Press Release – September 20, 2019
Launched on 18 July 2019 in Barcelona, the new Ligier single-make series organised by the European Le Mans Series is being unveiled. Time to get your diaries out! The first race will take place on the Barcelona circuit on 3-4 April 2020. It will be followed by Monza, Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps and Portimao: a mouth-watering programme for its first season. Michelin will supply tyres for the Ligier JS P4s and Ligier JS2 Rs. With one or two-driver teams and an obligatory pit stop the Ligier European Series promises non-stop on-track battles!
On the programme: five rounds, five “heats” on the most beautiful European circuits
The latest addition to the European Le Mans Series, the Ligier European Series, will kick off in 2020 on the famous Catalonian circuit beside Barcelona in Spain on 3-4 April 2020. The second race will be held in the Temple of Speed, Monza in Italy on 8-9 May. Then comes Paul Ricard in France on 17-18 July. After the summer break the series will resume at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on 18-19 September and the curtain will come down in Portimao in Portugal, which hosts the final race on 23-24 October.
The heats will be held over two days, Friday and Saturday. Each round will include a 1-hour free practice session on Friday morning, 2 x 20 minutes qualifying on Friday afternoon, and 2 x 1-hour races, one on Saturday morning and the other in the afternoon giving a total time of 3h 40m running.
One or two drivers
Teams of one or two drivers will be at the wheel of the Ligier JS P4s and Ligier JS2 Rs. The eligible drivers are FIA non-classified drivers, Bronze drivers and Silver drivers. For teams of two drivers, at least one Bronze driver will need to be onboard. The Ligier European Series has been designed for gentlemen drivers who want to enjoy themselves on the greatest circuits in Europe as well as young chargers who want to learn the ropes and climb the steps of the Endurance pyramid.
During each race there will be a quick obligatory pit stop without tyre changes or refuelling.
Michelin, official series partner
The Ligier European Series is putting its trust in French tyre manufacturer Michelin to shod the Ligier JS P4s and Ligier JS2 R with Michelin Pilot Sport GT tyres. At each meeting the teams will be able to use one set of used tyres and two sets of new ones.
Michelin is not just the official supplier, but above all the official partner deeply involved in the Ligier European Series. A dedicated Michelin Motorsport technician will be present at all the races to advise the teams and drivers in addition to the fitting and balancing services.
Entries open in mid-October
Only a few weeks to go to the opening date for entries. Teams can enter from mid-October till the end of February.
The entry fee per meeting is 2 500 € (exclusive of taxes) for the Ligier JS P4 category and 2 000 € (exclusive of taxes) for the Ligier JS2 Rs. An offer covering entries for three seasons will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Ligier European Series will benefit from the same organisation as the European Le Mans Series and the Michelin Le Mans Cup with the interface of Team Area.
While awaiting the opening date for entries contact entry@ligiereuropeanseries.com. now for any further questions.
Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive:
“We’re delighted to welcome Michelin to the Ligier European Series family. It was important for us to ensure that the teams and drivers would receive quality support in the domain of tyres so that nothing could spoil their pleasure.
Five races on the most beautiful circuits in Europe, sports prototypes and GTs, a prestigious tyre partner, all the ingredients are in place for a successful first season. And, of course, we’re not stopping there. We’ve got more great news to announce in the coming weeks!”
Gérard Neveu, European Le Mans Series CEO
“We are glad to offer with Ligier this new series that will be part of the European Le Mans Series events from 2020.
This new stage will be dedicated to new drivers wishing to join the Endurance world. This will be a unique experience, open to all, as well as a great opportunity to discover Motorsport.”
Greig Coull, Michelin Client Competition Manager:
“For us Ligier is a key constructor in the world of sports prototypes. In our respective DNAs we share the same ideas about the performance, safety and reliability of our products. So it was very important to cement our links with this French racing car brand to contribute together to the future of motor sport.
We’re delighted through this partnership to be involved in the Ligier European Series concept. Beyond equipping the cars with Michelin Pilot Sport GT tyres, we’ll also ensure the supply of technical support to the series.”
___
The Ligier European Series is on social media!
Join us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LigierEuropeanSeries/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ligiereuropeanseries/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LigierEuroSerie
Keep up to date with all the latest news on the series with the official Hashtag #Ligiereuroseries
___
To find out more about the Ligier JS P4 and Ligier JS2 R:
Download the Ligier JS P4 brochure on https://ligierautomotive.com/en/vehicles/sports-prototypes/ligier-js-p4/
Download the Ligier JS2 R brochure on https://ligierautomotive.com/en/vehicles/silhouette/js2r/
For any questions for the constructor: contact@ligierautomotive.com
___
The Ligier European Series team answers all your questions:
For information on the series log on to: entry@ligiereuropeanseries.com
Communications & Press Relations: communication@ligiereuropeanseries.com
