After each race of the Ligier European Series, Romain Boeckler, Junior Champion of the Ligier JS Cup France 2024, shares his experience in the Ligier European Series. This diary is based on his feedback and impressions.
Driver Journal #1 – “A new start… with a first victory”.
My name is Romain Boeckler, and a few months ago I won the Junior 2024 title in the Ligier JS Cup France with the Loire Valley Racing team. A great reward, but above all a springboard. Thanks to a sponsorship from Ligier Automotive, this year I’m competing in the Ligier European Series, again with Loire Valley Racing, at the wheel of a Ligier JS P4. A dream come true… and one hell of a challenge.
I made my championship debut on April 3 and 4 on the Barcelona circuit, a weekend I won’t soon forget.
Before the race: between eagerness, stress and pressure
Before arriving in Barcelona, I had mixed feelings. I was obviously impatient to get back into racing and curious to see where I stood against the other drivers. But I was also stressed by the discovery of a new championship and impressed by the extremely professional paddock.
And then there was a certain amount of pressure: after my Junior title, people were expecting the best of me.
There was also a certain amount of pressure: after my Junior title, people were expecting the best of me.
On the track: confirmation, frustration… then deliverance
Fortunately, I quickly felt at ease. Right from testing, the good feeling and the good laps reassured me. Pole position for Race 2 boosted my confidence.
In Race 1, I started from third position. I took the lead on the third lap… and never relinquished it until the finish line. But two penalties dropped me to fifteenth place. A huge disappointment, but also a wake-up call: I’ve got the pace to play up front.
So in Race 2, I was determined to go for that first win. And I did. It’s a real relief, and a reward after all the hard work I’ve put in with the team over the past year.
The highlight
Without hesitation: victory in race 2. I’ll never forget that podium. There were a lot of people there, a real atmosphere, and even some Spanish fans who came to ask me for photos and autographs, which really touched me. I realized right then what I’d just achieved.
First lessons
Driving the JS P4 is more challenging than driving the JS2 R. I had to adapt my driving style.
The level of the championship is high, the competition tight, and consistency will be essential to score big points throughout the season.
I’ve also learned a lot about tire management over a one-hour race, pit stops… and above all, the importance of knowing the regulations well to avoid penalties like those in Race 1.
What’s next
At Le Castellet, I want to continue making progress with the team: fine-tuning my set-up, getting to grips with the regulations… and aiming high.
Objective: 2 pole positions and 2 wins!
– Romain Boeckler
Junior Champion Ligier JS Cup France 2024
Driver Journal produced in collaboration with Ligier Automotive
