Asian Le Mans Series, Abu Dhabi: the Ligier JS P325 ends the season in total domination
For the season finale of the Asian Le Mans Series, held on February 7–8, 2026 at the Yas Marina Circuit, the Ligier JS P325 delivered a flawless weekend. Fastest times in free practice, double pole position, wins and 100% Ligier podiums in both races, along with the fastest laps in each event: Ligier's third-generation LMP3 left no room for the competition.
These performances seal the 2025/26 LMP3 title, the first Asian Le Mans Series crown for the Ligier JS P325 and the third title secured by the model since its competition debut in April 2025. A clear demonstration of strength that extends a long-term dominance: since 2020, every LMP3 title in the Asian Le Mans Series has been won by Ligier teams, first with the JS P320 and now with the JS P325. Since Ligier's entry into LMP3 and the championship in 2015, only one LMP3 title has escaped the French manufacturer.
Free practice sets the tone for Ligier performance
From the opening free practice sessions, the Ligier JS P325s imposed their pace on the Abu Dhabi circuit.
In the first session, the #8 Team Virage Ligier topped the LMP3 timesheets thanks to a 1:50.478 lap by Vic Stevens, ahead of the #23 23Events Racing Ligier driven by Matteo Quintarelli. The second session confirmed the trend, with the #23 23Events Racing Ligier quickest in 1:50.886, while the #94 High Class Racing and the #71 23Events Racing cars completed the leading group.
Six poles out of six for Paul Lanchère and CLX Motorsport
Already responsible for the double pole positions at previous rounds, Paul Lanchère concluded the qualifying season in perfect fashion. In Abu Dhabi, the French driver claimed two more pole positions, bringing his total to six poles from six qualifying sessions this season.
With laps of 1:51.440 for Race 1 and 1:51.450 for Race 2, the #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier once again led an all-Ligier JS P325 field, completely locking out the front rows of the LMP3 grid.
Race 1: Ligier victory and a 100% Ligier JS P325 podium
Starting from pole position, Paul Lanchère set the pace in LMP3 with the #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier JS P325, quickly opening a gap. Behind him, Julien Gerbi charged through the field in the #1 Team Virage Ligier, moving from tenth to fifth by lap nine.
After one of its mandatory long pit stops, the #17 briefly handed the lead to the #13 Inter Europol Competition Ligier, driven by Alex Bukhantsov, ahead of the #8 Team Virage, with CLX dropping to third. The race was then neutralized following the loss of a bodywork element on the #13, triggering a Full Course Yellow.
Despite an initial repair attempt, the issue persisted. Henry Cubides took over and led the race with nearly a 20-second advantage over the #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier, staying out until the finish. The #13 crossed the line first, for the third time in five races, with a 15-second margin.
However, the car was disqualified after the race for technical non-compliance (Steward's Decision No. 83), handing victory to the #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier JS P325 (Alexander Jacoby / Kevin Rabin / Paul Lanchère), ahead of the #23 23Events Racing Ligier (Louis Stern / Matteo Quintarelli / Isaac Barashi) and the #29 Forestier Racing by VPS Ligier (Nick Adcock / Lucas Fecury / Luciano Morano).
The #71 23Events Racing Ligier JS P325 once again stood out by setting the fastest lap of the race, with Matus Ryba clocking a 1:51.689.
Race 2: 23Events Racing wins, CLX Motorsport crowned champion.
The second race of the weekend, marked by a red flag and several Safety Car periods, brought the season to a close with another collective demonstration from the Ligier JS P325.
In LMP3, victory went to the #23 23Events Racing Ligier (Louis Stern / Isaac Barashi / Matteo Quintarelli), ahead of the #13 Inter Europol Competition Ligier (Alex Bukhantsov / Chun Ting Chou / Henry Cubides). The #71 23Events Racing Ligier (Terrence Woodward / Matus Ryba / Ibrahim Badawy) completed the podium.
Despite retiring after contact while fighting at the front, the #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier retained enough of an advantage to secure the 2025/26 LMP3 title.
As in Race 1, outright performance was once again delivered by a Ligier JS P325: the #23 23Events Racing Ligier set the fastest lap of the race, with Matteo Quintarelli recording a 1:51.521.
A 100% Ligier championship from first to seventh
At the end of the first season for the new-generation LMP3 cars, the final LMP3 standings underline Ligier's total dominance, with the top seven positions all occupied by Ligier teams:
- #17 CLX Motorsport – 96 points (LMP3 Champions)
- #13 Inter Europol Competition – 86 points
- #71 23Events Racing – 81 points
- #29 Forestier Racing by VPS – 80 points
- #23 23Events Racing – 56 points
- #94 High Class Racing – 54 points
- #8 Team Virage – 52 points
CLICK HERE for more information about the Ligier JS P325, the third generation of Ligier LMP3.
DISCOVER HERE the limited-edition Ligier JS P3X, celebrating 10 years of LMP3 with Ligier Automotive.
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Photo credit: Asian Le Mans Series