Inter Europol Competition has locked in its full driver lineup for the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series. The Polish team returns to the LMP2 class after a year focused on LMP3. They kept veterans Bijoy Garg and Nick Yelloly to lead two new cars. Sportscar365 reported the team signed newcomers Antoine Comeau and Torsten Kratz to complete the rosters.
The team paired single-seater convert Niels Koolen with Garg in the No. 34 Oreca 07 Gibson. Koolen spent the last two seasons in Indy NXT for Chip Ganassi Racing. He finished 15th in the standings this year with a best result of fourth. British driver Cian Shields joins Yelloly and Kratz in the No. 43 entry. Shields moves up from FIA Formula 2 after two full seasons there. He even completed a Formula 1 free practice session with Aston Martin last year.
The Driver Mix Shifts Toward Youth
Inter Europol is betting that open-wheel speed translates to prototype success. Niels Koolen has some LMP2 experience from racing for Duqueine in 2024. Most of his recent focus was on the American road racing series. He told Sportscar365, “I’m super excited to jump in the car this ALMS season with Inter Europol Competition.” He added, “It’s a great opportunity to join such a successful team, and I’m really looking forward to working with everyone and getting back behind the wheel of an LMP2 car.”
Antoine Comeau steps up from the Michelin Le Mans Cup to join Garg. He sees the new lineup as a chance to fight for the top spot. Comeau stated, “I’m very excited to step up to LMP2 with such a strong team and group of co-drivers.” He believes, “I think we’ll have everything we need to compete at the front this season.” This confidence is rare for drivers making the jump to a new car class so quickly.
Torsten Kratz brings a different kind of experience to the No. 43 car. He has a wealth of knowledge in LMP3 machinery and raced in Asia for Rinaldi Racing in 2022. This marks his first time advancing to the LMP2 ranks. Kratz called the move a “very special moment” and a challenge he is excited about. He noted that after his first test at Paul Ricard, he cannot wait to get the season started.
The strategy relies on mixing proven endurance talent with raw single-seater pace. Garg and Yelloly have already proven they can handle the European Le Mans Series pressure. Adding drivers who know how to push hard on qualifying laps gives the team a distinct edge. Shields brings fresh eyes from Formula 2 where overtaking is constant and margins are thin. His single-fighter background means he understands tire management and fuel saves better than most new LMP2 converts.
Shields expressed his delight at joining the team and the excitement for what they can achieve together. He views the move into endurance racing as an exciting new chapter. He plans to bring his single-seater experience to the group while learning from those around him. The team aims to push for strong results throughout the winter campaign.
The Asian Le Mans Series serves as a testing ground for these new combinations. The season kicks off with the Paul Ricard opener, where Koolen was already named on the entry list last week. The team will use this winter series to refine their setup before the main European campaign. Kratz expressed pride in joining such a successful team and anticipation for collaborating with all members.
The Road to the First Race
Inter Europol Competition has firmed up its lineup just in time for the upcoming season. Following a season dedicated to the LMP3 division, the squad re-enters the LMP2 class for the European 2026/27 campaign. Bijoy Garg and Nick Yelloly were kept from its European Le Mans Series program to lead the two lineups. The confirmation of the final drivers ensures the cars will be ready when the green flag drops.
Cian Shields is expected to compete for Inter Europol across the full ELMS season and this winter’s Asian campaign. His addition completes a roster built for speed and consistency. The team has everything needed to compete at the front this season according to their drivers.
