LMP3 success at Ligier: 41 titles since 2015
The Ligier JS P320, the second-generation LMP3 Ligier, is set to bow out of the ACO championships at the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and Michelin Le Mans Cup (MLMC) finale in Portimao on October 19, 2024. It will be replaced in 2025 by the Ligier JS P325, the French manufacturer's third LMP3 model. This is an opportune moment to reflect on Ligier's track record in LMP3 since its debut in the category in 2015.
The Ligier JS P3: a successful LMP3 debut for the French manufacturer
Released in 2015, the Ligier JS P3 quickly won the hearts of teams and drivers—and dominated championships. From 2015 to 2019, it secured no fewer than 18 LMP3 titles worldwide:
ELMS: 4 titles (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
IMSA Prototype Challenge: 2 titles (2017, 2018)
LMP3 Cup: 2 titles (2017, 2018)
V de V Endurance Series: 3 titles (2016, 2017, 2018)
Ultimate Cup Series: 1 title (2019)
Asian Le Mans Series: 4 titles (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19)
Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup: 2 titles (2016, 2017)
The Ligier JS P320: Second-generation LMP3 builds on the Ligier JS P3's success
In its first year, it claimed the LMP3 title in the ELMS, taking all the pole positions, victories, and fastest laps, and scoring 14 of 15 possible podiums. In 2021, the JS P320 secured five LMP3 titles, including the title in Michelin Endurance Cup, which features iconic American endurance races like the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans. In 2022, the Ligier JS P320 claimed every LMP3 title available that year. It has now amassed a total of 23 titles:
ELMS: 3 titles (2020, 2022, 2023)
MLMC: 3 titles (2021, 2022, 2023)
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: 3 titles (2021, 2022, 2023)
IMSA Prototype Challenge: 3 titles (2021, 2022, 2023)
Ultimate Cup Series: 4 titles (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Asian Le Mans Series: 4 titles (2020/21, 2022, 2023, 2023/24)
Prototype Cup Germany: 1 title (2022)
Prototype Winter Series: 1 title (2024)
Imperio Endurance Brasil: 1 title (2023)
The Ligier JS P325, ready to take over.
The Ligier JS P325 was unveiled at the Magny-Cours circuit in June, following its initial presentation at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. Over the summer and into September, it continued rigorous testing, particularly focusing on its cooling system under extreme heat. As part of its development program, the Ligier JS P325 will have clocked up nearly 6,500 km of running over more than 15 days of testing.
The Ligier JS P325 will make its competitive debut in ELMS, MLMC and Road To Le Mans in 2025. It will then gradually enter other ACO championships.
To find out more about the Ligier JS P325, CLICK HERE.