Panis-Barthez Confirms Lineup; Working on Second LMP2 Entry

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

Panis-Barthez Competition will return to the European Le Mans Series with drivers Fabien Barthez and Timothe Buret, with the French squad working on fielding a second Ligier JS P217 Gibson in the championship, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The team, which debuted with a Ligier JS P2 Nissan and Ligier JS P3 last year, has yet to finalize the composition of its driver lineups, which will depend on a possible second LMP2 entry.

“We are nearing completion of our 2017 program and are [working] to meet the financial and sporting parameters that will allow us to have two LMP2 cars on the track in ELMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” team co-owner Olivier Panis said.

“Fabien is an integral part of the team and his desire to continue the adventure at the wheel was immediate.

“Concerning Timothe, he demonstrated his determination to learn, his ability to progress in his rookie season last year and we wanted to continue with him.”

Barthez added: “We’re working hard every day to study the economic aspects to have a second car in LMP2 with a confirmed driver who would bring his high-level experience to allow young drivers to progress alongside him.

“We don’t want to lose sight of the team’s DNA, which consists of [drivers] evolving and developing their career within our team.”

Former ELMS champion Paul-Loup Chatin teamed up with Barthez and Buret in the Ligier JS P2 last year, although there’s no word if the Frenchman will return to the organization in 2017.

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