ELMS voted European Series of the year at the Professional Motorsport World Expo

The Professional Motorsport Show in Cologne this year celebrates its tenth anniversary.  As part of this great end-of-year event, which brings together all the key players from the world of motorsport, a jury made up of team principals and journalists, representing different sectors of the industry, comes together to select and reward the best in the business. In 2015, seven prizes have been given to reward Powertrain Innovation of the Year, Motorsport Facility of the Year, Motorsport Technology of the Year, Motorsport Team of the Year, Motorsport Engineer of the Year, European Race Series of the Year and Race Car of the Year.

At the Professional Motorsport World Expo’s Gala Dinner, which was held in Cologne on Wednesday 11 November, the European Le Mans Series was elected European Race Series of the Year.  Cédric Vilatte and Gaëlle Chouteau, respectively Events Manager and Event Coordinator for the ELMS, were there to receive the award.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest: "The European Le Mans Series has become an essential step in the pyramid of endurance racing established by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, allowing drivers and teams to move up to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans which sits at the very top of the pyramid.

“After three years of intensive work, the ELMS has truly made its mark as the European launch pad for global endurance racing, by producing quality grids every year, both in terms of drivers and teams.  Among others, there is New Zealander Brendon Hartley who is currently poised to win the 2015 WEC Drivers’ Championship at the wheel of the Porsche 919 Hybrid, and the Signatech Alpine team – 2013 and 2014 ELMS Champions – which has just won its first LMP2 race in WEC. There is also JOTA Sport, which won the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP2 and finished second in 2015, or Thiriet by TDS Racing which finished second in LMP2 last year.”

Gérard Neveu, CEO of the European Le Mans Series: "The promoter of the ELMS, which I am privileged to represent, is honoured to receive this award which recognises the work of an entire team set up three years ago in order to try to and put this great discipline of motorsport into pole position. Congratulations to everyone in the team who now, with this prize, see their efforts being rewarded. We would also especially like to thank the teams and drivers who have put their faith in us and thanks to whom this championship has become so exciting. Finally thank you to the jury for this accolade which drives us on as much as it honors us. It is our responsibility to continue to develop this wonderful series while protecting the values ​​of motorsport to which we are so attached.”

In 2016, the European Le Mans Series will have an additional race on the calendar, with six rounds (as opposed to five for the last three years).  Races will be held in England (Silverstone), Italy (Imola), Austria (Red Bull Ring), France (Le Castellet), Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) and Portugal (Estoril).

For a look back on the gala evening:  www.professionalmotorsport-expo.com