start to the season can set the tone for everything that follows. For Richard Verschoor, that’s exactly what happened at the opening round of the European Le Mans Series. Together with Duqueine Team, Verschoor claimed a well-earned third place in the LMP2 Pro/Am category during a dramatic and action-packed 4 Hours of Barcelona.
Chaotic opening phase shapes the race
The race began under grey skies, with the threat of rain adding tension even before the lights went out. That tension quickly turned into chaos as multiple incidents unfolded in the opening lap, particularly in the LMP2 Pro/Am field. A major collision forced race control to deploy the Safety Car before the session was red-flagged to allow for extensive clean-up and medical checks. After the restart, the race evolved into a strategic battle where consistency and decision-making became key.
Duqueine Team delivers under pressure
In the LMP2 Pro/Am category, Duqueine Team showed strong pace and composure throughout the race. Verschoor and his teammates remained firmly in contention, navigating traffic, neutralisations and pit strategies with precision. As the race progressed, the team steadily worked its way into podium contention. In a highly competitive class, maintaining track position and avoiding mistakes proved crucial. In the final stages, Duqueine held on to secure third place, finishing behind Algarve Pro Racing and AF Corse. A result that reflects both speed and execution.
A promising foundation for the season
The opening round in Barcelona highlighted just how competitive the 2026 ELMS season is shaping up to be. Margins were small, strategies varied and the race was anything but straightforward. For Richard Verschoor, this podium finish is more than just a result. It’s a clear signal of intent.
With strong pace, a solid team dynamic and valuable points on the board, the focus now shifts to building momentum. The next challenge awaits at Le Castellet on May 3rd.
