On the occasion of the European Le Mans Series round at Imola, the Ligier European Series has revealed the calendar for its eighth season. In 2027, the championship will once again feature six events at iconic European circuits, including a race on the full 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit for the sixth consecutive year. A prestigious yet accessible programme designed to enable both young talents and gentleman drivers to take their first steps in endurance racing and progress through the Le Mans pyramid.
Six events at the heart of European endurance racing
As in previous seasons, the Ligier European Series calendar will follow that of the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Five of the six Heats will also take place on the same weekends as the European Le Mans Series.
This arrangement allows teams wishing to compete in several championships to combine their sporting and logistical programmes. It also reinforces the purpose of the Ligier European Series: to provide an accessible and competitive first step within the endurance racing pyramid.
Barcelona to open the season
The 2027 season will begin earlier than in previous years, from 12 to 13 March at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The Spanish circuit will once again host the first battle of the year between the Ligier JS P4s and Ligier JS2 Rs.
The competitors will then head to the south of France for the second Heat, held from 30 April to 1 May at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet.
A sixth consecutive year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
On Sunday, 6 June, the Ligier European Series will return to the full 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit for the Le Mans Heat, held as part of the Test Day. A fixture at the event since 2022, the series will offer its competitors the opportunity to race on the legendary 13.626-kilometre circuit in the Sarthe for the sixth consecutive year.
Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Portimão after the summer break
Following the summer break, the competition will resume from 20 to 22 August at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The competitors will return to the elevation changes and iconic corners of the Belgian circuit for the fourth Heat of the season.
The Ligier European Series will then head to Silverstone from 3 to 5 September. The British circuit will feature on the calendar for the third consecutive season.
The finale will take place from 30 September to 1 October at Portimão. In keeping with championship tradition, the Portuguese circuit will host the final races of the year and the conclusion of the battles for the 2027 titles.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management
“We are pleased to announce the 2027 calendar for the Ligier European Series, with six of the best circuits that Europe has to offer, giving teams and drivers the best stage for their first steps into the world of endurance racing.
The Ligier European Series will once again support the European Le Mans Series at Barcelona, Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Portimão, and will provide an important element of these festivals of endurance racing that the whole family can enjoy. The LES will also race on the full 13.6km Circuit des 24 Heures in June, as support for the 95th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
We are certainly looking forward to another season of great racing for the Ligier European Series.”
Provisional 2027 Ligier European Series calendar
Heat 1: 12-13 March – Barcelona, Spain
Heat 2: 30 April-1 May – Le Castellet, France
Heat 3: 6 June – Le Mans, France
Heat 4: 20-22 August – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Heat 5: 3-5 September – Silverstone, United Kingdom
Heat 6: 30 September-1 October – Portimão, Portugal
The key features of the Ligier European Series
– A calendar aligned with the Michelin Le Mans Cup and, with the exception of the Le Mans Heat, the European Le Mans Series, enabling drivers and teams to combine programmes.
– An exceptional round on the full 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, held during the Test Day.
– Two categories sharing the same grid: the Ligier JS P4 sports prototypes and the Ligier JS2 R GT cars.
– Two 40-minute free practice sessions, two 15-minute qualifying sessions and two one-hour races, shared between one or two drivers.*
– PRO-AM and AM classifications recognising the different driver and crew profiles.
– Live coverage of the races with commentary in French and English.*
– A series supported by French manufacturer Ligier Automotive.
– A unique prize fund, with support worth the equivalent of €150,000 awarded to the Ligier JS P4 champion or champions to compete in the Michelin Le Mans Cup the following season at the wheel of a Ligier JS P325, and €100,000 awarded to the Ligier JS2 R champion or champions to race in the Ligier European Series the following year in a Ligier JS P4.
* Except for the Le Mans Heat which takes place on Test Day.
