Theodor Jensen Secures First LMP2 Podium in Abu Dhabi Season Finale
Theodor Jensen claimed the first LMP2 podium of his Asian Le Mans Series career as the #49 High Class Racing Oreca-Gibson crossed the line in third place at the 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi, capping off a strong season finale weekend for the Danish-entered team.
Jensen is no stranger to ALMS success, having won the LMP3 championship last season with CLX Motorsport. But Sunday's result marked a significant milestone in his step up to the prototype top class.
Jensen, sharing driving duties with Jens Reno Møller and Gustavo Menezes, delivered a crucial defensive masterclass in Race 2, holding off a queue of world-class drivers to secure the team's best result of the 2025/26 campaign.
Race 1 - Saturday
The opening race of the Abu Dhabi double-header saw the #49 High Class Racing entry run competitively throughout, with the team showing strong pace in the warm 30-degree conditions at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Photo: Gary Parravani, High Class Racing
Gustavo Menezes found himself leading the race outright after the second round of pitstops, demonstrating the potential of the High Class Racing package. The team remained in contention through the middle phase of the race, with Theodor Jensen taking over for his stint and running solidly inside the top ten.
Jensen came under pressure from the hard-charging Louis Deletraz in the #4 Crowdstrike Racing, the Swiss driver on a charge towards the front of the field. Despite a determined defence, Deletraz eventually found a way past, going on to take his third consecutive victory of the season.
A Full Course Yellow period with 35 minutes remaining shuffled the order, and the #49 Oreca ultimately crossed the line in P8 - a solid points finish to set up Sunday's finale.
"It was a decent race, but we knew we had more to give," said Jensen. "The pace was there, and Gustavo did a brilliant job to get us into the lead earlier in the race. We knew P8 didn't reflect our true pace, and we were determined to show what we could do in Race 2."
Race 2 - Sunday
Sunday's season finale proved to be a dramatic affair, with two Virtual Safety Car periods, a full Safety Car, and a red flag following a high-speed collision between the #15 Kessel Racing and the #25 Algarve Pro Racing on the back straight. Thankfully, both Memo Gidley and Michael Jensen emerged from their damaged cars unaided.
High Class Racing executed a near-flawless race, with the team's strategy and driver line-up working in perfect harmony. Jens Reno Møller and Gustavo Menezes kept the #49 Oreca in a strong position through the opening phases, before handing over to Theodor Jensen for what would prove to be a defining stint.
Photo: Gary Parravani, High Class Racing
Jensen found himself running in a podium position with a queue of seriously rapid machinery in his mirrors. Louis Deletraz, a multiple ELMS and WEC LMP2 title winner, was among those looking for a way past. Antonio Fuoco, the Ferrari factory driver, and Paul di Resta, the former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans class winner, also applied sustained pressure.
For over an hour, Jensen held his nerve, defending his position lap after lap against some of the most accomplished sportscar drivers in the world. His defensive driving was measured and intelligent - giving no easy opportunities while maintaining a pace that kept him out of reach.
"That was probably the most intense stint of my career so far," Jensen admitted. "I had Deletraz, Fuoco, and di Resta all taking turns to have a go at me. These are guys who've won at Le Mans, won multiple titles and raced in Formula 1 - and I'm out there going wheel-to-wheel with them for over an hour. You have to stay completely focused, hit your marks every single lap, and not give them any openings. It was tough, but I absolutely loved it."
The #3 DKR Engineering took a commanding victory with Griffin Peebles crossing the line over 11 seconds clear, whilst the #43 Inter Europol Competition claimed second. But it was the #49 High Class Racing entry that completed the podium - Jensen bringing the car home in third place for the team's best result of the season.
"To stand on the podium in LMP2 is a fantastic feeling," said Jensen. "Winning the LMP3 title last year was incredible, but this is a different challenge entirely. The competition at this level is intense. Jens and Gustavo were brilliant. They put the car in a great position for me to defend, and the team's strategy was spot on. The pitstops were quick, the calls were right, and the car felt amazing. It's a real team effort and I'm so proud of everyone at High Class Racing."
Photo: Gary Parravani, High Class Racing
Season Reflection
The Abu Dhabi weekend brought the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series season to a close, with the #49 High Class Racing crew able to reflect on a campaign of steady progress. Results of P9 and P6 in Dubai were followed by P8 and P3 in Abu Dhabi - a clear upward trajectory that culminated in that breakthrough podium.
Jensen was quick to credit the collective effort: "This season has been an incredible learning experience. Every race, we've got stronger as a team. Jens brings so much experience and consistency, Gustavo is lightning quick and knows these cars inside out, and the guys in the garage have worked so hard to give us a competitive package. To end the season on the podium is the perfect reward for everyone's efforts."
Looking ahead, Jensen is optimistic about what the future holds: "I've shown this weekend that I can mix it with the very best. Holding off drivers like Deletraz, Fuoco, and di Resta, that gives you a lot of confidence. I can't wait to build on this."
Photo: Gary Parravani, High Class Racing