Ligier announces first three customers for next-gen LMP2 car

Ligier has revealed its first three customers for the next-generation LMP2 cars, set to compete in 2028. In a statement released on Wednesday, the French manufacturer disclosed that Algarve Pro Racing, Inter Europol Competition, and Panis Competition will field the new Ligier JS P228 when it is eligible for competition in two years.

All three teams have raced the current Ligier JS P217 in LMP2 before the dominance of Oreca led them to switch to the widely used 07. Jacques Nicolet, president of Ligier Automotive, expressed his gratitude, stating that the choice of these three teams highlights the work done by Ligier Automotive. The teams are acknowledged as experienced and successful, having demonstrated their commitment to endurance racing by investing in the new regulations.

The LMP2 regulations are being revamped for the first time since 2017, with Ligier and Oreca chosen as the official suppliers of the new chassis. This marks a shift from the previous rules that allowed four manufacturers to build LMP2 cars, as Oreca's dominance transformed the category into a one-make competition. The return of Ligier, along with the expected customer line-up, is expected to generate a multi-car battle in LMP2 when the new regulations are implemented.

The new cars will make their debut in the European Le Mans Series and the race itself in 2028, becoming competitive in IMSA the following year.