Ligier JS2 RS: A Radical GT Validated by Experience
Unveiled last July, the Ligier JS2 RS is set to make its racing debut in 2026. Before hitting the track in competition, Ligier Automotive's new GT is undergoing an intensive development program led by drivers with complementary backgrounds. The goal: ensure uncompromising reliability and validate setups suited to both gentleman drivers and professional racers.
A New Step in the History of Ligier GT Cars
Presented during Le Mans Classic 2025, the Ligier JS2 RS marks a new step in the evolution of GT cars developed by Ligier Automotive. It builds on the work initiated with the Ligier JS2 R, with a clear objective: push performance further while maintaining a car that remains consistent and exploitable for customer endurance racing programs.
Designed around a carbon monocoque homologated under FIA EII SC regulations, compliant with the 2025 LMP3 static tests, and powered by a 3.5L Ford EcoBoost V6 producing up to 650 horsepower, the Ligier JS2 RS is built on a solid technical foundation.
Already eligible for the GT2 European Series, Ultimate Cup Series, and the 24H SERIES, the Ligier JS2 RS has now reached a key milestone: real-world validation on track with feedback from drivers with diverse racing backgrounds.
Complementary Perspectives to Validate the Car
Since its first laps, the car has already completed nearly 5,000 kilometers of testing. From the Magny-Cours Club circuit to the Grand Prix layout, and on to Barcelona and Aragón, the Ligier JS2 RS has been tested on different track configurations and in all weather conditions: dry track, heavy rain, and even snow during the Ligier Test Days last November.
For this development phase, Ligier Automotive deliberately brought together drivers with different backgrounds. The objective: expose the Ligier JS2 RS to varied expectations and ensure it is just as relevant for a gentleman driver as it is for an experienced professional racer.
Xavier Pompidou: The Coach's Perspective
Professional driver, karting World Vice-Champion, former Volant ELF winner, and two-time endurance champion, Xavier Pompidou knows the Ligier universe well through his involvement in Ligier JS Cup France with the Ligier JS2 R.
He played a key role in the early development phases, completing six test days at Magny-Cours on both the Club and Grand Prix layouts.
“We completed the first laps on the Club circuit without any driver aids. And it was already very easy to drive. Gentleman drivers will feel safe in it. There were a few electronic adjustments at the beginning, as with any new car, but no design issues. I immediately felt the car was well born and very capable. You can tell it's a race car designed by a manufacturer with real experience.”
Gillian Henrion: The New Generation of Endurance Racing
A Ligier European Series champion and two-time Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 champion, Gillian Henrion brings a sports prototype racing perspective. He completed a full test day on the Magny-Cours GP circuit at the end of 2025.
“I was impressed. Even in the rain, it was very easy to drive. You're not afraid of losing the car. You immediately feel confident and can enjoy driving it. You can carry a lot of speed into corner entry. The car is sharp and precise, and you don't feel its weight. Coming from LMP3, I was surprised by its speed. I didn't expect to have that much fun with a GT car.”
Olivier Pla: The Development Driver's Precision
A long-time Ligier driver and key contributor to the development of the Ligier JS P2, JS P217, JS PX, JS P3, JS P320, and JS P325 prototypes, Olivier Pla brings a highly analytical approach. Experienced in both sports prototypes and GT racing—most notably as a Ford factory driver for four seasons—he completed two full days of dry testing at Barcelona.
“I was very pleasantly surprised by the car. It's very balanced, very easy to drive compared to other GTs, and very enjoyable. It's a real race car that will appeal to both experienced drivers and gentleman drivers. You immediately feel confident and can push it easily. Based on the lap times we achieved in Barcelona, it also has very strong performance potential.”
Yvan Muller: The Champion's Perspective
The development program continues with additional test sessions. Among the drivers involved in this second phase is Yvan Muller. A four-time FIA WTCC World Champion, two-time World Vice-Champion, French Supertouring Champion, and a familiar face in Ligier programs, he recently took the wheel of the Ligier JS2 RS during several sessions on the Magny-Cours GP circuit.
His first runs confirmed the impressions shared by the other drivers and allowed the development work to continue.
“The first impression is more than positive. The Ligier JS2 RS is very enjoyable, very pleasant to drive—and it's fast. With its ABS, traction control, horsepower, and aero, it's a car that people are going to like.”
Yvan Muller will continue contributing to the car's development during upcoming test sessions across several European circuits ahead of its competition debut.
A Collective Validation
Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, the feedback converges. Franck Tiné, Competition Director at Ligier Automotive, summarizes this phase:
“We deliberately chose drivers with different backgrounds to validate the drivability of the Ligier JS2 RS. Their conclusions all point in the same direction and confirm that the work carried out by our teams meets our clear objectives: performance, accessibility, and driving enjoyment. A few gentleman drivers also had the opportunity to complete a few laps, and the verdict is clear—everyone stepped out impressed and with a smile. We now move into the final stage where we will build endurance mileage to make sure that every car we deliver carries the legacy of the Ligier Automotive brand and meets the rigorous reliability standards we hold firm.”
For more information download the brochure HERE