The latest Ligier-branded sports prototype, the Ligier JS P3, has been revealed today at Le Mans.
Part of the ongoing partnership between Onroak Automotive and Ligier, the Ligier JS P3 will be eligible for the ACO’s cost-cutting LMP3 category.
Onroak Automotive president Jacques Nicolet and Ligier founder Guy Ligier were on hand to publicly present the first chassis at Circuit de la Sarthe.
The car is an adaptation of the partnership’s existing Ligier JS P2, featuring an aerodynamic design that makes the new chassis aesthetically similar to its predecessor.
HP Composites developed the carbon parts, while Exa focused on the CFD (computational fluid dynamics). Driver safety has also been prioritised by Onroak. Stand 21 has produced and developed a range of new driver equipment that will aid driver ventilation. An in-car airflow system has also been installed, which will provide the driver with a consistent stream of air to enhance comfort.
In addition, Nissan LMP1 driver Olivier Pla has been commissioned to lead the Ligier JS P3 testing programme, which began on Tuesday at Magny Cours.
“I am very proud of the work done by the team at Onroak Automotive, who have been able to, despite the very strict cost cap restrictions, make the most of the experience gained over the last years to offer an especially successful LMP3 model,” said Nicolet.
“This LMP3, very close at the level of performance and security of the LMP2s, all the while being more accessible, offers the teams and drivers an extra step onto the endurance pyramid, crowned by the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
The Ligier JS P3 will continue its development next week at the Magny Cours facility, 150 miles southeast of Le Mans.
Ligier is hoping to give the JS P3 its race debut in the European Le Mans Series later this year. It will join Ginetta as a competing manufacturer, while the Ave/Riley and LAS Motorsport projects are still in the chassis development phase.
