Pla Joins IDEC Sport for Ligier JS P217 Effort

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

Olivier Pla will spearhead IDEC Sport Racing’s effort in the European Le Mans Series next year, having been confirmed as the lead driver in the team’s new Ligier JS P217 Gibson.

The Frenchman, a Ford factory driver in the FIA World Endurance Championship, will join Patrice Lafargue and his son Paul at the wheel of the LMP2 contender for the ELMS season.

“I found Olivier Pla [in the WEC] a few years with OAK Racing,” said Patrice Lafargue.

“Olivier is one of the best endurance drivers in the world and it is a real pleasure to see the family incorporate IDEC Sport Racing. It is a great honor to have him with us.”

Pla moves to IDEC after a season with Krohn Racing in the ELMS. The future of the American team, led by Tracy Krohn, remains unclear, with no plans having been confirmed.

“When Patrice offered me to to join the team next year, it didn’t take me long to decide,” Pla said. “We’ll find the new car and I look forward to working with him and Paul.”

Pla will be unable to drive for the team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, should IDEC gain an entry, due to his Ford commitments, with the season-opener at Silverstone also in question, as he missed the ELMS race this year to focus on his GTE-Pro commitments.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John