On International Woman’s Day, 24-year-old Belén García talks about the next stage of her endurance racing journey as she prepares for the European Le Mans Series.
After a successful first full season in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, Belén García will move up to the ELMS with four time MLMC LMP3 Team Champions DKR Engineering, beginning with her home race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the 14th April.
The former Spanish F4 race winner from L’Ametlla del Valles, just 15kms north of the circuit that will host the season opener, impressed with three top five finishes in the final three races of the 2023 Michelin Le Mans Cup with 360 Racing.
So how important was that season for Garcia preparing her for the challenge in the ELMS this season? “To compete in such a difficult championship like Michelin Le Mans Cup has made me progress massively as a driver, both in race situation and pace,” she said. “I got to know the LMP3 in more depth and the season left me prepared for anything.”
“I am very proud of how we improved in the second half of the championship. We struggled a bit in the first few races and finding our feet later in the season meant a lot to me. I personally felt like I finished the season in really good form, and it is all 2023 season was about.”
DKR Engineering have tasted championship success in both the MLMC and ELMS, with five titles secured since 2017. So how is Belén García settling in with the team?
“We are getting on very well! I tested with them on the Monday after the last race at Portimao last year and the test was very positive. Since then Ijumped in the car once again at Portimao in January and we are testing in Paul Ricard in March to officially start the season preps with the whole line up. I am really excited to get back to work soon!”
So what is Belén's personal goal for her first ELMS season? “My goal remains the same through the years, which is learning and becoming a better driver both in and out of the track. My focus is completely on the work I need to do to prepare, perform and give my best to the team. I believe this way results and wins will come, which is what we all race for.”
CLICK HERE to buy your tickets for the 4 Hours of Barcelona and see Belén make her ELMS debut in person. There are a limited number of tickets available at a discounted price using the promotional code BELEN4.
