Ligier Commits to GT2 With JS2 RS

Ligier Automotive has revealed plans to enter the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli with the JS2 RS, a more powerful evolution of its existing JS2 R platform.

Originally revealed back in July, the JS2 RS is largely based on the JS2 R that was launched in 2018 and has since primarily competed in the single-make Ligier European Series that forms part of the support bill for the European Le Mans Series.

The new car is powered by a 3.5-liter Ford Ecoboost V6 that produces up to 650 horsepower and features hydraulic power steering, a Brembo steel braking system and Bosch ABS and traction control system.

“Joining the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli is a great recognition for our brand and for our new GT,” said Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive.

“With the Ligier JS2 RS, we wanted to offer a real race car – radical yet easy to handle – with reasonable running costs.

“Entering GT2 Europe allows us to offer a new playground for the teams and drivers who trust us, and to attract new ones.”

Similar to Ligier, British boutique manufacturer Ginetta unveiled a GT2-specification version of its G56 earlier this year, with the two brands becoming the latest brands to have built cars for GT2 competition.

Audi, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, KTM and Maserati all build eligible cars, while Lamborghini’s single-make Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 is considered by SRO Motorsports Group to be an ‘invitational car’ that was campaigned by several teams this past season.

Ligier also joins Ginetta, Maserati and Mercedes-AMG in support of the SRO GT Academy initiative, which has been set up to offer all Silver-graded drivers racing in the series under the age of 30 the opportunity to earn a fully funded GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup seat with a Mercedes-AMG customer team in 2027.

That initiative is part of an overhaul for the series, which SRO founder and CEO Stephane Ratel has targeted as a means to increase the grid size for the championship.