Press Release – April 14, 2021
The time has finally arrived. The first round of the second season of the Ligier European Series will take place in just a few days on 16 and 17 April at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. This will be a first for the series, which could not make the trip to this circuit last year due to the health crisis. The first round in Spain will take place this year, but behind closed doors. However, enthusiasts can follow the championship live on the series’ website and social networks.
For the launch of the second season of the Ligier European Series in Catalunya, the “series regulars” will meet the “newcomers” who will participate for the first time in the series.
Arctic Energy, Cool Racing and M Racing return for a second season in the Ligier JS2 R class. The Russian Arctic Energy team run by Povilas Jankavicius is back with its #17 Ligier JS2 R in icy colours and its lead driver, Sergey Egorov. It has been a trying time for the team that nearly missed the debut of the campaign due to the difficulties associated with the current health situation. “This is the second season in the Ligier European Series for the Arctic Energy team,” said Povilas. “Nerses Isaakyan, who fought for the JS2 R title last year, cannot compete for us this season. But we welcome a new member to our team, Egidijus Gutaravicius, who has a lot of experience competing in different championships, especially in endurance races in the Baltics and Creventic series”.
The Swiss Cool Racing team enters its #4 Ligier JS2 R with up-and-coming Spanish bronze driver, Cédric Oltramare at the controls. Also returning to the series, the French M Racing team with two Ligier JS2 Rs for returning drivers Natan Bihel in the #53 and Laurent Millara in the #69 car. After coming up short in its bid for the JS2 R crown in 2020, the team set its sights on the title with its silver and bronze drivers.
Up against these experienced teams and drivers, new squads are making their debut in the JS2 R category, and they intend to be at the sharp end of the order. The Orhès Racing team, which knows the Ligier JS2 R inside and out after two seasons in the Ligier JS Cup France, enters two Ligier JS2 Rs. The first, the #24, will be driven by Mathieu Martins, who is making his return to the series with the JS2 R title in his sights, and Orhés Racing team manager and driver Olivier Pernaut. The sister car, the #25, will be driven by Alain Bucher, a young gentleman driver who started in motorsport only five years ago and who already has several titles to his name. For the first round of the season, he will team with a special guest, the French comedian and humourist Arnaud Tsamere. “I’m really looking forward to it,” says Arnaud. “I can’t wait to get back to the adrenaline and stage fright of competition, which I’ve missed even more following the postponement of all the shows”.
The French CTF Performance team will also battle for the JS2 R title with its #95 entry for drivers Nicolas Béraud and Fabien Delaplace, who won the AM title in the Ligier JS Cup France last year with their Ligier JS2 R.
The two Ligier JS P4s of Les Deux Arbres make their return to the series after participating in the opening round of the 2020 season at Circuit Paul Ricard. The father and son team of Jacques and Pierre Nicolet will be in the #33 car. Antoine Lepesqueux and Steve Zacchia will share the driving duties in the #34 machine. HP Racing in partnership with Monza Garage will look to defend its JS P4 title with Italian drivers Jacopo Faccioni and Alessandro Cicognani behind the wheel of its #23 Ligier JS P4.
The other teams meant to participate in this second season have had to delay their entry in the series due to health conditions and travel difficulties for some drivers, notably gentlemen drivers. They will join the series during the season.
The first Heat of the season will begin Friday at 9:30 am with a 90-minute free practice session ahead of the two 15-minute qualifying sessions at 3:20 pm and 3:40 pm. The serious business gets underway on Saturday morning, with the first one-hour race at 10:50 am and the second race at 2:50 pm.
The series’ website, Facebook page and YouTube channel will air both races live.
For the complete entry list, CLICK HERE
