Press Release – March 26, 2021
French comedian and humourist Arnaud Tsamere will join the Orhès Racing team led by Olivier Pernaut for the opening round of Season 2 of the Ligier European Series at the Barcelona circuit on 16-17 April. The actor will team with Alain Bucher, who is entered for the season, in the French team’s #25 Ligier JS2 R, the sister car to the #24 of Mathieu Martins and Olivier Pernaut. It will be Arnaud’s first appearance in the Ligier JS2 R and the European series. But it will not be his first race, nor with Orhès Racing.
Arnaud was drawn to motorsport about ten years ago. The first time was in the Fun Cup in April 2013 with Kronos. Since then, he has participated in 42 race meetings: “As a child, I followed F1 with my father, as many do. And I was passionate about sport, all sports”, says Arnaud. “Driving led me to become addicted to motorsport. I have since made up for lost time! I’ve been lucky enough to try a lot of categories and championships, mainly on the circuit, in the Fun Cup, Mitjet, Alpine and Vortex, but also in rallycross and the Andros Trophy.”
And it has been most often with Orhès Racing that the actor has swapped the stage for the tarmac. The two drivers, who have become friends, raced together six consecutive times in the 25 Hours of Spa beginning in 2014. If not for the cancellation of the race due to Covid-19, they would have made it seven in a row in 2020. “Olivier is a real enthusiast, an incredible driver and a great manager,” says Arnaud. “When you join the Orhès family, you don’t want to go anywhere else! “
“I am very pleased that Arnaud will be with us for the first round of the Ligier European Series in Barcelona,” says, Team Manager of Orhès Racing and driver of the #24 Ligier JS2 R, Olivier Pernaut. “He is an excellent driver, and he has been dying to drive the Ligier JS2 R! We’ve already shared a lot of fantastic times, especially at the 25 Hours of Spa. With great moments and a French podium, but big disappointments as well, like when we fell short of the overall podium after being pushed into a guardrail on the straight by a backmarker. I am delighted to be able to share the debut of Orhès Racing in the Ligier European Series with Arnaud”.
Arnaud had his first go in the Ligier JS2 R last year at the Magny-Cours circuit. “Olivier invited me to the Magny-Cours during a day of Ligier JS2 R testing,” explains the actor driver. “I went as a spectator, but I brought my helmet with me with a little idea in mind. And I was able to do my first laps on the track. The handling is incredible, you immediately feel comfortable at the controls, and you can go very fast. When I got out of the car, I said to myself, “You are my girl, we’ll see you again very soon!” I am also very attached to the aesthetics of the cars. I can’t wait to get back in the car and show off behind the wheel.”
The action gets underway on Friday, 16 April at 9.30 am with a 90-minute free practice session at the Barcelona circuit ahead of the two qualifying sessions at 3.20 pm. The first one-hour race will start on Saturday 17 April at 10.50 am and the second at 2.50 pm.
