Ultimate Cup Series, Paul Ricard: Inter Europol Competition Wins the Race, Team Virage Clinches Drivers’ Title with the Ligier JS P320 #1
The final round of the 2024 Ultimate Cup Series took place from November 7-10 at the Paul Ricard Circuit, a familiar venue for the competitors and the eight teams fielding Ligier JS P320s. While the team championship had already been decided at the previous round, with Team Virage securing its fourth LMP3 title since debuting in the series in 2020, the drivers' championship remained wide open. Three crews were still in contention, but it was Axel Gnos and Georgios Kolovos, driving the Ligier JS P320 #1 for Team Virage, who emerged victorious. On track, the Ligier JS P320 #34 of Inter Europol Competition claimed victory, with the Ligier JS P320 #88 of Team Virage finishing second.
Dominant Start for Ligier JS P320s in Free Practice
The weekend began strongly for the Ligier JS P320s, which led Friday's free practice sessions. Cool Racing's Ligier JS P320 #87 set the pace in FP1 with a best lap of 1:57.474, slightly improving in FP2 with a 1:58.489 lap.
Thrilling Qualifying Session
The final qualifying session of the season in the European Endurance Prototype Cup delivered plenty of excitement. Drivers faced challenging conditions with a wet track in Q1 and variable grip in the following sessions. By the end of Q3, some crews gambled on slick tires.
In these tricky conditions, Inter Europol Competition's Ligier JS P320 #34 (Pedro Perino, Romain Favre, Dane Arendsen) impressed, securing second place in the LMP3 category. Cool Racing's Ligier JS P320 #87 (Adrien Closmenil, David Droux, Quentin Joseph) was close behind, claiming third on the grid.
Inter Europol Competition Controls the Race
The race began smoothly, with no major incidents, and Inter Europol Competition's Ligier JS P320 #34 quickly took the lead in the LMP3 class. Despite a mid-race rain shower, the trio of Perino, Favre, and Arendsen delivered a flawless performance, crossing the finish line in first place for their second victory of the season.
The Ligier JS P320 #88 of Team Virage, driven by Raphaël Narac, Daniel Macia, and Jacek Zielonka, delivered a solid performance to claim second place, rounding off an impressive podium for Ligier.
Team Virage Secures All LMP3 Titles
The LMP3 drivers' title came down to the wire. Axel Gnos and Georgios Kolovos, joined by Sacha Lehmann in the Ligier JS P320 #1 of Team Virage, faced a challenging race and finished fifth at Paul Ricard. However, their three-point lead heading into the weekend was enough to clinch the championship.
Having already secured the team title at the previous round, Team Virage completed a clean sweep of the LMP3 titles for the 2024 season. The squad confirmed its dominance, earning its fourth LMP3 championship since 2020, always with the Ligier JS P320.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 Ultimate Cup Series will kick off on March 27-30, once again at the Paul Ricard Circuit. A thrilling new season awaits the teams and drivers, with even more intense competition on the horizon.
CLICK HERE, to find out more about the Ultimate Cup Series.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Ligier JS P320.
Crédit photo : @alex_picadventure