Grand Prix de France Historique: Ligier Automotive brings 55 years of history back to life and celebrates 50 years in Formula 1
From May 8 to 10, 2026, Ligier Automotive successfully celebrated the 50th anniversary of the brand's Formula 1 debut at the KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique at Circuit Paul Ricard. Over three days, the Ligier area immersed visitors in more than 55 years of history through an exceptional display, meetings with iconic drivers and several particularly memorable on-track parades.
Eight cars to tell the Ligier story
Eight cars representing the major eras of Ligier were brought together in the paddock: the Ligier JS9, JS11/15, JS27 and JS33B in Formula 1, the Ligier JS2 and JS2 RS on the GT side, as well as the Ligier JS PX and JS P325, illustrating the brand's modern revival in endurance racing.
A recreated F1 workshop that captivated the public
One of the highlights of the weekend was the recreated F1 workshop, designed around genuine historic parts. Period molds, bodywork elements, a wind tunnel model and technical components, some of which had been stored for decades, all came together in an immersive space that proved a major success with the public and the media.
Michel Beaujon, Ligier F1's historic chief engineer from 1972 to 1993, led several presentations there, explaining how race cars were designed and built at the time.
The Ligier JS33B returns to the track.
The weekend was also marked by the return to the track of Philippe Ligier's Ligier JS33B. The Magny-Cours teams supported Soheil Ayari's team in preparing the car ahead of the event.
After an initial Friday shakedown, several technical challenges had to be managed throughout the weekend, including a starter issue that required the car to be push-started by hand, as well as a period battery failure during the first parade. Despite this, Olivier Panis and then Philippe Alliot were able to bring the Ligier JS33B fully back to life during the Saturday afternoon and Sunday parades.
Jacques Laffite reunited with his Ligier JS11/15
A particularly powerful moment of the weekend came when Jacques Laffite got back behind the wheel of his legendary 1980 Ligier JS11/15, more than 40 years after helping Ligier finish runner-up in the Formula 1 World Championship.
Warmly applauded by the public as soon as the car was started and then during his laps on track, Jacques Laffite once again demonstrated the unique bond that still connects fans today with this iconic period in Ligier history.
Ligier parades full of emotion
Two parades entirely dedicated to Ligier brought several generations of cars together on track in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Pierre and Jacques Laffite, Olivier Panis, Philippe Alliot, Jann Mardenborough, Julien Fébreau, Philippe Ligier and Jacques Nicolet took part in these demonstrations, which were especially emotional for the fans gathered at Le Castellet.
Ligier drivers meet the public.
Several interviews organized in the Ligier area gave the public the opportunity to hear from Olivier Panis, Philippe Alliot, René Arnoux and Jacques Laffite as they shared their memories and looked back on Ligier's great moments in racing.
These interviews will soon be available on Ligier Automotive's YouTube channel.
Blending emotion, technical heritage and the return to the track of iconic cars, this KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique will remain a milestone event for Ligier Automotive and for all the fans who came to celebrate the brand's history.
Watch the key moments from the weekend on Ligier Automotive's YouTube channel: CLICK HERE.
Photo credit: DPPI (Marc de Mattia)