GP Explorer 3: A Surprise Ligier JS P4 Race Unveiled at the Bugatti Circuit!
The audience at GP Explorer 3 got the exclusive on Saturday, October 4, at 4:00 pm: a brand-new sprint race featuring four Ligier JS P4 sport-prototypes was revealed right in the middle of the event on the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans.
Already well represented with the 24 Ligier JS F422 single-seaters entered by the FFSA, the French brand Ligier doubled down by bringing its sport-prototypes to the show.
For this surprise race, the four fiercest creators from the previous editions took the wheel of the Ligier JS P4: Sylvain, winner in 2022, Depielo, winner of the 2023 edition, along with Étienne Moustache and LeBouseuh, both finalists in the first two editions.
The Ligier JS P4, the “Mini LMP”
The Ligier JS P4 was a closed-cockpit sports prototype, both accessible and instructive, designed as a first step on the endurance racing ladder. Powered by a 3.7-liter Ford V6 engine producing 385 horsepower for just 920 kg, featuring a carbon chassis and a centrifugal clutch that made it easier to handle, it delivered sensations close to those of the prototypes that compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Eligible for the Ultimate Cup Series, 24H Series, WERC in the United States, the JS P4 has been the star of the Ligier European Series since 2020. The championship, organized by Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM), supports the ELMS and Michelin Le Mans Cup events, alongside the Ligier JS2 R GT.
“The GP Explorer is a one-of-a-kind event,” explained Franck Tiné, Ligier Automotive's Racing Director. “These four creators had already stood out in F4 during the first two editions. It was only natural to offer them the next step in our Ligier pyramid with the JS P4 sports prototype. It's a spectacular, accessible, and instructive car that allows them to reach a new level in their driving experience.”
Elsa Nicolet, Ligier Automotive's Communications Director, added: “Being present at GP Explorer 3 with both our JS F422 single-seaters and our JS P4 prototypes is a great source of pride for Ligier Automotive. This event allows us to share our cars and the world of endurance racing with a new, enthusiastic and passionate audience. It's an exceptional showcase not only for our products, but also for our values: making racing accessible and passing on our passion.”
Serious Preparation in Magny-Cours and Le Mans
To take on this challenge, the four creators benefited from a complete preparation program. At the end of August, they traveled to Magny-Cours, to Ligier Automotive's workshops, to discover the car, get their custom-fitted seats, and take their first laps in the Ligier JS P4 on the Club Circuit. Alternating driving sessions, debriefs with their coaches, and data analysis, they familiarized themselves with the prototype in a learning-focused environment.
This preparation was completed by four hours of free practice on the Bugatti Circuit on October 1 and 2, to refine their skills and get ready for the race.
Two Ligier Coaches to Guide Them
To support the creators in this adventure, two young drivers emblematic of the Ligier universe took on the role of coaches.
Gillian Henrion, 22 years old, from Nancy, France, was the Ligier European Series JS P4 Champion in 2022, the Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 Champion in 2023 in a Ligier JS P320, and finished third in the ELMS LMP3 Championship in 2024, also with a Ligier JS P320. This season, he is competing in both the ELMS and the Michelin Le Mans Cup with the new Ligier JS P325.
“I learned a lot in the Ligier JS P4, and I know how much of a learning tool it can be,” said Gillian Henrion. “During the training sessions in Magny-Cours and Le Mans, I was impressed by how committed the creators were. They really played the game and made progress session after session. I can't wait to see them in race conditions.”
Alongside him, Romain Boeckler, 23 years old, from Mantes-la-Jolie, France, was crowned Junior Champion in the Ligier JS Cup France in 2024 with a Ligier JS2 R. Thanks to the Ligier Junior Programme prize, he is racing this season in the Ligier European Series JS P4, where he currently leads the championship ahead of the final round at Portimão on October 17.
“The Ligier JS P4 is the perfect car to learn and make progress,” he said. "During practice, we saw different driving styles emerge and each creator found their strengths. Now that they've had time to get to know the car, I can't wait to see them push their limits a bit further in the race.”
Surprise Race Schedule
Saturday, October 4
4:00–4:10 p.m. – Free Practice
4:15–4:30 p.m. – Qualifying
Sunday, October 5
3:15 p.m. – Rolling Start
3:15–3:35 p.m. – Race
Watch the Race
The surprise Ligier JS P4 race will be broadcasted live on the GP Explorer Twitch channel and shared on the official Ligier Automotive and GP Explorer social media accounts.
To learn more about the GP Explorer, CLICK HERE
To learn more about the Ligier JS P4, CLICK HERE