24h Le Mans
Designed by Onroak Automotive, the new Ligier JS P2 prototype (LM P2) hit the race track for the first time on the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans.
Thirty-nine years after Guy Chasseuil and Jean-Louis Lafosse took the runner-up spot with the Ligier JS2 at the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nissan-powered Ligier JS P2 with Dunlop tyres covered more than 60 laps without any problem. Alex Brundle was at the wheel for this shakedown in the presence of Jacques Nicolet (owner of Oak Racing and Onroak Automotive), Nicolas Clemençon (head of design), Thierry Bouvet (Technical Director) and of course Guy Ligier. Olivier Pla (who is currently in Florida for the 12 Hours of Sebring) will take over the development of the new prototype.
Guy Ligier: “This is a very emotional moment for me, and also a great pleasure to be here with the whole team for the shakedown of this new car. I would like to thank Jacques Nicolet with all my heart for having given me the fantastic opportunity to experience Ligier’s comeback to endurance racing to share such a great adventure. Now we have to begin the development phase. Of course, there’s work to be done, but the team just proved that we have a great basis.”
Alex Brundle: “The first feeling is good in terms of driver’s comfort, a lot better than I expected. We have a full test programme in place before the car’s race debut. I am happy with the overall feeling and confident so far although we still have a way to go.”
Jacques Nicolet: “I am very happy and impressed by the quality of the work carried out by all the Onroak Automotive teams. The Ligier JS P2 could cover some 60 laps without problems. This is very satisfactory since it will enable us to devote ourselves to setting up the car without pressure. It is obvious that the JS P2 is fast and for the moment this is the essential thing.”
(Based upon Onroak Automotive press information)
The 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place June 14-15, 2014.
