The blueprint and the pilot: Neveu and Closmenil on the CLX Academy
- Ghazlan Atqiya Firmansyah
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
DIVEBOMB spoke to CLX Motorsport's Technical Coordinator, Julien Neveu, and driver Adrien Closmenil about the CLX Academy and the latter's progression within the team's ranks. This interview is the second of a five-part LMP3 series with the team.
CLX Academy and LMP3 as its foundation
Shortly before the interview was conducted, CLX announced its latest initiative to support the future of endurance racing, called CLX Academy.
As the technical coordinator who oversees the LMP2 and LMP3 programmes, Neveu began by explaining that the CLX Academy is a performance-based career programme in endurance racing. It represents the team's long-term vision by identifying talents early and giving them support over multiple seasons.
The team defines specific objectives for each stage of a driver's development. Under a structured and coherent framework based on a long-term vision, the drivers will be supported with high-level motorsport professional standards.
"With CLX Academy, we are trying to find the best young talents, and we are giving them goals to achieve."
The programme is centred around individual performance; CLX evaluates drivers independently of their teammates' results. A driver’s raw speed and consistency over a full stint are the primary metrics used to measure them against the rest of the field.
Beyond general performance goals, Neveu highlighted specific benchmarks a driver must hit to progress, for example, qualifying on the front row three times in the Le Mans Cup or securing several top-five finishes throughout the season.
"We are always trying to give goals realistically.
"If it's your first time in LMP3, first time in a race car, we will not put the same goals as, for example, as it was for Adrien after one year in Formula 4, obviously. The goals are a bit different to achieve during the first season in LMP3."
Neveu emphasised that the programme prioritises a driver’s learning curve over their initial starting point. CLX targets drivers who demonstrate high coachability, those who can process information quickly and apply feedback to find the optimum lap time.
The LMP3 class serves as the foundation of the programme. Neveu believes it provides the ideal environment for young drivers to adapt to the unique nature of endurance racing. He noted that the category is particularly effective for drivers transitioning from single-seaters, allowing them to gain their first experience in multi-hour race formats.
Closmenil talks CLX rank progression: Le Mans Cup to LMP2 in ELMS
Upon joining CLX Motorsport, Closmenil noted that his biggest adjustment was the sheer length of endurance stints. Having transitioned from French F4, where races typically last 20 minutes, Closmenil had to adapt to stints that can exceed an hour in the LMP3 cockpit.
Now 19, Closmenil has integrated deeply with the team over the past three years. He noted the open communication within the garage, likening the working environment at CLX to a "family", a factor that has undoubtedly aided his transition into endurance racing.
Despite his young age, the Frenchman is already viewed as one of CLX’s standout success stories, following in the footsteps of alumnus Malthe Jakobsen, who now competes for the Peugeot factory Hypercar programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Under the team's former Cool Racing banner in 2024, Closmenil campaigned the Ligier JS P320 in both the Le Mans Cup and the Ultimate Cup Series. Partnered with Briton James Sweetnam in the former, they finished a strong fifth in the LMP3 Drivers' Championship, highlighted by a podium finish at Spa-Francorchamps.
Closmenil was promoted to the No.17 Ligier JS P325 for the 2025 European Le Mans Series, joining veteran Paul Lanchère and Danish talent Theodor Jensen. The trio enjoyed a dominant campaign, claiming victory in every round of the season with the sole exception of a retirement in Spa-Francorchamps.
Following their standout performances, CLX has promoted both Closmenil and Jensen to the LMP2 category for the upcoming season. The duo will pilot the No.37 entry alongside Ian Aguilera, marking the next major step in their professional development.
When asked about the main difference, Closmenil said: "The biggest difference is the car.
"[The Oreca 07 is] a really fast car with a lot more aerodynamics and power. There is also another [level of] tyre and fuel management.
"Also in LMP3, it was the Bronze driver who started and had to do two hours. Now, we are in the [LMP2] Pro category with three Silver [rated] drivers, so I can do the start, the qualifying, or finish the race. There is a lot more information to know, and it's been challenging so far."
Following the 4 Hours of Portimão last season, Closmenil and Jensen utilised the official Rookie Test to acclimatise to the Oreca 07. After setting competitive lap times throughout the session, Closmenil expressed his excitement at the prospect of proving his pace in the LMP2 category.
A message for future drivers
To conclude, Neveu and Closmenil offered their perspectives to the next generation of talent aiming to break into the endurance racing scene.
Neveu said: "Be sure to choose who you will be listening [to].
"And then be sure you are always doing your best to apply to apply advices."
Within the CLX system, Neveu highlighted Team Principal Nicolas Lapierre as a vital mentor. As an icon of the sport, Lapierre brings the weight of multiple Le Mans LMP2 class victories and two LMP2 Drivers' Championship titles, offering the academy's drivers a blueprint for professional success.
Closmenil echoed Neveu’s sentiments on hard work. He notes that success in endurance racing requires a 360-degree approach. He highlighted that while track time is limited, a driver must maximise their "off-track" preparation.
For Closmenil, this meant a rigorous schedule in the gym to meet the physical demands of the car, as well as extensive simulator sessions to master challenging circuits like Imola. By his own account, this dedication and consistency to fitness and virtual prep were the "key" to his breakout LMP3 season.
While Neveu continues to scout for the next generation of stars, Closmenil stands as the ultimate proof of concept: a driver who embraced the Academy’s rigours, transforming himself from a junior prospect into one of the most exciting talents to watch on the European stage.
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