Lotterer: LMP2 Adaptation at Le Mans – Overdriving Explained
- Three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer is navigating the nuances of LMP2 machinery as he makes his debut in the class.
- Lotterer is sharing the car with le Mans rookies Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert.
- Despite his extensive Le Mans experience, Lotterer admitted to "overdriving" as he adapted to the LMP2 car's capabilities.
Andre Lotterer, a three-time Le Mans winner, faces a new challenge: adapting to the LMP2 class. Learn how he’s adjusting his driving, admitting to ”overdriving” the car during qualifying as he tackles the nuances of the ORECA-Gibson 07. Lotterer is partnered with rookies Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, and is focused on race performance and mastering the Goodyear tires.This debut is crucial for his preparation for the Hypercar program with Genesis Magma Racing. News Directory 3 has the inside scoop on Lotterer’s adaptation. Discover what’s next for the racing legend at le Mans.
Andre Lotterer Adjusts to LMP2 car in Le Mans Debut
Updated June 12, 2025
Three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer is navigating the nuances of LMP2 machinery as he makes his debut in the class. Driving the #18 ORECA-Gibson 07 for IDEC Sport, Lotterer’s entry is linked to genesis Magma Racing’s future Hypercar program.
Lotterer is sharing the car with le Mans rookies Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert. He replaced Logan Sargeant, who exited the project before the European Le Mans Series season began. Lotterer had limited testing time before le Mans, completing only one day at Paul Ricard.The IDEC crew did not advance to Hyperpole after a tough qualifying session.
Despite his extensive Le Mans experience, Lotterer admitted to “overdriving” as he adapted to the LMP2 car’s capabilities. He is focused on maximizing performance with the Goodyear tires used in the LMP2 class, a key element for success in the race and preparation for the Hypercar program.
#18 IDEC SPORT ORECA 07 - Gibson: Andre Lotterer
Photo by: Rainier Ehrhardt
“The LMP2 car is really fun to drive,” Lotterer said. “It’s light, agile, a bit quicker than a Hypercar in the corners… I just need to learn a bit more about the tire.”
Lotterer added, “I think I overdrove the car completely in qualifying, expecting more grip from the tyres… I didn’t cut the kerbs enough in the chicanes so didn’t extract everything, but in the race it should be fine.”
He also noted the unique characteristics of the Goodyear tires, requiring a different braking technique than he is accustomed to. Despite a disappointing qualifying result, Lotterer remains optimistic about the race, emphasizing that grid position is not the ultimate determinant of success at Le Mans.
What’s next
Lotterer aims to fine-tune his driving style to maximize tire performance during the race, gaining valuable experience for the upcoming Hypercar program with Genesis Magma Racing.