Romain Dumas
From Le Mans podiums to electric hill climb records, the driver who redefined speed limits across disciplines.
Romain Dumas is a French racing driver born on 14 December 1977, celebrated for conquering endurance's greatest stages including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Spa, Nürburgring 24 Hours, and 12 Hours of Sebring. A Porsche factory driver since 2004, he has also driven for Audi (2009–2012), Volkswagen (2017–2019), and Ford Performance (since 2022). Dumas is renowned not just for endurance victories but for setting historic records in electric prototypes at Pikes Peak and other venues, showcasing a unique blend of traditional racing skill and record-breaking innovation.
- Nationality
- French
- Primary Manufacturer Affiliation
- Porsche Works Driver (since 2004)
- Racing Discipline
- Endurance / GT / Sport-prototype / Hill Climb
- Le Mans Status
- Multiple Winner (LMP1, LMP2) and Continuous Starter (2001–2023)
- Notable Record
- Pikes Peak Overall Wins (5), Nürburgring EV Lap Record, Land Vehicle Altitude Re
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Dumas's career is defined by an extraordinary range of victories. In 2010, he secured a major triumph alongside Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller in the Audi R15 TDI plus at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That same year, he won the 24 Hours of Spa driving a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and claimed victory with Klaus Graf at the ALMS event in Mosport. His partnership with Porsche deepened in 2016 when he, Neel Jani, and Marc Lieb drove to victory at both the 6 Hours of Silverstone (after original winners were excluded) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing the driver's championship. Beyond endurance, Dumas developed the Norma M20 prototype specifically for Pikes Peak, winning there in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2024, with his 2018 win in the Volkswagen I.D. R setting a new overall record of 7:57.148.
In Their Own Story
The year 2019 marked a pivotal shift as Dumas focused on electric speed records. Driving the Volkswagen ID R, he shattered the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for an electric vehicle with a time of 6:05.336. Just weeks later at Goodwood Festival of Speed, he beat Nick Heidfeld's McLaren MP4/13 Formula One car, completing the hill climb in 0:39.90. In September, he and the I.D. R conquered the Tianmen Mountain Big Gate Road, covering 10,906 metres in 07:38.585 to set a new benchmark. Returning to Pikes Peak in 2024, Dumas drove the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck to his fifth overall victory, posting an 8:53.563 time. His versatility extended to altitude records in December 2023, when he piloted a Porsche 911 to 6,734 metres on the Ojos del Salado volcano, setting the world record for land vehicle altitude.
Reader's Guide
For fans tracking Dumas's impact, his consistency is unmatched: he participated in every 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2001 to 2023. His journey began in karting (1992), moved through French Formula Renault and F3, and included tests in F3000, F1, and Champ Car before settling into endurance racing. Notable milestones include his first overall win at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2007 and his debut as a Porsche LMP1 works driver developing the 919 Hybrid in 2014. In 2023, he finished 2nd overall at Pikes Peak in the Ford SuperVan 4.2, then set the Mount Panorama lap record in 2024 with a time of 1:56.3247. His team, RD Limited (founded as RD Rally Team in 2008), designs Group R-GT cars and prototypes like the Norma M20, competing in the Asian Le Mans Series since 2024.
Did You Know?
- Dumas set the world record for land vehicle altitude in December 2023 by driving a Porsche 911 to 6,734 metres on the Ojos del Salado volcano.
- In 2018, he drove the Volkswagen I.D. R to a Pikes Peak record of 7:57.148 with an average speed of 150.9 km/h.
- He participated in every single 24 Hours of Le Mans race from 2001 through 2023.
- Dumas beat Nick Heidfeld's Formula One car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2019, completing the climb in 0:39.90.
- His team RD Limited designed the Norma M20 prototype that secured him multiple Pikes Peak victories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Romain Dumas?
Romain Dumas is a celebrated French racing driver born in 1977 who excels across endurance and hill climb disciplines. He has served as a Porsche factory driver since 2004, establishing himself as a key figure in modern motorsport.
What is Romain Dumas's record at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
He holds a remarkable streak as a continuous starter at the event, competing in every edition from 2001 through 2023. This consistency underscores his longevity and dedication to endurance racing's premier stage.
Which car manufacturers has Romain Dumas worked with?
While primarily linked to Porsche, he has also competed for Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford Performance throughout his career. His ability to drive effectively for multiple teams highlights his adaptability as a professional racer.
What other major races has Romain Dumas won?
In addition to Le Mans victories, he claimed wins at the 24 Hours of Spa, Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the 12 Hours of Sebring. These triumphs demonstrate his mastery over various endurance circuits globally.
Why is Romain Dumas known for electric vehicle records?
He gained fame beyond circuit racing by securing five overall wins at Pikes Peak and setting lap records with electric prototypes on the Nürburgring. This showcases a unique combination of traditional driving skill and innovation in electrification.
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