The announcement was made on 20 March 2024. The Italian Iron Lynx team is entering the Ligier European Series with fellow team, LR Motorsport, already a regular in the series. Iron Lynx by LR Motorsport will enter the #60 Ligier JS2 R for a young line-up which is also 100% Italian: Matteo Pianezzola and Gregorio Bertocco.
Active in the LMDh category in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, as well as in GT3 throughout the world, the Italian team is broadening its horizons in 2024. In addition to its first rally appearance, Iron Lynx will make its debut in the Ligier European Series, the single-make series organised by Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) during its European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and Michelin Le Mans Cup (LMC) meetings.
“With an eye on the future, we approach this first year in the Ligier European Series with great enthusiasm, bringing two rookies from karting,” comments Sergio Pianezzola, Managing Director of Iron Lynx. “We think it is a perfect championship for young drivers entering GT competition, with a lot of competitiveness on the track and the possibility for drivers to gain experience on the most important European circuits. The cherry on top is the Le Mans race at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, a unique experience in itself! The Ligier JS2 R immediately seemed to us to be a very interesting car for young rookies, very formative, with a very interesting performance and very little electronics.”
To bring this new adventure to fruition, Iron Lynx is teaming up with another Italian team, LR Motorsport. LR Motorsport already has solid experience in the European championship. Luca and Simone Riccitelli’s team made its championship debut in 2022 with a Ligier JS P4, finishing in the top five of the JS P4s. In 2023, the team successfully doubled up, finishing runner-up in the JS2 R category and third in the JS P4 standings. So it was only natural that the two Italian teams decided to join forces with this #60 Ligier JS2 R.
“We chose to do this with the support of Luca Riccitelli’s team because we have known him for a long time,” adds Sergio Pianezzola. “We know that in addition to being super professional, we are united by values that are important to us, such as maniacal attention to detail, as well as a great passion for motorsport. The fact that we are both Italian gives us a further incentive to carry the tricolour flag around Europe and we are ready to give our best at all times to leave nothing to chance. The tests carried out during the winter gave positive feedback and now everything is ready. We can’t wait to start this new adventure.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with such an iconic brand as Iron Lynx,” exclaims Luca Riccitelli. “We’re confident that together we can achieve good results already this year. Matteo and Gregorio are very enthusiastic about starting their first season in the Ligier European Series and we are sure that they will make a lot of progress throughout the season.”
Two young Italian drivers with a bright future in motorsport will be at the wheel of the Ligier JS2 R #60. The youngest, 17-year-old Matteo Pianezzola, started out in karting and made his competitive debut in the Rotax championships in Europe.
“I chose the Ligier European Series with my father because it’s a very good championship to start with,” explains Matteo Pianezzola. “The Ligier JS2 R is a really fun and fast car. The series travels to the most beautiful circuits in Europe and takes place during the same meetings as the prestigious ELMS and LMC championships. It’s great because it gives us a chance to get to know the big teams in the world of endurance racing. I can’t wait to start the season!”
Matteo will co-drive with 18-year-old Italian Gregorio Bertocco, who also comes from the Rotax karting network.
“I’d like to thank Iron lynx and LR Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity,” says Gregorio Bertocco. “This year, I’m going to put all my energy into this new stage of my career to achieve the best possible result.”
The two kart drivers have had the opportunity to race together several times as competitors. They are now ready to step up into the world of endurance racing. See you in Barcelona on 12 and 13 April for the first round of the Ligier European Series.
For more information on Iron Lynx, CLICK HERE.
For more information on LR Motorsport, CLICK HERE.
For more information on the Ligier European Series, CLICK HERE.
For more information on the Ligier JS2 R, CLICK HERE.
