A few days after its stop at Spa-Francorchamps for the fourth round of the 2025 season, the Ligier European Series unveils its 2026 calendar. The series, which continues to attract a growing number of international teams and drivers, is already preparing for its seventh season with six iconic European motorsport venues.
This announcement follows the renewal of the partnership between Ligier Automotive and Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM), confirmed last July 8 for three additional seasons, through the end of 2028. An agreement that guarantees stability and long-term prospects for this recognized stepping stone into endurance racing.
An international and highly competitive series on the rise
In 2025, the Ligier European Series welcomed a record grid of 26 season entries right from the opening round in Barcelona. Competition is fiercer than ever, blending ambitious young talents with experienced gentleman drivers.
Both categories are delivering particularly close battles this season. In Ligier JS P4, 2024 Ligier JS Cup France Junior Champion Romain Boeckler (#22 Loire Valley Racing operated by Trajectus Motorsport) has taken the lead with his fourth win at Spa, but the duo of Iko Segret and Maxwell Dodds (#6 ANS Motorsport) remains in the fight with two victories and three second-place finishes. In the Ligier JS2 R category, August Therbo (#57 23Events Racing) currently tops the provisional standings with a six-point advantage over Simone Riccitelli (#7 LR Motorsport). A clear sign of the series’ growing strength and intensity.
Six Heats on Europe’s most iconic tracks
As in 2025, the season will feature six rounds on the same prestigious circuits, a reflection of their strong appeal to teams and drivers alike. They will be held on the same weekends as the Michelin Le Mans Cup (MLMC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS), with the exception of the Le Mans round.
The season will kick off in Spain at the Barcelona circuit, on April 10-11.
Next stop: southern France at Circuit Paul Ricard, on May 1-2.
The third round will be the highlight of the season: the Le Mans Heat, held on June 7 on the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit during the Test Day.
After the summer break, the competition resumes at Spa-Francorchamps, on August 21-23.
Competitors will then head to the iconic British track of Silverstone, on September 11-12, for the second consecutive year.
Finally, as tradition dictates, the finale will take place in Portugal at the Portimão circuit, on October 8-9.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management: “We are pleased to announce the 2026 calendar for the Ligier European Series, an important championship that continues to grow year on year, providing drivers and teams the vital first step into the world of endurance racing.
In an unaltered calendar from this year, the Ligier European Series will once again support the European Le Mans Series on five of Europe’s most iconic circuits. The series will also race on the full legendary Le Mans circuit, as support for the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. We look forward to another exciting season for the Ligier European Series in 2026.”
The provisional 2026 Ligier European Series calendar
Heat 1: April 10-11 – Barcelona, Spain
Heat 2: May 1-2 – Paul Ricard, France
Heat 3: June 7 – Le Mans, France
Heat 4: August 21-23 – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Heat 5: September 11-12 – Silverstone, England
Heat 6: October 8-9 – Portimão, Portugal
The key ingredients of the Ligier European Series
-A condensed two-day format with 3h40 of track time (except for the Le Mans Heat), shared between one or two drivers.
-A calendar aligned with the MLMC and ELMS (except for the Le Mans Heat), offering drivers and teams the chance to combine programs.
-Two categories: GT and sports prototypes with the Ligier JS2 R and Ligier JS P4.
-PRO-AM and AM classifications to highlight the diversity of driver profiles and crews.
-Live race broadcasts with French and English commentary.
-A series supported by French constructor Ligier Automotive.
-A unique prize system: a €150,000 scholarship for the Ligier JS P4 champion(s) to compete in the MLMC the following season at the wheel of a Ligier JS P325, and a €100,000 scholarship for the Ligier JS2 R champion(s) to race the next season in the Ligier European Series in a Ligier JS P4.
For more information about the series, CLICK HERE.
For more information about the Ligier JS P4, CLICK HERE.
For more information about the Ligier JS2 R, CLICK HERE.
