Ultimate Cup European Series: The Ligier JS2 RS Confirms Its Potential with Pole Position and a First Overall Win at Mugello.
The Ligier JS2 RS claimed its first overall victory in the Kennol GT Endurance Cup, held during the weekend of July 12, 2026, as part of the Ultimate Cup European Series at Mugello. In only its third race since making its competition debut, the Ligier GT confirmed its potential by securing its second overall pole position before taking victory at the end of an intense and strategic four-hour race.
Starting from pole position, the #68 M Racing Ligier JS2 RS, driven by Jean Christophe David and Yvan Muller, had to contend with a longer mandatory pit stop time due to the crew's composition, which paired a gentleman driver with a professional driver. Despite this constraint, the #68 made up the time on track and reclaimed the advantage in the final meters of the race.
Second Overall Pole Position for the Ligier JS2 RS
From qualifying, the Ligier JS2 RS confirmed its performance on the Mugello circuit. The #68 M Racing car set the three fastest times: 1:50.226 in Q1 and 1:49.313 in Q3 with Jean Christophe David, and 1:49.000 in Q2 with Yvan Muller. With an average time of 1:49.513, it secured overall pole position, its second since entering competition.
A Race at the Front
In temperatures above 86°F, Jean Christophe David took the start at the wheel of the #68 Ligier JS2 RS. The gentleman driver made an excellent getaway and quickly built a gap at the front.
The race then came down to strategy. Because Jean Christophe David, a Bronze-rated driver, was paired with Yvan Muller, a Gold-rated driver, the crew had to observe a longer mandatory pit stop time than some of its direct competitors. This constraint required the Ligier JS2 RS to make up the time lost in the pits with its pace on track.
Yvan Muller Snatches Victory in the Final Meters.
In the final stint, Yvan Muller picked up the pace at the wheel of the #68 Ligier JS2 RS. Lap after lap, he reduced the gap to the leading car and fully reignited the fight for victory.
As the finish approached, the pressure intensified. Muller closed in during the final meters, launched the decisive move and crossed the finish line as the winner.
In only its third race, the Ligier JS2 RS therefore claimed its first overall victory. With two overall pole positions in three appearances, this win confirms the potential of the new Ligier GT in endurance racing.
CLICK HERE to view the results.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Ultimate Cup European Series.
CLICK HERE to discover the Ligier JS2 RS.
Photo credit: Davy Delien / Ultimate Cup European Series