Team Qatar by Iron Lynx delivered a superb performance today to claim second place in the 4 Hours of Imola, round 3 of the 2026 European Le Mans Series. It was another impressive achievement for the nation’s racing movement, supported by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and a well-deserved accomplishment for a team that has fought for victory since the start of the season.
Starting from third place on the grid after a high-performance qualifying result, Abdulla Al-Khelaifi kept his position at the start and went as high as P1 as different strategies played out. With the help of swift execution and driving, Julian Hanses stabilized in second place and set the tone for a final chase for victory. A perfect pit-stop allowed Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Maxime Martin to stay in the fight with cars on the opposite strategy, and while he had to perform some fuel saving, he secured net P2 with a masterful overtake. He then successfully made it to the end with no further stops and even pressured the leader until the checkered flag fell.
The 63 Iron Lynx crew saw a phenomenal day turn into bitter disappointment. After a positive qualifying session that saw him challenge for the top-5, Ameerh Naran had an outstanding stint and was comfortably holding fifth place when a competitor went across the grass at the Turn 1 braking zone, smashing into his car and causing severe damage. As a result, Rui Andrade and Sergio Sette Camara could not take the wheel as the car was retired.
Iron Lynx will be back into action in a few days for the fourth round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship in Interlagos, Brazil, while Round 4 of the European Le Mans Series will get underway in late August at Spa-Francorchamps.
Andrea Piccini – Team Principal & CEO, Iron Lynx: “I’m very proud of what the team accomplished today. It’s great to see Team Qatar get a result they have deserved from day one. All around, it was a great job. Strategy, pit-stops and driving were spot on, and I’m looking forward to continuing with this great momentum for the rest of the season. On the #63 car, Ameerh had an incredible stint, showing he belongs among the best bronze drivers of this championship. Unfortunately, someone else’s mistake cost him, Rui, and Sergio a clear shot at the podium. I’m sure there are good things to come for them. Now we head to Interlagos with the goal of continuing with this pace!”
Abdulla Al-Khelaifi – Driver, car 62: “Very happy that we finished on a podium — it’s the first time in ELMS. We had a really clean race. We avoided issues, had a good strategy, and my teammates did an amazing job. I’m super happy to be part of the Iron Lynx family, and hopefully, we get away with more in the next round. Follow us and… grazie!”
Julian Hanses – Driver, car 62: “Finally, we made it on the podium and I’m super happy. The team did an amazing job with the strategy. It worked out well and we gained a lot of track position. Abdulla did a mega start, gave me the car in P2, and I gave it to Maxime, also in P2. Just a spectacular job by the team and my teammates. I’m delighted to share the car with them and I can’t wait for the next race. Let’s go!”
Maxime Martin – Driver, car 62: “So here we are in Imola after a very clean race from the team. It was a great work of strategy, and by my teammates. We finished on the podium, P2 for Team Qatar by Iron Lynx, so we are very very proud. I’m very happy and let’s go to the next one.”
