2018 ELMS LMP3 Champion Job Van Uitert will begin his sixth season in the ELMS top flight with 2019 Team Champions IDEC Sport in Barcelona in two weeks’ time.
After winning the LMP3 title with RLR MSport, Van Uitert started his LMP2 career with G-Drive Racing, finishing the 2019 season as Vice Champion with three podiums - two wins and a second place - from the six races.
In 2020 the Dutch driver then moved to United Autosports for two years. It started well with another Vice Champions title with a win and a second place and the Anglo-American team finishing 1st and 2nd in the Teams Championship. 2021 didn’t go as well, with only one podium secured throughout the season.
A move to Panis Racing in 2022 gave Job Van Uitert his third Vice Champions title with four podiums – three second and one third place finishes. Last year it was another four podiums for the no65 Oreca, with two second and two third place finishes, with the team ending up third in the championship standings after the final race in Portugal.
Now for 2024 Job Van Uitert joins his fourth team, IDEC Sport, and sharing the driving duties with former ELMS champion Paul Lafargue and French driver Reshad De Gerus.
So how did the move to IDEC come about? “Towards the end of last season, Nic Minassian contacted me with the news that they were looking for a driver to replace Paul-Loup Chatin, who went to race with Alpine WEC,” Job Van Uitert said. “I've been in touch with the team for several years, and this time everything fell into place.
“I’m very happy about the opportunity, and so far, I have really been welcomed into the IDEC family. I will be pushing hard to bring the success they deserve!”
So how well does Van Uitert know his new French teammates? “I know Paul well; we fought against each other for the championship in 2019,” Van Uitert admitted. “There is a lot of respect between us, and we have a good relationship, so I'm happy to race with him!
“Regarding Reshad, I wasn't acquainted with him before, but I've been impressed by him so far,” he continued. “He is super nice and humble. We get along very well and have fun on and off track. Also, he is very fast, which pushes me on track as well.”
The LMP2 category is stronger than ever with almost half the 43-car grid made up of Oreca-Gibsons.So, what is Job Van Uitert’s expectations for the upcoming season? “It is probably the strongest grid I've raced in so far. The grid is also full of younger drivers from F2 and F3 who are transitioning to sportscar racing, which is great. I can tell you the racing this year is going to be the most intense and enjoyable we've seen so far in ELMS!”
Van Uitert won the 4 Hours of Barcelona in 2019 and finished second twice in LMP2 in 2022 and 2023.So, what does he like about the track at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona? “Barcelona is a tough but fun track for endurance racing. There aren't many places to overtake, and it's challenging with traffic. Tyre wear is critical and requires a lot of management. With the new factors added, the track is definitely faster and more enjoyable to race on!”
Which circuit does Job consider his favourite of the six the ELMS will visit in 2024? “Definitely Spa and Imola! Spa is kind of my home race. I always bring a lot of friends and family over for that race, which makes it extra special. Being able to share these moments with them is always nice.
“Imola is a track I really liked from my Formula 4 days, and it always brings back wonderful memories. The track has a lot of history and a great flow; you can really attack the corners hard. Traffic is probably the most intense with the short straights. Plus, Italy also has good pizza!”
Mugello is new to the ELMS, has Van Uitert raced there before? “Yes, I have raced at Mugello,” he admitted. “It is an interesting and fast track and an intriguing selection for endurance racing. Speed differences between the LMP2's and GT3's are going to be significant through the fast corners. I'm very curious to see how it will all unfold; it should be a very nice track to race at!”
So, what does Job Van Uitert get up to when he is not behind the wheel of an Oreca 07-Gibson?“When I'm not racing, I'm working! Off the track, I'm pushing hard in the family company Van Uitert, whose logo you might have seen in the past on some racing cars. I handle sales of complete production lines for clients like Heineken, Pringles, and Coca-Cola. That keeps me busy enough off-track.
“Besides racing and work, I like to stay active. I'm into bouldering and running, which also serve as great training for racing.”
The 4 Hours of Barcelona will take place on Sunday 14 April and is Round 1 of the 2024 European Le Mans Series.
