Juncadella Replaces Sargeant at IDEC; Lotterer Joins for Le Mans

IDEC Sport has drafted in factory Corvette driver Daniel Juncadella to replace the vacancy left by Logan Sargeant in its European Le Mans Series lineup, with Andre Lotterer added to the team’s roster for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Juncadella replaces Sargeant in the lineup for the Genesis-backed No. 18 Oreca 07 Gibson alongside Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, following the ex-Williams Formula 1 driver’s shock decision to withdraw from the program “to pursue other interests.”

However, with Juncadella unavailable for Le Mans owing to his existing FIA World Endurance Championship commitments for the TF Sport Corvette team, Lotterer will step in to replace the Spaniard for the blue riband race in June.

“I’m really happy to join IDEC Sport and Genesis Magma Racing,” said Juncadella, who previously raced an LMP2 car for JOTA Sport in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2018. “It’s an incredible opportunity to make my debut in the ELMS with such an experienced team.

“Although I’m currently racing in GT3, I already have experience in LMP2 from the 24 Hours of Daytona. I’m confident the team will help me settle in quickly. My single-seater background also gives me useful references to handle the aerodynamics.

“I want to thank the entire team for this trust. I’m looking forward to starting work with them, and that starts this week!”

Along with Chadwick and Jaubert, Sargeant had originally been placed at IDEC as part of Genesis’s so-called ‘trajectory’ program aimed at preparing them for a WEC Hypercar seat when the Hyundai-owned marque’s LMDh program debuts in 2026.

Hyundai Motorsport President Cyril Abiteboul commented: “Dani is a perfect fit for our ‘trajectory’ program, which aims to recruit talented drivers who haven’t yet had the opportunity to race in Hypercar.

“He complements Mathys and Jamie perfectly, giving us a very balanced team.”

On the decision to call up Lotterer for Le Mans, he added: “This is a logical choice. Andre has immense experience and has already won the event three times. He is part of the Genesis Magma Racing family since he will race with us in Hypercar next year.

“This participation allows him to get familiar with the team, engineers, and mechanics this year while bringing his invaluable expertise from the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Lotterer will participate in the French endurance classic in an LMP2 car for the first time, having only contested the LMP1 and Hypercar categories in his 13 starts so far.

“This opportunity was discussed from the beginning of our collaboration, but the priority was always the drivers from the ‘Trajectory’ program,” said Lotterer.

“Ultimately, Logan’s withdrawal gives me the chance to return to Le Mans and bring my experience to this young team. The car looks very competitive. I’ve already spoken with Mathys and Jamie, and we will form a strong trio.

“Thanks to Genesis Magma Racing and IDEC Sport for this opportunity. Racing at Le Mans is always special, and this experience will also help me stay sharp for the rest of the season.”