Dutch racing driver Mex Jansen will make his debut in European Le Mans Series. He switches from a BMW M4 GT3 Evo to a Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, as was announced on March 6.

Jansen won two titles back to back: in 2024 he secured the Supercar Challenge title, and the GT World Challenge Endurance Silver title followed in 2025. He’s looking forward to pursue the next step in his career in the prestigious ELMS with GR Racing.

“I got in contact with the team through Dave Madgwick from BAM Motorsport Management, and my mentor, Nicky Catsburg,” Jansen tells GT REPORT, referring to the multiple Spa 24 Hours, Nürburgring 24 Hours and Le Mans winner from The Netherlands.

“I’m super thankful for them, because they basically made this partnership happen. I can’t wait to get started and drive with the team and perform well. I haven’t driven the car yet, the 296 GT3 Evo.

“Some changes have been made to the car, so I expect it to be even quicker than before. I’m super excited.”

Jansen ready to mount the Prancing Horse

The 19-year-old explains that the plan is to go out on track during the ELMS Prologue in Barcelona, taking place on April 6 and 7. “After that, we will have the first race of the year. There’s not a lot of testing, but it’s up to me to adapt as quickly as possible, of course,” he says.

“Going from a BMW car with the engine in the front to a mid-engine car, is always a change. However, I don’t see any problems regarding the change of mindset, having to drive these different cars, if anything.

“I’m super excited to put it on my CV and I think in general this would make you a better driver – to be able to drive more different cars.”

Determined and hungry as he is, Jansen puts the bar high for his first year in ELMS: “The expectation would of course be to win a championship, win races, score some podiums. I think this goes for everyone, every team, every driver.”

The Dutchman expresses his trust in the team and emphasizes the great effort of GR Racing in ELMS and other GT championships in the last couple of years. “I’d like to add some wins to that, add championships to that, hopefully.”

GT REPORT recently interviewed Jansen about how he combines his racing career with university. A second part of the interview will follow soon.