Ligier: Race cars for everyone
HORAG RACING ON TEST DRIVE By invitation, Benjamin Hotz from Horag Racing was allowed to test several Ligier racing cars in France. His conclusion: two entry-level models are well suited for track days and amateur racing. Horag Hotz Racing AG from Sulgen is known for frequently trying out something new. And what appeals is made palatable to the clientele. So [...]
Horag Hotz Racing AG from Sulgen is known for trying out something new from time to time. And if something appeals, it is made palatable to the customer. This is now also the case with racing cars from Ligier Automotive in France. On the GP circuit at Magny-Cours, Benjamin Hotz, who captured the Division 2 title in the 2019 Sports Car Challenge with a self-developed Ligier JS 53 with a Peugeot turbo engine, was allowed to familiarize himself with several models.
Memory of Le Mans 1975
The JS2 R is a GT4-like sports car with which Ligier has launched a Cup in France and will expand it to Europe in 2020. It is modeled on the Ligier JS2, which caused a sensation in 1975 when it finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A 330 hp Ford V6 engine works under the hood of the modern successor. The Ligier JS2 R is built according to FIA regulations for Group E2-SH (Silhouette). Outside of the Cup, it could therefore be used in hill climbs and slaloms - including in Switzerland. Those who don't want to race can enjoy themselves with it at track days.
Benjamin Hotz: "This car has decent power, feels like a real race car and is fun to drive, even though it's not a car from one of the best-known sports car brands. On the other hand, a Ligier only costs about a third."
P4 as an entry-level sports car model
If you're a newcomer or switching to sports prototypes, you'll find the ideal sports machine in the Ligier JS P4. Equally motorized, but with a carbon monocoque, the JS2 R is also suitable for track days and racing in special series with approval for these vehicles. For example in the worldwide 24H Series or the Ultimate Series in France.
Benjamin Hotz: "This car is actually neither fish nor fowl. The P4 has more downforce like the JS2 R and drives a bit sportier, also because of its lower weight. For me, this is a prototype that scores points with its handiness and price. In terms of maintenance, too, both cars should come in cheaper than conventional race cars."
LMP3 for ambitious drivers
To broaden his horizons, the only racing son of former Swiss race car champion and company founder Markus Hotz was also allowed to do a few laps with the Ligier JS P3. With the P320, the French offer an LMP3 sports car for the next few years with numerous improvements. The field of application is, for example, the European Le Mans Series in preparation for the LMP2 class and Le Mans, keyword "Road to Le Mans".
Mediation for interested parties
However, they do not think that far in Thurgau (yet). However, Markus and Beni Hotz are available for special inquiries about the JS2 R and JS P4 and can also establish direct contact with Ligier. There are test opportunities on November 15 and 21 with the JS2 and the P4 and on December 4 and 5 again with the JS2, always in Magny-Cours.
Benjamin Hotz: "We can definitely imagine using such cars ourselves for customers or supporting their cars at races and track days. The cars are ideal for gentleman drivers, hobby racers or people who want to drive something special at reasonable prices. Anyone who is up for a test drive right away should contact us."
Ligier JS P4 Brochure Ligier JS2 R Brochure
