Silverstone, the home of British motorsport. Many legends have put pedal to the metal around this track, and today, for the first time in over six years, the drivers of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) set their sights on Britain’s most iconic podium. For the winner, the sweetest prize of all awaits: entry to next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious races in the world. It has been over half a decade since LMP2s and LMP3s last graced this hallowed surface, and nothing sounds sweeter than their return.

By Michael Jolley

Saturday: Qualifying and chaos

Arriving late on Saturday meant missing the morning action, but the timetable was already packed with races and multiple qualifying sessions. All for a decent price too: just £25 per day or £40 for a three-day ticket. Motorsport rarely feels this accessible. Straight through the gates brought us to Luffield corner, always a great spot for action, just in time for the start of the Ligier Series. The race was lively but cut short thanks to the wonderful British weather. Fortunately, Silverstone had made all grandstands free this weekend, an added bonus on top of the already cheap ticket price, so we ducked inside to shelter from the rain and get ready for qualifying.

The sun returned just in time for the LMGT3 session. The drying track brought braver lines and quicker times, with the Iron Dames ending the session on top. Next came LMP3, the twin-turbo V6s screaming out of every corner as WTM by Rinaldi Racing topped the timesheets. Then the real thrill: LMP2. The V8s weren’t just louder than the LMP3s, they screeched. Cars could still be heard all the way from Vale to Luffield on the far side of the circuit. With both Pro and Am drivers in the session, fans got an extended look at these machines before Sunday’s big race. AO Racing delighted the crowd by taking Pro-Am pole with ‘Spike the Dragon’ delivering a fierce 1m45sec lap.

After qualifying, a wander through the open paddock was a rare treat. At Le Mans or other big events, this kind of access usually carries a hefty price tag. Alongside it, a lively fan zone offered food, merchandise, and even the chance to try the new Le Mans Ultimate sim. The day closed with the two-hour Le Mans Cup race. Spins, safety cars, and off-track excursions kept the drama coming in a series designed to prepare drivers for the next step up in endurance racing.

Fans, atmosphere, and first impressions

As the evening sun set, I caught up with James, who had travelled over 200 miles to attend, and Courtney, an avid motorsport fan. Both praised the event’s affordability, Courtney comparing it favourably to pricier series, and James highlighting the rare perk of free grandstands. Both agreed that finally hearing the cars in person was a highlight, with the sheer volume impossible to replicate on TV. For James, this was also his first visit to Silverstone: “It’s so far been the best race event I’ve been to. We had so many viewing points, photo opportunities, and of course free grandstands,” he said as we reflected on our first day of action.

Sunday: Race day drama

Sunday started early, the schedule moved forward an hour thanks to England’s glorious weather. First up was a pit-lane walkabout for fans who bought the upgrade, while others got to witness a slice of history as Zak Brown drove his Jaguar XJR-15 around the circuit. The venue was absolutely packed, breaking European Le Mans Series attendance records with over 110,000 fans across the weekend.

At 11:00 the race got underway. Copse Corner was overflowing with photographers, hobbyists, and media alike, the prime spot to capture the start. The sight was spectacular: 44 cars thundering past a packed National Pits Straight grandstand. International endurance racing was back in Britain. The opening laps were chaotic, with multiple spins and safety cars. The biggest incident came when the Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 was speared into the barriers after contact with the #37 CLX Pure Racing Oreca LMP2. Debris flew across the track, forcing onlookers, including me, to turn away from the incoming gravel cloud. Thankfully, driver Martin Berry walked away unharmed. A 30-minute red flag followed, and soon after another stoppage was needed for a high-speed crash on Hangar Straight.

Fortunately, all lost time was added back to the race clock, 45 minutes in total. The middle stages delivered intense battles until, with one hour to go, the rain returned. Hardy fans at The Loop braved the elements under umbrellas and coats, while others found shelter under the Silverstone Wing. Normally closed except for the biggest events, it provided superb views of cars pouring out of Club and onto the Hamilton Straight.

As the heavens fully opened, the track became undriveable. The directors called it, handing the overall win to the #18 IDEC Sport Oreca, with Algarve Pro Racing, CLX Motorsport, and GR Racing taking class honours.

Conclusion: European Le Mans Series proves its place

And so this rain-soaked but spectacular Silverstone weekend came to a close. Affordable, fan-focused, and action-packed, it was the perfect introduction to endurance racing. Seeing Silverstone this busy sent a clear message: international endurance racing has returned to the UK, and if the European Le Mans Series or any other championship puts on a show, the fans will turn up, even when the weather looks dreadful.

Photos by Michael Jolley.