Jack Doohan makes his endurance debut with Nielsen in the 2026 European Le Mans Series

Jack Doohan will contest European Le Mans Series in 2026 with Nielsen Racing in the ORECA 07 prototype Gibson LMP2 number 24. The 23-year-old Australian combines this campaign with his duties as reserve driver for TGR Haas F1 Team on Fórmula 1. The confirmation came this Wednesday and marks the driver’s return to competitive motorsport after almost 12 months without racing. Ele shares the car with Roy Nissany and Edward Pearson in an unprecedented formation for the British team.

Doohan’s career at Fórmula 1 came to an early end in the 2025 season, when Alpine dismissed him after six stages and promoted Franco Colapinto. Desde then, the 2021 FIA F3 runner-up looked for opportunities to maintain the pace. The place as a reserve in Haas paved the way to remain in the top category paddock, while the new partnership at ELMS guarantees mileage in endurance prototypes.

• The deal was reached in a timely manner before the season opener.
• The team completes the LMP2 lineup with drivers from different backgrounds.
• Doohan seeks to quickly adapt to the shared riding style.

Jack Doohan highlights enthusiasm for returning to the track

The driver expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to return to competitions. Ele mentioned that the last time he raced was almost a year ago and that the transition to sports cars presents an interesting challenge. Nielsen Racing offers a solid framework for adapting to the ORECA LMP2, with a focus on gaining practical experience in long-distance races.

Doohan stressed that there is a lot to learn in the new environment, but he trusts the team around him to speed up the process. Ele also commented on the variation in driving style, with multiple drivers per car and broader strategies in each session. Essa experience should contribute to professional development, regardless of the future in Fórmula 1.

Preparation is still limited, but first impressions of the car were positive despite the differences compared to single-seaters. The Australian avoided alternative proposals, such as Super Formula, after inconclusive tests, making ELMS a strategic option to maintain visibility and competitiveness.

Transition from single-seaters to endurance takes shape with new team

The move to the endurance category temporarily takes Doohan away from the open-wheel formula cars that marked its trajectory. Mesmo Therefore, he values ​​the chance to accumulate hours on the track in a calendar of six stages. Nielsen Racing, with consolidated experience, should facilitate the integration of the trio formed by Doohan, Nissany and Pearson.

Roy Nissany brings back experience from testing at Fórmula 1 and recent debut in ELMS with another team. Edward Pearson arrives as another driver from the single-seaters, completing a renewed lineup. The team is looking for good results in the LMP2 class, which remains highly contested in the European series.

The moment of confirmation reduces the available places in the category before the first stage. The proximity to the opening of the season requires total focus on adaptation, with the Nielsen structure acting as the main support.

Preparation for debut in Barcelona progresses with little time

The 2026 season of European Le Mans Series is scheduled to start on April 12th at Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya, with the 4-hour race. The official prologue takes place in the previous days on the same Spanish circuit, offering additional opportunity for collective testing. Doohan and teammates will use this period to align strategies and understand the requirements of the prototypes.

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The ELMS campaign runs parallel to Doohan’s duties as a reserve at Haas. Essa double duty allows him to remain close to the Fórmula 1 environment while accumulating endurance experience. The Australian has already demonstrated a positive initial adaptation to ORECA during preliminary contacts with the team.

Other details about the Nielsen lineup include car number 27 in LMP2, with a separate lineup. The presence of Doohan in #24 reinforces the team’s commitment to the main class of the series.

Australian driver values ​​gaining experience in the new format

Doohan commented that the opportunity arose as a way to ensure competitive activity and overcome the period without racing. Ele highlighted the importance of gaining mileage in a different context, with longer stints on the track and sharing of roles. Essa experience broadens the vision of racing and can open future doors in several categories.

Team Nielsen Racing completed its LMP2 line-up with the announcement, reducing uncertainty about the opening grid in Barcelona. The focus now turns to training and the first race, where the trio will seek a consistent start to the season.

Jack Doohan maintains aspirations at Fórmula 1 as he explores endurance

Remaining as a reserve in Haas preserves Doohan’s chances on the category’s main grid in future editions. The ELMS campaign serves as an ideal complement to maintain physical and technical fitness, without directly interfering with obligations with the American team. The driver continues to closely follow developments in F1 as he prepares for his debut in prototypes.

Adapting to LMP2 requires attention to aspects such as tire management, pit stop strategies and teamwork. Doohan and his companions count on the technical support of Nielsen to overcome the differences in relation to single formula cars.

The ELMS calendar includes stages on Europa traditional circuits, offering a variety of challenges throughout the year.