After each round of the Ligier European Series, I take a moment to reflect on what I’ve experienced, what I’ve learned, and how I’m planning the next steps. For this final chapter, we head to Portimão for the grand finale of an intense season, filled with highs… and one final blow.
Before the race: under pressure
I arrived in Portimão feeling stressed about what was at stake, but also more determined than ever. The goal was clear: give everything in Race 1 to build a solid lead, and approach Race 2 with more confidence. I had my sights set on winning the European championship title.
Qualifying & races: between control and bad luck
Qualifying didn’t get off to the best start. During the first session, a small tire-pressure error prevented us from getting full grip. Despite that, I secured pole by less than a tenth. During the second session, we corrected the pressures… and it paid off: another pole, this time with a more comfortable margin.
Securing the double pole position was already a big step forward for the weekend.
In Race 1, I made a clean start, avoiding the traps of the opening lap, and built a small gap. But Maxwell [Dodds in the Ligier JS P4 #6 ANS Motorsport] had better pace at that moment and overtook me. Rather than risking everything, I decided to manage my tires to maintain a good pace at the end of the race. It worked: after the pit stop, I came back hard on Iko [Segret in the Ligier JS P4 #6 of ANS Motorsport], overtook him, pulled away… and won the race. What a relief. With that victory, I had a 16-point lead. All I needed was a top five finish in Race 2 to clinch the title.
But Race 2 didn’t go as planned. Fifteen minutes before the end, my gearbox failed. The sensor melted, and I got stuck in 3rd gear. I had no choice but to slow down and retire. The title was gone.
Despite my disappointment, I made a point of going to congratulate Iko and Maxwell. They deserved this title, they were fast, consistent, and they finished the races. That moment in the paddock was hard, but important. It helped me turn the page and come to terms with this cruel ending.
The final balance: pride and frustration
My feelings are inevitably mixed. I lost the title because of a mechanical problem. And with it, the €150,000 prize, which represented a real opportunity for the rest of my career.
But I’m also extremely proud. I never imagined I would have such a strong season in my first year in the Ligier European Series. Five wins on five different tracks, great performances… and above all, real visibility in the paddock. I received so many supportive messages after the final. Many people expressed their desire to help me in the future.
The 2025 Rookie of the Year title meant a lot to me. It was real recognition for my season. It wasn’t the title I was aiming for at the start, but it’s still a beautiful reward.
What I’m taking away
This season taught me that you should never give up, both on and off track. Even though I lost the title due to a technical issue, I questioned myself on everything that can make a difference over a full season. I realized that I still need to improve in every area to reach my goals and make my dreams come true.
The highlight? Without hesitation, my victory on the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. It was a dream for me, a season objective… and I achieved it.
The chapter closes, but I’m heading into the future more motivated than ever.
— Romain Boeckler
Ligier European Series Vice-Champion 2025, Rookie of the Year 2025,
Ligier JS Cup France Junior Champion 2024
Driver Journal created in collaboration with Ligier Automotive.
