Masson to Make LMP2 Debut in VDS Panis Oreca

Esteban Masson will make his LMP2 debut, joining VDS Panis Racing in the European Le Mans Series.

The Toyota-affiliated driver will share the No. 48 Oreca 07 Gibson with Alpine Hypercar driver Charles Milesi and Ollie Gray, who joins the French squad after a year of driving for Inter Europol Competition.

Masson, who previously competed in GT machinery in both ELMS and the FIA World Endurance Championship for the likes of Kessel Racing and Akkodis ASP Team, has spoken about the ambition to move into prototype competition.

Panis finished fourth in the LMP2 standings last year, with the lineup spearheaded by Milesi taking victory in the 4 Hours of Imola.

The team will again receive operational support from TDS Racing, while also strengthening ties with Marc van der Straten’s VDS organization that results in the entry being run under the VDS Panis Racing banner.

VDS also holds a presence in GT3 competition as part of the Boutsen VDS operation in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS.

Meanwhile, the Xavier Combet-led TDS squad is also set to field an LMP2 Pro-Am entry under its own name.

The No. 29 car will see Bronze-rated driver Rodrigo Sales team up with a returning Mathias Beche as well as team newcomer Clement Novalak.

Novalak made his LMP2 debut last year after previously competing in both Formula 3 and Formula 2, notably sharing a car with Gray at Inter Europol.

“In 2025, we enthusiastically embark on our second year alongside Olivier—a continuity that comes with a major official addition: Marc van der Straten joining our team,” said Combet.

“On a personal level, I am both honored and thrilled to represent his colors in LMP2.

This collaboration presents us with an incredible opportunity to strengthen our structure and improve our technical resources—an essential asset in such a demanding field as endurance racing.

“We are extremely grateful for the trust he has placed in us, and we will do everything we can to make the ‘Feline’ colors shine.

“The technical expertise of TDS Racing, combined with Olivier [Panis]’s unwavering support, is a real advantage in achieving our ambitions.”

The ELMS season kicks off with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on April 6.