How a 4-hour ELMS race works

Alpine A424 Hypercar at speed during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, reflecting the momentum behind Alpine sets WEC Sao Paulo FP3 pace. — The Alpine A424 Hypercar charges through the Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing the confidence and form seen in Alpine sets WEC Sao Paulo FP3 pace. © Alpine / FIA WEC

A European Le Mans Series race lasts four hours, with two or three drivers sharing each car and four classes on track together. The weekend runs over two or three days and follows the same pattern at every circuit: practice, qualifying per class, then the race.

What does an ELMS race weekend look like?

Using the 2026 finale at Portimão as an example (times in CEST):

Day	Session	Start
Thursday	Free Practice 1	12:00
Friday	Free Practice 2	11:15
Friday	Qualifying LMGT3, LMP3, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP2	16:15 to 17:30
Saturday	Race, 4 hours	15:30

Most rounds end with a Sunday race; the Portimão finale is held on a Saturday. Current times are on our ELMS calendar 2026.

How does ELMS qualifying work?

Each class has its own short qualifying session, and the grid is set by each car’s best lap within its class. During qualifying cars may not go into the garage, or the times set before they did are cancelled, and refuelling is not allowed. LMP2 Pro/Am has a 15-minute session reserved for Bronze drivers. The fastest car in each class takes pole position and one championship point.

How does the race start?

ELMS races use a rolling start: the cars complete a formation lap and the start is given by the lights, rather than from a standing grid. The Safety Car may lead the field to the start.

How long must each driver drive?

The regulations set a minimum and a maximum driving time for every driver. The exact figures depend on the class, the number of drivers in the crew and their ratings, which is how the series makes sure the amateur in each car really races. A driver who does not drive at all gets the car disqualified, and missing a minimum or exceeding a maximum can be punished up to disqualification. A driver with less than 40 minutes in total over the race does not score points. The stewards may adjust the driving times during an event if circumstances require.

What is a Full Course Yellow?

A Full Course Yellow (FCY) neutralises the race for short interventions, typically one that can be cleared within a lap at 80 km/h. When it is declared, every car must slow to 80 km/h, stay in line and keep the gap to the cars ahead and behind. Overtaking is forbidden. The pit entry closes as soon as the FCY is announced, while the pit exit stays open. For longer interventions the Race Director sends out the Safety Car.

What are the rules for pit stops?

The speed limit in the pit lane is 60 km/h, and speeding is penalised per kilometre per hour over the limit. LMP3 has an extra rule: every LMP3 car must make two mandatory pit stops that each last at least a reference time, calculated from the time to drive the pit lane at 60 km/h plus standard times for refuelling and changing tyres.

How is the result decided?

All cars race together, but the results and points are per class: the overall winner is almost always an LMP2 car, while LMP3 and LMGT3 fight their own races in traffic. How the points work is explained in ELMS points and Le Mans invitations. For the meaning of stints and pit cycles in endurance racing, see stint explained and strategy and pit cycles explained.

Back to the overview: what is the European Le Mans Series?

Source: European Le Mans Series, 2026 Sporting Regulations (articles 10, 12, 13 and 14) and Portimão 2026 event timetable.