Press Release – July 18, 2019
Ligier Automotive has launched the Ligier European Series in collaboration with the European Le Mans Series, a single-make formula dedicated to the Ligier JS P4, the make’s sports prototype unveiled in 2018 and the Ligier JS2 R, Ligier anniversary GT. The objective? Open the Endurance world to drivers, allowing them to climb the different levels of Endurance racing and potentially reach the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
On Friday 19 July 2019, to celebrate the return of the European Le Mans Series in Catalunya, an exciting announcement was made. Ligier, the French motorsport manufacturer, and the European Le Mans Series introduced a brand-new championship, the Ligier European Series. With which cars? Solely Ligier JS P4s, the sports prototype with a futuristic look released in 2018 and the Ligier JS2 Rs, the anniversary GT also launched in 2018.
Two different categories, two different universes, will take part in this series but with a same objective: discover the motorsport universe, the Endurance World and the Spirit of Le Mans.
The Ligier European Series is the perfect field for gentlemen drivers wishing to enjoy themselves on the best tracks in Europe but also for young talent, notably coming from karting, who wish to improve and to be in contact with the best teams and car constructors in Endurance.
Organised by the European Le Mans Series team, the Ligier European Series will start in Spring 2020. It will take place over five rounds during the European Le Mans Series’ meetings. Each round will be made of 1-hour free practice, 2 x 20-minutes of qualifying session and 2 x 1-hour of race – a total of 3h40 of driving spread only over two days with crew comprised of one or two drivers.
Jacques Nicolet, CEO Ligier Automotive: “We designed the Ligier JS P4 and the Ligier JS2 R to allow young drivers, gentlemen drivers, enthusiasts to discover and start in motorsport. With the Ligier European Series we enable them to achieve this goal on the finest European tracks. We are glad to introduce this championship with the teams of the European Le Mans Series and to offer their experience and professionalism in the organisation of such meetings to the squads and drivers who trust our make.”
Gérard Neveu, ELMS CEO: “We are glad to welcome the Ligier European Series to the European Le Mans Series paddock from 2020. With races alongside the highly successful European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup, the Ligier European Series will be the third tier of a Global Endurance Event that will race on the most challenging and high profile circuits in Europe. This new series will be the first step for all the gentlemen drivers wishing to compete in the Endurance World and looking to reach the highest level of Endurance Racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “On behalf of the ACO I’m pleased to see the launch of this new championship from 2020 with a partner as prestigious as Ligier. The Ligier European Series will strengthen the base of the Endurance ladder allowing gentlemen drivers to increase their experience, with the hope to reach, one day, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
