Posted on

From Rétromobile to Hyvolution: Ligier Automotive Brings Its Heritage to Life While Preparing for the Future

During the week of January 26, 2026, Ligier Automotive will take part in two events that have become annual, must-attend milestones for the brand. Two worlds. Two timelines. On one side, Rétromobile—the temple of historic vehicles—where Ligier celebrates its return to endurance racing and a major chapter of its competitive legacy. On the other, Hyvolution, the leading international hydrogen trade show, where the French manufacturer showcases its technological and sustainable vision for motorsport.

Rétromobile: When Legends Come Back to Life

Unveiled in 2014, the Ligier JS P2 marked Ligier's return to endurance racing, following the handover between Guy Ligier and Jacques Nicolet. From its very first races, the Ligier JS P2 proved its competitiveness. Pole position and a second-place finish in LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans were followed by five pole positions and two victories, securing Ligier second place in the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 standings.

The momentum continued in 2015, with Ligier claiming the LMP2 world title thanks to seven podium finishes and three victories.

Ligier JS P2: A Winning Return to Endurance Racing

Unveiled in 2014, the Ligier JS P2 marked Ligier's return to endurance racing, following the handover between Guy Ligier and Jacques Nicolet. From its very first races, the Ligier JS P2 proved its competitiveness. Pole position and a second-place finish in LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans were followed by five pole positions and two victories, securing Ligier second place in the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 standings.

The momentum continued in 2015, with Ligier claiming the LMP2 world title thanks to seven podium finishes and three victories.

2016: A Triple Victory for the History Books

In 2016, the Ligier JS P2 achieved a remarkable feat: a historic triple victory at Daytona, Sebring, and Petit Le Mans, winning overall against Daytona Prototypes and other LMP2 competitors. Ligier Automotive became the first—and still the only—French manufacturer to win the 24 Hours of Daytona overall, and the first manufacturer since Ferrari in 1998 to claim all three major American endurance races in the same year.

“The Ligier JS P2 marked a turning point for the brand,” comments Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive. “It symbolizes our return to endurance racing and our determination to carry forward Guy Ligier's legacy. This car immediately demonstrated its competitiveness. Today, we are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this historic triple victory.”

Ligier JS P2 Back in the Spotlight

For several years now, Ligier JS P2 cars have successfully returned to competition in historic racing events, notably at the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival in 2023 and the Grand Prix de France Historique in 2024. In 2026, they will make a full return to the track as part of the new Legends of Le Mans championship, launched by Peter Auto and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. Several Ligier JS P2 entries are expected on the grid, opening a new chapter for the Ligier Classic department.

The Next Generation of Endurance Already Taking Shape

While the past is being celebrated, the future is already underway. Ligier Automotive is one of the two manufacturers selected by the ACO for the next generation of LMP2 cars, set to debut in 2028. Development work has already begun on the Ligier JS P228, which will carry forward the brand's endurance racing lineage.

Two Historic Ligier Formula 1 Cars on Display

Alongside the Ligier JS P2, two Formula 1 cars from Philippe Ligier's personal collection will be on display:

- Ligier JS27 (1986)
Powered by a Renault EF15 V6 producing 810 horsepower and weighing 545 kg, this car was driven by Jacques Laffite, René Arnoux, and Philippe Alliot. It made a strong start to the season with two podium finishes by Jacques Laffite before his accident brought his career to an end. The team finished fifth in the championship.

- Ligier JS33B (1990)
Equipped with a Ford Cosworth DFR V8 delivering 595 horsepower and weighing 505 kg, it was driven by Philippe Alliot and Nicola Larini. Despite strong reliability, the JS33B was unable to prevail against fierce competition, with Ligier finishing eleventh in the championship.

 

Hyvolution: Accelerating the Hydrogen Race

Just a few halls away from Rétromobile, the atmosphere shifts. For the second consecutive year, Ligier Automotive will take part in Hyvolution, the leading international hydrogen trade show.

Alongside its partner Bosch Engineering, Ligier Automotive will showcase the Ligier JS2 RH2, the brand's first hydrogen demonstrator. This project embodies Ligier's ability to transfer its motorsport expertise to the technologies of tomorrow.

Hyvolution also provides an opportunity to highlight the know-how gained through strategic collaborations with major manufacturers—most notably Alpine with the Alpenglow H16 project—and to demonstrate the central role motorsport can play as a technological laboratory for hydrogen.

As part of this momentum, Julien Jehanne, Head of Hydrogen Projects, will take part in the roundtable discussion “24 Hours of Le Mans, a Hydrogen Research Laboratory” on January 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:40 p.m., alongside MissionH24, the ACO, Alpine, Toyota, and the FIA.

Practical Information

Rétromobile

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Ligier / Stand 21 Booth – D090, Hall 7.3

- Wednesday, January 28: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

- Thursday, January 29: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

- Friday, January 30: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

- Saturday, January 31: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

- Sunday, February 1: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hyvolution

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Ligier Automotive / Bosch Engineering Booth – H44, Hall 1

- Tuesday, January 27: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

- Wednesday, January 28: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

- Thursday, January 29: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Photo credit: DPPI, ESM Tequila Patron.