2024/25 Asian Le Mans Series LMP3 Drivers’ Champion Theodor Jensen has certainly been making himself known after switching from single seaters to endurance racing at the end of 2023.
The 18-year-old Dane raced in the final three races of the 2024 Michelin Le Mans Cup with Bretton Racing, taking two podiums including a win at Spa-Francorchamps on his series debut.
He then raced with fellow Dane Jens Reno Moller in the ALMS with Bretton Racing, taking four podiums from six starts with the two Danes sharing with Australian Griffon Peebles in the UAE. The impressive six race tally included a win in Dubai to secure Jensen his first major international title, all in his first season of endurance racing.
Now Theodor Jensen is racing in the European Le Mans Series with CLX Motorsport, and, along with teammates Adrien Closmenil and Paul Lanchere, is heading the LMP3 Championships standings with a perfect 52 points from the first two races in Barcelona and Le Castellet.
We caught up with Theodor Jensen as he prepares to compete at Le Mans for the first time, where he and Adrien Closmenil will contest the two 60-minute Road To Le Mans races with CLX Motorsport.
Q: You are in your second season of racing LMP3 and are currently leading the ELMS Standings with CLX Motorsport. How important was winning in the Michelin Le Mans Cup and then lifting the Asian Le Mans Series LMP3 title with Bretton Racing in developing your racing skills when switching from single seaters to Le Mans Prototypes?
Theodor Jensen: “Winning my debut race in Le Mans Cup and finishing on the podium the race after, gave me the opportunity to test with CLX Motorsport, and that of course led to me getting the seat in the European Le Mans series.
“Winning the Asian Le Mans Series was a huge confidence boost to let me perform even better this year. I’ve learned a lot of racecraft from both series. The prototypes are entirely different to the cars I’ve raced in the past, but I really like how they feel and how they race. Leading the ELMS championship probably wouldn’t have happened without my experience from Le Mans Cup and the Asian Le Mans Series.
“Both series were amazing experiences, on and off the track. The racing was phenomenal - you really have to keep your head straight and fight for every position. And of course the Asian Le Mans Series title was my first international title - I’ve really enjoyed it, all the way.”
Q: How does the new generation LMP3 Ligier-Toyota compare to the Nissan powered Ligier you won the ALMS title in last February?
TJ: “The new LMP3 drives quite similar to the old one–it is a bit less forgiving when you make a mistake on the exits though. But overall it’s quite similar in terms of how my inputs translate to the car’s movements. My feeling with it, and the team’s understanding of the car improves every race - I’m really excited to see where we can take it as the season moves on.”
Q: You are taking part in the Road To Le Mans races on the 13.6km Circuit de la Sarthe with CLX Motorsport. What are your thoughts on the track and the challenges you will face on such a unique track?
TJ: “I’m really excited to try the legendary La Sarthe circuit. I would love to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future. It is a legendary race. And being Danish, the name “Le Mans” carries a certain weight. We’ve had many drivers make a name for themselves there. I hope to add my own to the list someday.”
Q: Road To Le Mans is part of the Michelin Le Mans Cup, so this is a non-championship race for you and the team. What is the motivation for taking part in the event?
TJ: “Even though we won’t be fighting for championship points, we’re no less motivated. Any race is an opportunity to improve my racing. We’re going out there to fight for the podium spots, and to show that CLX Motorsport, Adrien and myself are here to win.”
Q: Will having Adrien sharing the driving duties in the two 60-minute races be an advantage?
TJ: “It will be a huge advantage sharing the car with Adrien. He has experience from last year’s Road to Le Mans, where he put the car on pole. Having someone who knows the circuit, who is as fast as Adrien and who I race with in ELMS as well will let us hit the ground running when we arrive in the paddock.”
Q: Looking at the impressive 58 car grid, with 24 entries in the LMP3 class you will be competing in, including the two CLX Motorsport run cars that are leading the Michelin Le Mans Cup Championship standings. Who do you think the main challengers for a podium finish in the two races?
TJ: “I think our main competition will be our sister cars from CLX Motorsport. They have been showing great speed since the start of the season. There’s nothing like a little friendly competition, and I think there’s a real possibility that you’ll see all of us fighting for the top spots.”
Q: What would be a good result for you in the two races at Le Mans?
TJ: “A win would be a nice result! We go out there to win. Of course anything can happen in these races. Everyone fights hard and it will be decided by who is fastest on race day. We want to be on the podium.”
