Three leading endurance racing teams choose Ligier Automotive for the next generation of LMP2.
Algarve Pro Racing, Inter Europol Competition and Panis Racing have chosen the Ligier JS P228 for their LMP2 programs starting in 2028. Three leading teams, all already connected to the history of the French manufacturer, will support the debut of Ligier Automotive's new-generation LMP2 prototype.
Three leading teams join Ligier and choose the Ligier JS P228.
In June 2025, Ligier Automotive was selected by the ACO and the FIA as one of the two chassis suppliers for the next generation of LMP2, covering the 2028 to 2032 seasons.
Since then, all the manufacturer's teams in France and the United States, through its subsidiary Ligier Automotive North America, have been fully focused on the design and development of the Ligier JS P228.
The project now reaches a major milestone with Algarve Pro Racing, Inter Europol Competition and Panis Racing committing to Ligier in LMP2 from 2028. Three internationally recognized teams, all proven winners in LMP2 and regular front-runners in the world's leading endurance championships.
Their decision validates the work carried out by Ligier Automotive's engineering teams and reflects a shared ambition with the French manufacturer: to establish the Ligier JS P228 as the new LMP2 benchmark from 2028.
“Seeing three teams of this caliber choose the Ligier JS P228 is a tremendous recognition of the work carried out by everyone at Ligier Automotive. Algarve Pro Racing, Inter Europol Competition and Panis Racing are three highly experienced, successful teams with a deep commitment to endurance racing. We have been able to demonstrate the full extent of our ambition through the resources we have committed to this new set of regulations, and we are very proud to welcome them among the first Ligier LMP2 teams for 2028.” - Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive
Algarve Pro Racing, reuniting with Ligier at the highest level
Founded by Stewart and Samantha Cox, Algarve Pro Racing has established itself as one of the leading teams in LMP2 since 2015.
The team has notably claimed two European Le Mans Series titles, six Asian Le Mans Series titles, one IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup crown and several LMP2 Pro-Am victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including this year after also winning the 24 Hours of Daytona. It currently leads the Pro-Am standings in the European Le Mans Series.
“The story of Algarve Pro Racing in LMP2 started with Ligier, so there is something very special about the opportunity to reunite with the brand for the beginning of this new generation.
Since those early days, APR has grown enormously and we have been fortunate to achieve a great deal of success in LMP2. That makes the decision about our future particularly important to us.
What has really convinced us to return to Ligier Automotive is the vision and ambition of Jacques Nicolet. He has always had an extraordinary passion for endurance racing and a determination to see Ligier competing and winning at the highest level. Today, we can see that same ambition being carried forward by Pierre and the next generation of Ligier.
We believe in that vision. We believe in the resources and commitment behind the Ligier JS P228, and we believe Ligier has the ambition to establish itself at the very front of the new era of LMP2.
APR races to win. We are not choosing a chassis simply to be on the grid in 2028. We are choosing Ligier because our ambitions are aligned: we want to fight for championships and for victories at the biggest endurance races in the world.
For us, it feels like coming full circle — returning to where the APR LMP2 story began, but this time with everything we have learned and achieved along the way. We are extremely excited about what we can achieve together.” - Samantha and Stewart Cox, Algarve Pro Racing
Inter Europol Competition, a relationship built on loyalty to Ligier
Founded in 2010 by Wojciech and Jakub Śmiechowski, Inter Europol Competition has established itself as one of the most successful teams of its generation.
The Polish team has scored three LMP2 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans over the past four years, including a one-two finish in 2026, an IMSA LMP2 championship title in 2024, a runner-up finish in the FIA WEC and several runner-up finishes in the European Le Mans Series. It currently sits third in the provisional standings.
“We at Inter Europol Competition are convinced that we have found the right manufacturer in Ligier Automotive. We have great trust in Ligier to build a fantastic race car that will allow us to continue the success story of Inter Europol Competition.
As a team, we have always demonstrated that we are willing to take a different path and we enjoy taking on new challenges. Together with Ligier, we believe we can bring a fresh dynamic to the LMP2 category.
We are looking forward to this new project and to getting started in 2028. We are very confident that we have made the right decision and are extremely excited about what lies ahead.” - Sascha Fassbender, Team Manager of Inter Europol Competition
Panis Racing, a shared French ambition
Founded in 2016 through the partnership between Olivier Panis and Fabien Barthez, Panis Racing has become one of France's leading LMP2 teams. The team has four podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, claimed the 2025 ELMS LMP2 championship title, and is once again fighting at the front this season, just six points behind the championship leader.
“My win in Monaco in 1996 came with Ligier. That name is part of my history and my career. When the opportunity came up to work together again for 2028, it felt like the obvious choice. There is something very strong between Ligier and me — a shared chapter in French motorsport history that we want to keep writing together.
The entire Panis Racing team will rely on VPS Racing, the organization run by my son Aurélien and his partners. It is a family project in every sense of the word.
I believe in this project and in this car to win races and ultimately fight for victory at Le Mans.” - Olivier Panis, Team Owner of Panis Racing
“With Olivier, we are convinced that we have made the right choice and are very happy to open this new chapter alongside Ligier.” - Stéphane Dilouya, Co-Founder of Panis Racing
2028: A new chapter in Ligier's LMP2 history
The Ligier JS P228 will continue an adventure that began in 2014 with the Ligier JS P2, the sports prototype that marked Ligier Automotive's return to the international stage.
Since then, Ligier Automotive continued to expand its engineering department and technical support operations through the development of a complete range of race cars with sports prototypes, single seaters and GT cars. These programs have enabled the manufacturer to broaden its expertise and strengthen its organization, which now includes 150 employees across France and the United States.
Today, all that experience is focused on one objective: making the Ligier JS P228 the benchmark in LMP2.
“Since the announcement of our selection in 2025, the entire group has been focused on this project. We know how much this category means to the teams and drivers, but also to Ligier. That is why Ligier Automotive, together with its sister company HP Composites and its 500 employees, is doing everything possible to make a strong return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2028 alongside the racing teams that have placed their trust in us.” - Jacques Nicolet
The Ligier JS P228 will make its competition debut in 2028 in the European Le Mans Series and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will enter the Asian Le Mans Series for the 2028/2029 season and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2029.
With Algarve Pro Racing, Inter Europol Competition and Panis Racing, Ligier Automotive brings together three experienced, successful teams already connected to its history to write the next chapter of its endurance racing story.
For more information on Algarve Pro Racing, CLICK HERE.
For more information on Inter Europol Competition, CLICK HERE.
For more information on Panis Racing, CLICK HERE.
Photo credit: DPPI / Algarve Pro Racing / Inter Europol Competition / Panis Racing