Gabriela Jílková set to make LMP3 debut, joins Prototype Cup Germany

VIVIEN STREBELOW

Apr 5, 20232 min read

In a triple racing programme in 2023, Czech driver Gabriela Jílková will make her LMP3 debut by joining the Prototype Cup Germany with Van Ommen Racing.

With a triple programme in 2023, Gabriela Jílková will is officially one of the busiest racing drivers this season, as she is set to race full time in two series in GT4 – in the German and French championship – with the additional participation in the Prototype Cup Germany, as the Czech racer makes her LMP3 debut with Van Ommen Racing.

The German team has in fact announced its participation in the prototype championship created in 2022 by an ADAC and CREVENTIC joint operation, aimed at developing prototype endurance racing in Germany.

Van Ommen Racing has partnered with Rinaldi Racing for a two-car effort in 2023, with support of Datalab, Downforce Motorsports.

In a whole new challenge, Jílková will enter her first ever season of competitions in prototypes – after making appearances in Praga R1 prototypes in the US in 2021. In Prototype Cup Germany, Jílková is set drive the Duqueine D08.

Jilkóvá started karting at the age of 5 and became a multiple winner in karting championships, as well as the first woman to ever win an International Championship in her home country Czech Republic in circuit racing.

She is also a known simracer and has specialized in the iRacing platform in the past few years: 'QuickGabi' has previously competed in the 24H Series, in the Renault Clio Cup Central Europe and Formula Renault NEC series. She was part of the 2019 all-female F3 championship W Series selections, but then attracted worldwide attention with some spectacular performances in her latest seasons in ADAC GT4 Germany, GT4 European Series and GT Winter Series – where she won the overall title in 2021.

Her 2023 busy schedule will now include GT4 campaigns in two all-female crews: she will partner Célia Martin at PROsport in ADAC GT4 Germany, and Lucile Cypriano at Akkodis ASP in FFSA GT4 France in 2023.

But alongside her GT programmes her new adventure in LMP3 is a big opportunity to prove herself in the expanding world of prototypes. The LMP3 platform is in fact the starting class for Le Mans prototypes, 950kg light vehicles equipped with V8-engines from Nissan with 450hp. Michelin will be the exclusive tire supplier for the Prototype Cup Germany.

ADAC bought the exclusive rights for the LMP3 class in Germany from Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and, in the long term, wants to provide young drivers with opportunities in the growing market of prototypes and hypercars.

The 2023 calendar will include six events in Germany and the Netherlands. Gabriela Jilkóvá is the second female driver to be announced – following American racer Courtney Crone.