Oliver Gray and Forestier Racing by Panis Dominate 4H Imola

Oliver Gray and Forestier Racing by Panis Triumph at 4 Hours of Imola

Corinthian Sports ambassador Oliver Gray is celebrating another standout result, as Forestier Racing by Panis took a commanding victory in the 4 Hours of Imola, Round 3 of the 2026 European Le Mans Series. Sharing the No. 29 ORECA 07 with Louis Rousset and Esteban Masson, Oliver Gray helped guide the trio to a 51-second win in punishing 35-degree heat, marking the team’s second victory of the season and a significant response after a difficult outing at Le Castellet.

Louis Rousset (left), Esteban Masson (centre) and Oliver Gray (right) celebrate their 4H Imola victory at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari

It’s a result that means a great deal to everyone at Corinthian Sports, having supported Oliver throughout his rise through the motorsport ranks, from his karting days through single-seaters and now into top-level endurance racing. Watching him deliver at one of the ELMS calendar’s toughest rounds is exactly the kind of moment we love to celebrate.

A Race of Twists and Turns

Imola rarely does things simply, and this year’s 4 Hours event was no exception. Rousset started from pole but was shuffled back early, first losing out to Adrien Closmenil’s CLX Motorsport entry, and then to Griffin Peebles in the United Autosports No. 22 during the opening Safety Car restart. From there, it was down to Oliver and Esteban Masson to claw the position back.

Oliver had to claw back the places during the middle stint of 4H Imola

Oliver took on much of the heavy lifting through the middle stint, going wheel-to-wheel with reigning champion Gregoire Saucy for long spells without finding a way past. It set the stage perfectly for the closing strategy battle, where Forestier Racing by Panis’s pit crew delivered a crucial undercut at the penultimate round of stops. A blistering out-lap from Masson sealed the deal, and the No. 29 car pulled away to take the chequered flag well clear of the field.

Oliver’s Reaction

Speaking after the race to dailysportscar.com, Oliver reflected on what made the victory so satisfying:

“We knew we had the car under us; we just had to deliver, and we did. The team were incredible this weekend with pit stops and strategy.”

In his post-race interview, he also went on to say:

“It was a big strategy game today. When I exited the pit lane, I had used tyres from Louis; Gregoire had new ones, but I managed it well. It was the most fun I’ve had on track, but it was frustrating, because United was on a different strategy, but Gregoire put the car in the perfect place each time to hold me off.”

Oliver also drew a comparison to the team’s earlier win this season:

“This win, though, is slightly better than Barcelona. We had all the tools to achieve this.”

It’s a telling insight into the mentality that’s carried Ollie through his career so far, a driver who thrives under pressure and relishes the tactical side of endurance racing just as much as the raw speed.

The win did come on a bittersweet day for the wider Forestier Racing by Panis family, with news emerging during the race of the passing of Marc van der Straten, a key figure behind the team’s ELMS title success last year. It was a reminder that, even amid celebration, the racing community remains close-knit.

Building Momentum

The Imola result moves Forestier Racing by Panis up to second in the championship standings at the halfway stage of the season, keeping the team firmly in title contention. For Oliver, it follows a strong showing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans just weeks earlier, where he and his teammates secured a hard-fought podium finish.

Oliver Gray and Forestier Racing by Panis finished third in the LMP2 class at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans

Between a Le Mans podium and now a dominant Imola win, Oliver is proving himself among the most consistent talents on the ELMS grid, someone capable of delivering when it matters most, whatever the conditions throw at him.

Onwards to Spa-Francorchamps

Attention now turns to Round 4 of the European Le Mans Series, the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on August 23rd. With momentum building and the points gap narrowing, it promises to be another must-watch weekend for Ollie and the Forestier Racing by Panis crew.

Spa-Francorchamps is a fan favourite in the European Le Mans Series

Everyone at Corinthian Sports is incredibly proud of Oliver’s performance at Imola, and we’ll be cheering him on as the championship battle heats up.

Congratulations to Oliver, Esteban, Louis, and the entire Forestier Racing by Panis team on a brilliant result!

Experience the World’s Biggest Motorsport Events in The Pegasus Lounge

Watching a driver you’ve backed from the karting track all the way to a podium at Le Mans and a dominant win at Imola is a special feeling, but you don’t need to be a team sponsor to get closer to the action. With The Pegasus Lounge, Corinthian Sports’ premium motorsport hospitality experience, you can enjoy the drama, speed and spectacle of the world’s biggest race weekends in unrivalled style.

Available across some of the biggest events on the motorsport calendar, including the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the ever-popular Goodwood Festival of Speed, The Pegasus Lounge gives you a front-row seat to the action, and so much more.

Our premium motorsport hospitality packages include:

• Incredible views of the action, ensuring you don’t miss a beat of the on-track drama
• Complimentary food and drinks served throughout the entire experience
• The chance to meet the legends, with the likes of Martin Brundle OBE, Liam Lawson, Damon Hill and more joining us throughout the years
• And so much more!

Whether you’re a lifelong motorsport fan or looking to treat clients, friends or family to an unforgettable day out, The Pegasus Lounge delivers an experience worthy of the occasion.

Enquire now to secure your place at the biggest events on the motorsport calendar.