Committed on several programmes, Miguel Molina returned to Circuit Paul Ricard for round two of the European Le Mans Series. Alongside Andrew Gilbert and Fran Rueda, the Spaniard had hoped to convert his crew’s potential into points, but a collision caused by an LMP2 car ended the trio’s ambitions in the #74 Kessel Racing Ferrari 296 LMGT3. However, the Ferrari factory driver will have the opportunity to quickly bounce back when he gets back behind the wheel of the Ferrari 499P at Spa-Francorchamps this week.
Last weekend, Miguel Molina returned to the European scene for the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. Competing in the European Le Mans Series alongside Andrew Gilbert and Fran Rueda, the Spanish driver was aiming for big points in what turned out to be a frustrating race.
The crew’s week had started promisingly, however. On Thursday, the trio immediately found their rhythm on the French track, with two top-three results thanks to Miguel Molina. The hard work continued on Friday in an increasingly competitive category.
After a total of 175 laps completed in testing, including 48 for Miguel Molina, Andrew Gilbert took to the track for Saturday afternoon’s qualifying. The Briton showed excellent pace to put the #74 Ferrari 296 LMGT3 in fifth place on his final attempt, just three-tenths of a second behind second place.
Under threatening skies, Andrew Gilbert avoided the hazards of a chaotic start at all levels of the field. Well positioned at the restart, the Bronze driver battled hard against his rivals. Despite spinning out in increasingly tricky conditions as the rain set in, he pitted and resumed his charge up the field to be just ten seconds adrift of second place at the one-hour mark.
However, a consequential setback ended the team’s hopes. An LMP2 hit Andrew Gilbert, sending him into the safety barrier. The British driver managed to return to the pits to allow the Kessel Racing team to make repairs as quickly as possible. Back on the track four laps down, the No. 74 car was no longer in contention for a good result. Later, Fran Rueda took over and completed around ten laps before the trio retired before Miguel Molina could get behind the wheel.
« It was shaping up to be a strong race for us as we had a competitive package, and we were confident in our ability to fight for a good result, » said Molina. « Unfortunately, the race took a turn when Andrew was run into by an LMP2 car in tricky conditions. He wound up in the wall, and from that point on, our chances were over. The race didn’t go our way, and it was a frustrating way to finish, especially when the car felt good, and we were in a good position.
« It’s tough to accept, but motorsport is sometimes like this. Still, there are positives to take from the weekend. We made some good steps forward in terms of learning, setup, and overall preparation. We must keep building on these valuable data points, as the next ELMS event at Imola will be crucial for us. We are already looking forward to it. »
Despite the frustration, Miguel Molina now turns his attention to his next race: the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. A true motorsport legend nestled in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is renowned for its technical challenges and unpredictable weather. Round three of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season is crucial as it is often considered the final dry run before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Victorious last year in the Sarthe, the crew of the No. 50 Ferrari 499P, which he forms with Nicklas Nielsen and Antonio Fuoco, will focus on delivering a solid performance while perfecting their preparations for the twice-round-the-clock race.
« Spa has always suited us well as a team and the car, » he continued. « It’s a circuit where we can truly show what we can do. Given how things unfolded in Imola, this is the right moment to step up, bounce back and deliver a strong result not only for the points but also to build confidence and momentum heading into the year’s biggest race. Spa becomes even more important with the 24 Hours of Le Mans just around the corner. It’s our final opportunity to fine-tune every area: technically, operationally and mentally. It is also a demanding circuit, so it’s an ideal venue to validate everything we’ve been working on. Everyone in the team is focused, motivated, and ready for the challenge. »
Before heading to Belgium, Miguel Molina experienced a truly special and emotional moment away from the circuits. A long-time football fan and Girona FC socio, it was a dream come true for the Spanish driver to be invited to attend the La Liga match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca at the Estadi Montilivi. Earlier in the day, he had the opportunity to meet the players during a training session before being welcomed into the presidential box. There, he was proudly presented with an official Girona FC jersey by club president Delfí Geli in a memorable experience for this passionate supporter.
4 Hours of Le Castellet – LMGT3 : 1. Richard Mille AF Corse #50 100 laps… NC. Kessel Racing #74 48 laps
European Le Mans Series – LMGT3 : 1. Iron Dames #85 31 points ; 2. Richard Mille AF Corse #50 27 points ; 3. Spirit of Race #55 24 points ; 4. Kessel Racing #57 20 points… 12. Kessel Racing #74 1 point.
Blanca de Foronda,