Inter Europol Competition are pleased to confirm its drivers for the forthcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. Jakub ‘Kuba’ Śmiechowski, Clément Novalak and Vlad Lomko will pilot the #34 LMP2 Oreca 07 at the year’s biggest and most prestigious sports car event.

As the reigning LMP2 race champions, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is even more significant than usual for the Polish-based team. Last year’s Centenary edition saw Inter Europol Competition lead numerous times across the 24-hour event, crucially taking the chequered flag 20 seconds clear of its nearest LMP2 rival.
It was a stunning achievement for all concerned, and there can be, therefore, only one target this year with Kuba, Clement and Vlad.

Kuba, who has focused on the IMSA series so far this year, returns to Circuit de la Sarthe at the wheel of the #34, aiming to make yet more history with his team.
European Le Mans Series racers Clem and Vlad have already proven impressive with the squad this year and, combined with the ever-stronger team structure behind them, should be a formidable package.

The Le Mans test takes place the weekend before the main event, which gets underway on Saturday, 15 June, at 16:00. The #34 trio will race against 61 cars, including 15 LMP2 rivals.

Sascha Fassbender, Team Manager
“We always try to win, and nothing changes there. We have a strong driver lineup; Clem is a rookie this year with us, as was Albert (Costa) with us last year, and we had a good experience with that. Vlad raced at Le Mans last year, so he knows the track and will be strong. Kuba has lots of experience and is always clean and error-free; he is strong at Circuit de la Sarthe.

“This year, we have one car, so it is good in one way to have just that car to focus on, but naturally, we would rather run two and win that extra invitation on merit. The regulations have changed this year, so we have less freedom. The series has now frozen the gear ratios in LMP2, but that’s no problem for us as we head into the test confident that we can hit the ground running.”

Kuba Śmiechowski
“I am delighted to return to Le Mans as it’s such a special event and we’re returning as defending race winners, so we will try to fight for the win again, the best position possible.

“It seems that Le Mans actually chooses its winner, so all we can really do is to go there and maximise our chances. We’re in a good position to do it, it’s our goal, and the result will then come to us.

“As the defending winner, there is no real pressure; in fact, the opposite is true, as we have achieved what we wanted to achieve. For me personally, whatever comes after—I feel good with what we have already done—but obviously, I want to go for another win!”

Clément Novalak
“It’s my second take of a 24 Hours race this year, and hopefully, this will be smoother for me, having eventually missed out on the Rolex 24 at Daytona! I’m really looking forward to it; it’s a driver’s favourite and one that we all look forward to immensely.

“Being with such a strong team, one that won last year, gives me so much confidence. There will be a lot of preparation ahead, but running at night at such a great circuit and dealing with the challenges as they come along will be fun. I consider it a home race, and for sure, I hope it brings with it those extra couple of tenths.”

Vlad Lomko
“It’s an honour to be joining Inter Europol Competition for Le Mans. I am confident ahead of the race; Kuba has already won this race and has the experience to do it again, while we know Clem is quick. Last year, I took part but didn’t finish, so this year, I hope to go the distance with the #34. The team is really experienced and has already done one 24-hour race this year, and we were rather unlucky not to get a podium at Daytona.

“In the run-up to the event, I am racing with the team in European Le Mans this weekend at Paul Ricard; then I will do a lot of simulator work. Maybe I will see if the other two drivers wish to do a 24-hour sim. This is useful in helping me to prepare. I can’t wait!”