2023 Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 Champion is driving in his second full season in the European Le Mans Series with the 22-year-old French driver switching to reigning champions RLR MSport after narrowly missing out on adding the ELMS LMP3 title in his debut season last year with Team Virage.
2015 French Cadet Karting Champion Gillian Henrion had burst onto the endurance racing scene by winning the Ligier European Series JS P4 title in 2022 with Team Virage and then won the MLMC title alongside Julien Gerbi the following year.
Henrion and Gerbi moved up to the ELMS the following year, with the pair being joined by Portuguese driver Bernhard Pinheiro. They took two wins in Barcelona and Mugello and finished the season just nine points behind the eventual LMP3 champions, Henrion’s 2025 teammates Michael Jensen and Nick Adcock.
The season started well with a 2nd place in Barcelona, but unfortunately, that was followed by two retirements at Le Castellet and Imola, which has put the no15 RLR MSport crew in 8th place in the championship standings at the halfway point of the season.
We caught up with Gillian Henrion to discuss the season so far and how he will approach the second half of the season.
Q1: How would you summarise the first half of the season from your point of view, and what positives are you taking into the next race at Spa?
Gillian Henrion: “It’s clearly not been an ideal start to the season. The first race in Barcelona really showed the potential we have as a team, and it gave us a lot of hope for what was to come. Unfortunately, the next two rounds were compromised by racing incidents involving other categories, as well as a mechanical issue. This new generation of cars has also allowed some teams to gain an advantage in terms of pace and setup. At RLR MSport, we’re working hard to close that gap.
“Despite everything, there are positives: the whole team is determined, motivated, and eager to prove what we’re capable of. We’re staying fully focused on the upcoming races, and we’re looking to come back stronger starting at Spa.”
Q2: The competition in the LMP3 category is very tough. How do you assess the level of the championship this year?
GH: “Yes, the level is particularly high this year. As I mentioned, the new LMP3 regulations have allowed some teams to make quick progress by finding very effective setups, which has created a performance gap between some outfits.
“On our side, we’re giving everything we can with the time and resources available. The competition is fierce, but we’re staying focused on our own work and doing everything we can to keep progressing and show strong performances in the upcoming races.”
Q3: This is your first season with reigning champions RLR MSport. How is your integration into the team going, and how is the collaboration with your teammates Nick Adcock and Michael Jensen?
“Honestly, I have two great teammates, both on a human level and in terms of performance. Nick and Michael are really great, and we get along very well. As for the team, they’re very professional, and everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“My integration into the team happened very naturally, which allowed me to focus quickly on on-track performance. Franck Larue, my engineer, is incredibly dedicated and attentive to his drivers.”
Q4: Looking ahead to the next race in Belgium, what do you think of the circuit, and do you have a favourite corner or section?
GH: “Spa is definitely my favourite track on the calendar. I can’t wait to go back; it’s a legendary circuit with a lot of character. My favourite section is Pouhon. It’s a very fast corner where you need to carry as much speed as possible. It’s a part of the track where differences in driving and setup really come into play.”
Q5: What would be a good result for you and the team at Spa?
GH: “Quite simply: winning. The championship seems out of reach this season, so the goal now is to aim for victory and show everyone what we’re capable of. We’ve got the motivation, the potential, and a united team. Now it’s just a matter of delivering.”
