Further Ligier European Series Details Released, Calendar Confirmed

The Ligier European Series calendar has been confirmed today, as well as the tyre supplier, which will be Michelin, and further sporting information.

As expected the new-for-2020 championship for Ligier JS P4 sports prototypes and JS2 R GT cars which is supporting the European Le Mans Series will miss the weekend at Silverstone, which is almost certainly going to be a double-header weekend between the ELMS and WEC once again.

The first race will therefore take place on the Barcelona circuit on 3-4 April 2020, ahead of trips to Monza, Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps and Portimao.

Each round will feature a 1-hour free practice session on Friday morning, two 20-minute qualifying sessions on Friday afternoon, and two hour-long races, one on Saturday morning and the other in the afternoon giving a total time of 3h 40m running for competitions. During each race there will be a quick mandatory pit stop without tyre changes or refuelling.

Each team can compete with one or two drivers. The eligible drivers are FIA non-classified drivers, Bronze drivers and Silver drivers. For teams of two drivers, at least one Bronze driver will need to be onboard.

On the subject of tyres, Michelin has been announced as the supplier (and series partner) for both the JS P4s and JS2 Rs racing in the series. For the races Michelin Pilot Sport GT tyres will be used, with teams able to use one set of used tyres and two sets of new ones.

A dedicated Michelin Motorsport technician will be present at all the races to advise the teams and drivers in addition to the fitting and balancing services.

“We’re delighted to welcome Michelin to the Ligier European Series family. It was important for us to ensure that the teams and drivers would receive quality support in the domain of tyres so that nothing could spoil their pleasure,” said Ligier Automotive President Jacques Nicolet.

“We will have give races held in the most beautiful circuits in Europe, with sports prototypes and GTs and a prestigious tyre partner. All the ingredients are in place for a successful first season. And, of course, we’re not stopping there. We’ve got more great news to announce in the coming weeks!”

Entries for next season will open in mid-October, and stay open until the end of February.

The entry fee per meeting is 2 500 € (exclusive of taxes) for the Ligier JS P4 category and 2 000 € (exclusive of taxes) for the Ligier JS2 Rs. An offer covering entries for three seasons will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ligier expects to have a strong grid in Year 1, the French constructor telling DSC that it is targeting a grid of over 20 cars.