Ligier European Series: Ligier Automotive and Le Mans Endurance Management extend their partnership for three more seasons -

Ligier Automotive and Le Mans Endurance Management are pleased to announce the renewal of their partnership for the Ligier European Series for the next three seasons. Launched in 2020, the series continues to grow and has established itself as a key platform for drivers and teams beginning their endurance racing careers.

A series on the rise

The Ligier European Series is continuing its upward trajectory, with a record 26-car grid in 2025. Teams and drivers from all over the world are now choosing this championship to launch or accelerate their endurance racing journeys.

Held as a support series to the Michelin Le Mans Cup (LMC) and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), the Ligier European Series benefits from a prestigious calendar that includes Barcelona, Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Portimão—and, of course, Le Mans. The round on the legendary 24 Hours circuit, which kicks off the official Test Day, is one of the highlights of the season.

A true springboard to ACO-sanctioned championships

Recognized as a development platform, the Ligier European Series has become a proven gateway to the ACO endurance ladder. More and more LMC and ELMS teams rely on the series to identify and train tomorrow’s top talent. In 2025, no fewer than eight former Ligier European Series drivers competed in Road to Le Mans, with two of them finishing on the podium—a concrete example of the championship’s effectiveness.

The prize system established by Ligier Automotive further strengthens this dynamic. The JS P4 champion(s) receive €150,000 to compete the following season in the Michelin Le Mans Cup behind the wheel of the new Ligier JS P325. The JS2 R champion(s) are awarded €100,000 to continue their development in the JS P4 category within the Ligier European Series.

The most striking example is Gillian Henrion, who claimed the JS P4 title in 2022. Thanks to the prize fund, he moved up to the Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2023 with a Ligier JS P320 and won the LMP3 championship. In 2024, he continued his rise in the European Le Mans Series and was selected for the WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain. In 2025, he competes in a dual program in both ELMS and the Michelin Le Mans Cup, still with a Ligier JS P325.

Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive:
“The Ligier European Series was born from a shared vision with Le Mans Endurance Management: to offer an accessible yet ambitious platform to develop the future stars of endurance racing. Five years later, the results speak for themselves. This renewed partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong development pathway closely connected to ACO-sanctioned series and to supporting teams and drivers every step of the way.”

Frédéric Lequien, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management:
“The Ligier European Series has established itself as a reference championship for drivers starting out in endurance racing. Its calendar, level of competition, professional organization, and clear pathway to higher-level series make it truly unique. We are delighted to extend our collaboration with Ligier Automotive for three more seasons.”