Ligier Junior Programme: Fierce battles on track… and a great opportunity for the future
The second season of the Ligier Junior Programme is in full swing within the Ligier JS Cup France. Three rounds down, two different winners, and a tightening leaderboard: the fight for the 2025 Junior Champion title promises to be intense!
Launched in 2024 as part of the Ligier JS Cup France, the Ligier Junior Programme is a true springboard for young talent. The driver crowned Junior Champion receives a prize to compete the following season in the Ligier European Series, in the Ligier JS P4 category, behind the wheel of a real sports prototype.*
A concrete example? Romain Boeckler, Ligier JS Cup France Junior Champion in 2024 and the first winner of the Ligier Junior Programme. Thanks to his title, he joined the Ligier European Series in 2025 and made his debut in the JS P4 category. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into his season in a race diary available HERE.
The Ligier Junior Programme strengthens the prize system already in place in the Ligier European Series. Since 2022, the European single-make championship has been awarding prizes to the champion(s) of each category to help them progress through the ACO endurance ladder:
- €100,000 for the JS2 R champion(s) to compete the following season in a JS P4 in the Ligier European Series,
- €150,000 for the JS P4 champion(s) to move up to the Michelin Le Mans Cup the next year in a Ligier JS P325 (LMP3).
* The Ligier JS Cup France Junior Champion is allocated a Ligier JS P4 for the following season, enabling him or her to compete in the Ligier European Series in the Ligier JS P4 category.
A look back at the first three races of the 2025 season:
Valencia – March 7-8: Paul Alberto kicks off the season in style.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Paul Alberto (Ligier JS2 R #93 ZOSH – J4R) delivered an impressive performance to win the opening race at Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Behind him, Jérémy Sarhy (Ligier JS2 R #11 DRIVI'N – MCDO) made a strong start to his campaign with a solid second place. Returning Junior Ethan Pharamond (Ligier JS2 R #74 LVR) secured his first Junior podium with an encouraging third place.
Le Castellet – March 21-22: Mehdi Bouarfa turns the tables.
The second round shook up the standings. Starting from 11th on the grid, Mehdi Bouarfa (Ligier JS2 R #6 ORHES RACE LINK APP) charged through the field with a perfectly executed tire strategy to claim victory. Tomas Pompidou (Ligier JS2 R #27 XP RACING), who had a tough race in Valencia, bounced back with an impressive second-place finish. Jérémy Sarhy (Ligier JS2 R #11 DRIVI'N – MCDO) returned to the podium once again, confirming his consistency and title contender status.
Magny-Cours – May 23-25: Tomas Pompidou turns pole into victory.
On the technical Nevers Magny-Cours circuit, Tomas Pompidou (Ligier JS2 R #27 XP RACING) converted his pole position into a commanding win. A strong comeback for the young driver, who is now firmly in the title hunt. Finishing second once again, Jérémy Sarhy (Ligier JS2 R #11 DRIVI'N – MCDO) continued his remarkable podium streak (three in three races) and now leads the Junior standings at the halfway point of the season. Danish driver Mikkel Njor (Ligier JS2 R #88 TMP BY LVR) claimed his first Junior podium with a well-earned third place.
Who will take the lead in the title race?
Next stop: Le Mans, on September 5-6, for the penultimate round of the season.
For more information on the Ligier Junior Programme, click here.
For more information on the Ligier JS Cup France, click here.
For more information on the Ligier European Series, click here.
For more information on the Ligier JS2 R, click here.
For more information on the Ligier JS P4, click here.
Photo credit: Ligier JS Cup France