Graff Racing Set for LMP2 Campaign with Ligier JS P2

An iconic name in endurance racing will return to prototype competition next year, as Graff Racing has announced plans to enter the European Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class.

Revealed in an Endurance-Info exclusive, the French operation is closing in on a deal to purchase a new Ligier JS P2 for its 2015 campaign.

It follows the team’s entry into this year’s VdeV Endurance series with a pair of Ligier JS53 Evos.

“Much has been asked whether we were going to take the plunge into LMP2 in 2015,” team manager Pascal Rauturier told Endurance-Info. “We decided to start by creating a true endurance platform.

“We have been working with Onroak Automotive since May and it’s been a perfect relationship. The goal is to set up a pyramid from CN to LMP2.”

According to Rauturier, the choice to go with a Ligier JS P2 was a no-brainer, although the the team has yet to finalize the purchase of the car, or decide on the powerplant.

“The car is a reliable [choice] knowing that it’s only at the beginning of its career,” he said. “The trend has been to go with a Nissan or Judd [engine]. All options are being discussed but we will not go with an exotic solution.”

Team regular Eric Trouillet is the only driver confirmed at this point for the LMP2 effort. The Bronze-rated driver took part in this year’s Blancpain Endurance Series and VdeV with Graff.

Should the team be granted an entry for Le Mans, it would mark Graff’ first start in the French endurance classic since 1993, when it campaigned a Spice SE89C for Jean-Bernard Bouvet, Richard Balandras and Bruno Miot.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John