European Le Mans - 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps

The 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps represents a major endurance race on the European Le Mans Series calendar. This four-hour contest takes place at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium, where prototype and GT cars compete on one of motorsport's most challenging tracks. The 2026 edition brings together 47 cars across four distinct classes, with teams and drivers battling for championship points and an automatic invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

European Le Mans Series Racing Format

The European Le Mans Series features six four-hour races across Europe. Each race tests the strategy, skill, and endurance of both drivers and teams. The 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps follows the standard ELMS format with two 90-minute free practice sessions, a 30-minute Bronze Test for FIA-ranked Bronze drivers, and a 15-minute qualifying session for each category. In LMP2 Pro/Am and LMGT3 classes, only Bronze drivers may qualify the car.

All competing cars use Excellium Racing 100, a renewable biofuel supplied by TotalEnergies. Teams cannot use tyre warming equipment. Each driver must complete at least 40 minutes of driving time during the race. Winners of each category receive an automatic invitation to compete at the following year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps sits within the Ardennes forest in Belgium. The track measures 7.004 kilometers (4.352 miles) and features 19 corners, including nine right-hand and ten left-hand turns. The circuit stands out as the longest venue on the ELMS calendar.

Track Characteristics

The circuit has a significant elevation change of approximately 100-104 meters (328 feet) between its highest and lowest points. Famous sections include Eau Rouge and Raidillon, a steep uphill right-hander with a 17% gradient and a 40.8-meter elevation change. Top-tier cars take this combination at extremely high speeds. Other notable features include La Source hairpin, the Kemmel Straight, Blanchimont, Stavelot, and Malmedy.

The location in the Ardennes forest creates unpredictable weather conditions. Rain can affect different parts of the circuit while other sections remain dry. This weather variability adds strategic complexity to the race.

Racing Categories at the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps

The 2026 ELMS season features a record-breaking 47-car grid competing across four classes. Each category has specific technical regulations and driver rating requirements.

LMP2 Class

The LMP2 category represents the premier prototype class in ELMS. The 2026 grid includes 11 entries in this category. These closed-cockpit cars use a Gibson GK428 4-litre V8 engine producing around 600bhp, with a power limit of 400kW and a minimum weight of 950kg. Four constructors supply chassis: Dallara, Ligier Automotive, Oreca, and the Riley Tech/Multimatic joint venture. Teams must include at least one FIA Silver-rated driver in their line-up. LMP2 cars run on Goodyear tyres.

LMP2 Pro/Am Class

The LMP2 Pro/Am class uses the same technical specifications as LMP2 but requires at least one FIA Bronze-rated driver in each crew. This regulation creates additional strategic considerations for teams. The 2026 season features 12 entries in this category.

LMP3 Class

LMP3 serves as an entry-level prototype category. The class aims to develop drivers and teams with less complex and more budget-friendly machinery compared to LMP2. The 2026 grid includes 10 LMP3 cars. These prototypes use a 3.5-litre V6 Toyota V35A twin-turbocharged engine producing around 470 bhp. Oreca provides the exclusive powertrain supply. Chassis manufacturers include Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta, and Adess. LMP3 cars use Michelin tyres and feature traction control but no ABS in ELMS specification.

LMGT3 Class

LMGT3 cars are GT3-specification machines derived from production road models and modified for professional racing. The 2026 season expects 14 LMGT3 entries representing manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Corvette, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Balance of Performance regulations ensure competitive racing among different vehicle models. Teams must include at least one FIA Bronze-rated driver and no more than one Gold or Platinum-rated driver. LMGT3 cars run on Goodyear tyres.

Teams and Competitors

Several established teams participate in the European Le Mans Series. Confirmed or expected entries for the 2026 season include Forestier Racing by Panis, Inter Europol Competition, IDEC Sport, Algarve Pro Racing, CLX Motorsport, Proton Competition, United Autosports, Vector Sport, Nielsen Racing, AO by TF, AF Corse, DKR, R-ace GP, and Iron Lynx.

Circuit History

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps began hosting motorsport events in August 1921. The original track was a 14.982 km (9.309 mi) public road circuit connecting the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. The circuit underwent major modifications in 1979, when it was shortened to its current 7.004 km (4.352 mi) permanent layout due to safety concerns.

Endurance racing at Spa dates back to the mid-1920s with the first Spa 24 Hours race. The ELMS began holding races at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2004. The 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps has been a regular fixture on the ELMS calendar since 2016.

Fan Experience

The European Le Mans Series provides fans with access to the paddock area, where teams prepare their cars and drivers interact with supporters. Autograph sessions and grid walks before the race allow close encounters with competitors. The race weekend offers multiple opportunities to see the cars in action across practice, qualifying, and the four-hour race itself.

What Makes This Race Special

The 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps combines several factors that create compelling endurance racing. The length and layout of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps demand high levels of skill from drivers. The significant elevation changes and high-speed corners require precise car setup and brave driving. Weather conditions can change rapidly, forcing teams to adapt their strategies quickly.

The four-class format means multiple battles occur simultaneously throughout the field. Faster prototype cars must navigate through slower GT traffic, adding another layer of complexity to the race. The mix of professional and developing drivers across the different categories creates varied competition levels within a single event.

Formula 1 cars take the Eau Rouge and Raidillon combination at over 300 km/h due to extreme downforce. ELMS prototypes and GT cars tackle this section at high speeds as well, making it a spectator favorite. The first planned car race at Spa in 1921 was canceled because only a single driver entered, so organizers held a motorcycle race instead.

This race offers fans a chance to see multiple categories of endurance racing machinery compete on a circuit known for its challenge and character. The combination of technical demands, strategic variation, and unpredictable conditions makes the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps a significant event in the European Le Mans Series season.