Rinicella to Make Le Mans Debut with IDEC Sport

Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program driver Valerio Rinicella will make his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut this year, driving an IDEC Sport Oreca 07 Gibson alongside team regulars Paul Lafargue and Job van Uitert.

Rinicella won the 2024 Asian Le Mans Series title and is making a full-time switch from single-seaters to sports cars this season, with his main program being in the European Le Mans with IDEC. He finished fourth in the season opener in Barcelona earlier this month alongside Jamie Chadwick and Laurents Hoerr in the Genesis-backed car.

He has now been confirmed as tackling Le Mans with class stalwarts Lafargue and van Uitert, who previously finished on the podium together with IDEC in 2024.

Rinicella described competing at Le Mans as “a childhood dream coming true” and added: “For a first-time entry, there’s obviously a lot of excitement, but also a bit of pressure.

“It’s a race with very experienced drivers, so I still have a lot to learn, especially on the long stints.

“For now, I’m focused on the ELMS season but, as soon as possible, I’ll be talking to my team-mates who have a lot of experience.

“I want to learn as much as possible, whether on the track, in the simulator, or through physical training. A real challenge awaits me.”

Team principal Nicolas Minassian added: “Valerio has impressed us with his maturity, speed, and dedication.

“He understands how the team operates, which is a real advantage when preparing for a race like Le Mans.

“With Paul and Job, we have a cohesive crew capable of aiming for a top-level performance.”