The Ligier JS2 RS makes its competition debut in the Ultimate European Cup Series.
Unveiled in July 2025, the Ligier JS2 RS made its competition debut in late April 2026 at Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet. Entered in the Ultimate European Cup Series, in the Kennol GT Endurance Cup, Ligier Automotive's new carbon-monocoque GT car immediately demonstrated its potential against a strong field.
Designed for both gentleman drivers and professional drivers, the Ligier JS2 RS marks a new step in the Ligier JS2 lineage. More radical and more powerful, it is aimed at drivers looking for an accessible, efficient GT car capable of fighting at the front.
The car is also eligible for the GT2 European Series and the 24H Series, championships in which it is expected to make its debut soon.
Two Ligier JS2 RS cars entered by M Racing
For this first Ultimate European Cup Series event, two Ligier JS2 RS cars were entered by M Racing. The lineups brought together complementary profiles, from professional drivers with proven records to young talents and true gentleman drivers.
The #68 M Racing Ligier JS2 RS, entrusted to the David / Bertocco / Muller lineup, stood out from qualifying. Based on the average times from the three qualifying sessions, it claimed pole position in the UCS1 category in 2:03.716.
In the race, the #68 confirmed its performance level. With Gregorio Bertocco at the wheel at the start of the race, it quickly found its rhythm and was even leading the overall standings after one hour of racing.
A first podium for the Ligier JS2 RS
The #36 M Racing Ligier JS2 RS also delivered a strong first race. In the hands of Olivier Pla at the end of the event, it finished second in the UCS1 category after a great on-track battle with its sister car, then driven by Yvan Muller, and a Lamborghini Super Trofeo.
For its competition debut, the Ligier JS2 RS claimed pole position, led the race overall and finished on the podium in its category. A positive first outcome for a model still in its racing development phase.
Gregorio Bertocco reconnects with Ligier DNA.
Young Italian driver Gregorio Bertocco knows the Ligier world well. Entered in the Ligier European Series in 2025 at the wheel of a Ligier JS P4, he had also driven a Ligier JS2 R in 2024.
Before this first race, he had already driven the Ligier JS2 RS during a test session at Magny-Cours in early March. It was a memorable first experience for the young driver, who was impressed by the car's hybrid character, between GT and sports prototype.
“The Ligier JS2 RS is a very interesting car. It has the qualities of a GT car, with the ability to attack corners and curbs, but also some of the strengths of a sports prototype, especially the corner entry speed. Visually, it is incredible: it looks like a Ligier JS2 R on steroids. From my first laps at Magny-Cours, I was surprised by the feeling. The car gives a lot of confidence, and I will continue to work with the team to contribute to its development.”
Olivier Pla brings his development experience.
An iconic Ligier Automotive driver, Olivier Pla has contributed to the development of several of the brand's sports prototypes, from the Ligier JS P2 to the Ligier JS P325. His experience in sports prototypes and GT cars, notably gained as a Ford factory driver, brings valuable insight to the development of the Ligier JS2 RS.
Before this first race at Le Castellet, he completed two days of testing in Barcelona to continue fine-tuning the car. After the weekend, his feedback was very positive: the Ligier JS2 RS proved to be healthy, consistent, responsive to setup changes and suited to a wide range of driver profiles.
“It was a very positive first race weekend. We finished second, and the car behaved very well. It continues to improve, we are still finding more performance, and it responds very well to setup changes. It is easy to drive, and all the drivers really enjoyed being behind the wheel. It is very gentle on the tires and has a consistent, regular pace, which is very important in endurance racing.”
Performance confirmed at Magny-Cours
During the second round of the Ultimate European Cup Series at Magny-Cours, Olivier Pla confirmed the potential of the new GT car by setting the fastest time in qualifying in 1:37.416. A performance that reinforced the first lessons learned at Le Castellet.
A new step for the Ligier JS2 family
With the Ligier JS2 RS, Ligier Automotive continues to develop its GT range around a model that is accessible and performance-oriented. As the heir to the Ligier JS2 R, it carries forward its spirit while taking a new technical step with its carbon monocoque and more ambitious positioning.
Its debut in the Ultimate European Cup Series marks an encouraging first step ahead of new competitive appearances, notably in the GT2 European Series and the 24H Series.
For more information on the Ligier JS2 RS, CLICK HERE
Photo credit: Davy Delien