Preview: 4 Hours of Imola

Here’s all the key information ahead of this weekend’s race in Italy

Published

03 JUL 2025

Est. reading time

3 min

Jamie and her car No.18 team-mates will be looking to continue their fast start to the 2025 European Le Mans Series (ELMS), as we head to northern Italy for Round 3 of the campaign.

Having topped the LMP2 class in Barcelona and Le Castellet — as well as recording an outright win at Circuit Paul Ricard — Jamie, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella can have a degree of confidence heading into 4 Hours of Imola.

But the trio will need to be at their best once again to continue flying high in the standings, as they look to navigate the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari’s unique challenges.

Race recap

IDEC Sport were undoubtedly pleased to top the LMP2 Constructors’ Championship after Round 1, but they put in an even better performance during their last ELMS outing — achieving an overall victory at 4 Hours of Le Castellet.

In doing so, Jamie became the first female driver to secure an outright triumph in the series, following a testing drive in rainy conditions.

After qualifying in P4 the team initially slipped down the order to P11, before mounting an impressive climb on a greasy surface at Circuit Paul Ricard.

Jamie took car No.18 up to P5, then handed over the reigns on Lap 31 to Juncadella, who continued the team’s ascent by progressing to P2.

Jaubert then completed the job to claim top spot, rounding off a memorable weekend for everyone involved.

Track guide

Pinpoint precision will be required in Imola this weekend, as a result of the venue’s narrow track and minimal runoff areas.

But Jamie is looking forward to racing at the iconic venue, which has famously hosted the Italian GP, San Marino GP and — currently — the Emilia Romagna GP in Formula 1.

“I haven’t been to Imola since 2021, but I’ve got a lot of fond memories from racing there,” she said.

“There are some unique challenges to the flow of the track, but I think a lot of drivers call it an ‘old school’ racing track — there’s not much room for error, if you run wide you’re on the grass or you’re in the gravel.

“I think that’s a challenge, but it also makes it more enjoyable when you’re driving a lap, especially on the limits.”

To find out more about the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, check out Jamie’s full track guide video here.

Top five the aim

Team Principal Nicolas Minassian has consistently set a top-five target for IDEC Sport at this season’s races, and that’s the case once again for their visit to Imola.

“I’m very happy to be back at this old-fashioned circuit, which I love, as do all the drivers,” he said.

“The cars are in ELMS configuration after Le Mans, and both they and the team are ready.

“We are approaching this race with humility, without pressure, but with rigor. The goal remains to finish in the top five, to have a clean race, without penalties or accidents.

“Strategy will be very important because it is difficult to overtake at Imola.”

Anything else to know?

IDEC Sport will be looking to solidify their grip on top spot in the LMP2 Drivers' Championship and the LMP2 Teams' Championship this weekend, after consecutive ELMS victories.

Free Practice 1 is scheduled to take place at 10.15am local time (CEST) on Friday, followed by FP2 at 10.50am on Saturday.

Then it’s time for Qualifying that afternoon (3.45pm), before the race itself at 12pm CEST on Sunday.

Enjoy 4 Hours of Imola!