GARDNER DELIVERS PODIUMS AND VICTORIES AT LE MANS, SPA AND SILVERSTONE

September 18, 2026
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MEDIA RELEASE/Alex Gardner – Photos: supplied

Australian driver Alex Gardner has produced a standout second half of the 2026 Ligier European Series season, securing four podiums, including three victories, at Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone to take a seven-point championship lead into the final round.

Australian racing driver Alex Gardner has delivered an impressive run of results during the second half of his 2026 Ligier European Series campaign, securing four podium finishes from five races, including three victories, across three of Europe’s most iconic circuits.

Competing in the LMP4 class with Team Virage aboard the #14 Ligier JS P4, the 19-year-old has produced a consistent run of performances at Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, with his recent results propelling him into the Ligier European Series championship lead.

With just one round remaining in the championship, Gardner and Team Virage hold a seven-point advantage at the top of the standings, setting up a closely contested finale.

Gardner’s results across the three events were:

Le Mans: P2
Spa-Francorchamps: P1 & P5
Silverstone: P5 & P1

The results have seen Gardner stand on the podium four times in five races, including victories at both Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.

LE MANS – PODIUM AT THE HOME OF ENDURANCE RACING

The second half of Gardner’s campaign began at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, where the Ligier European Series formed part of the prestigious Le Mans race week.

Competing at Le Mans represented one of the biggest milestones of Gardner’s young career. Racing a prototype around the same circuit that hosts the world’s most famous endurance race provided a unique opportunity to compete on one of motorsport’s biggest stages.

Gardner converted the opportunity into a P2 finish, securing a podium result at the iconic venue and beginning his run of strong second-half performances.

“Le Mans was an incredible experience. Being able to race there during Le Mans 24hr week is something I’ll never forget, and to come away with P2 and stand on the podium made it even more special.”

“It’s a circuit with so much history, and knowing that you’re racing where the world’s biggest endurance race takes place makes every lap feel significant.”

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS – VICTORY AT AN ICONIC CIRCUIT

The momentum continued at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, where Gardner delivered another strong weekend.

The famous Belgian circuit is renowned for its high-speed corners, dramatic elevation changes and the legendary Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex, making it one of the most demanding venues on the European calendar.

Gardner produced his strongest result of the weekend by taking P1 in the opening race, securing a race victory at one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.

He followed the victory with a P5 finish in the second race, maintaining his championship momentum heading into the next round.

“Winning at Spa was a huge moment for me. It’s such an iconic track, and to stand on the top step there is something I’ll always remember.”

“The weekend wasn’t perfect, but getting the win and continuing to fight at the front showed the progress we’ve been making throughout the season.”

SILVERSTONE – VICTORY AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

Gardner carried his momentum into the United Kingdom for the Silverstone round, where the championship battle took another important turn.

After finishing P5 in the opening race, Gardner returned to the front of the field in Race Two, claiming another P1 finish at the home of British motorsport.

The victory capped off an exceptional run across three of the world’s most famous circuits and proved crucial in the championship standings.

With the results from Silverstone, Gardner and Team Virage moved into the championship lead, holding a seven-point advantage with just one round remaining.

“To finish Silverstone with another win and come away leading the championship is an incredible feeling.”

“Le Mans, Spa and Silverstone are three circuits that I grew up watching and dreaming about racing at. To now have four podiums and three wins across those events, while putting ourselves into the championship lead, is something I’m extremely proud of.”

“But the job isn’t finished yet. We have one round to go in Portimao, and the focus now is on doing everything we can to finish the season strongly.”

FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE EUROPEAN STAGE

Gardner’s results in the Ligier European Series represent the latest step in a rapidly progressing motorsport career.

After moving into car racing in 2022, Gardner progressed through Australian competition before winning the Australian Radical Cup Championship in 2023, becoming the youngest driver world-wide to win the championship.

He subsequently progressed into GT racing, including competition in GT World Challenge Australia debuting as the youngest driver on the grid and achieving some podium finishes, before taking his racing career onto the European stage.

His 2026 Ligier European Series campaign has provided valuable experience in prototype machinery and international endurance racing, with Gardner competing against drivers from across Europe and around the world.

The combination of experience and results at Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone has marked a significant period in Gardner’s international career, with four podiums from five races helping propel him to the top of the championship standings.

ONE ROUND TO GO

With just one round remaining, the focus now turns to the championship finale.

Gardner and Team Virage enter the final round with a seven-point championship lead, with the title still to be decided.

After a second half of the season featuring a podium at Le Mans and victories at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, Gardner will now look to carry that momentum into the final event at Portimao as he continues his pursuit of the 2026 Ligier European Series title.

“This season has been about putting myself in the right environment to develop as a driver and prove that I can compete at the front internationally.”

“The results at Le Mans, Spa and Silverstone have been incredible, but there’s still one very important round left.”

“We’re leading the championship by seven points, but nothing is guaranteed. The focus is on preparing as well as possible, continuing to improve and giving ourselves the best opportunity to finish the season strongly.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Team Virage, my teammate Simon Schranz, my sponsors and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. None of these results happen without the people behind me.”

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