Harrogate youngster Maxwell Dodds was crowned 2025 Ligier European LMP4 Champion at the ELMS ceremony after a suspenseful season finale in Portimão, Portugal saw him win the title in the final 20 minutes of the race.

During the 12-race 2025 season, Dodds drove the No.6 Ligier to an almost perfect campaign which involved multiple wins and podiums including an eye-catching triumph at Le Mans.

Dodds’ 2025 campaign was sponsored by Italian wood flooring manufacturer Florian Group and they believe that their shared principles of precision, passion and performance brought home the trophy at the end of a nail-biting season.

On their sponsorship and Dodds’ achievement, Silvia Florian, Director of Natura Flooring, said: “We are immensely proud to see the Florian name represented by Maxwell on the European stage. His skill and determination embody the same principles we stand for, craftsmanship, passion and excellence.”

The Florian Group has furthered its commitment to the local region with the launch of its UK sister company Natura Flooring’s new site just off the A1 near Harrogate.

On the new site and what it means to their links to Dodds and Harrogate, Florian said: “opening our Harrogate site while celebrating Maxwell’s success makes this a truly special moment for our family and our brand.”

Natural Flooring hopes that Dodds’ European title win will ‘not only bring pride to Harrogate but also strengthen the link between the town and one of Italy’s most respected family-run manufacturers.’

After his victory in the LMP4 series, a stepping stone into the world of prototype racing, World Endurance and Hyper Cars, Dodds will soon make the next step onto the world stage and compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

After he has made the step up into the globally followed ELMS, Dodds will be competing alongside some of the best sports car drivers in the world as well as some ex Formula 1 drivers.