Ligier European Series: Barcelona Race Report
Round 1 Highlights
The opening round of the 2026 Ligier European Series at Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya saw commanding performances in both the JS P4 and JS2 R categories, with Vincent Bouteiller and Tomas Pompidou clinching victory in the JS P4, while 16-year-old phenom Marcus Terkildsen triumphed in the JS2 R category.
Race 1 Results
- Ligier JS P4
- Winners: #19 Trajectus Motorsport (Bouteiller/Pompidou)
- Second: #12 ASM Motorsport (Van’t Pad Bosch/Perez Cabello)
- Third: #99 Team Virage (Kristiansen/Malizia)
Bouteiller began from pole, maintaining his lead through multiple safety car interruptions and ultimately setting the fastest lap at 1:45.585. A pivotal moment came late when Pompidou overtook Sébastien Kawpeng (#1, Team Virage) amid a penalty confusion, allowing Trajectus Motorsport to secure a historic win.
Bouteiller commented on the need for composure during the unpredictable safety car phases. “It was important to stay composed and hold onto the lead,” he stated after the race.
- Ligier JS2 R
- Winner: #88 23Events Racing (Terkildsen)
- Second: #83 Trajectus Motorsport (Lambert)
- Third: #18 VSF Sports (Ghibaudo)
Terkildsen, following a flawless qualifying, initially lost ground during pit stops but executed a remarkable comeback in the race’s closing stages. “I was very confident… I managed to gain back positions at the end,” he remarked post-race.
Race 2 Summary
- Ligier JS P4
- Winners: #14 Team Virage (Gardner/Schranz)
- Second: #7 LR Motorsport (Riccitelli/Ferri)
- Third: #6 ANS Motorsport (Abrahamas/Pharamond)
The second race unfolded with fierce competition under scorching conditions. Following a chaotic restart that saw Schranz capitalize on an error by Kawpeng, Team Virage commandeered the lead. “I went for it… perfect timing,” Schranz said, reflecting on his crucial move.
- Ligier JS2 R
- Winners: #41 VSF Sports (Dallakyan/Bernard)
- Second: #88 23Events Racing (Terkildsen)
- Third: #84 Trajectus Motorsport (Taberys)
Dallakyan seized early leadership and maintained control despite pressures from Terkildsen, eventually securing victory. “Antonin did a great job in the final laps… we were able to secure the win,” he noted.
The next round of the Ligier European Series will take place at Le Castellet in early May, promising further intense racing as teams refine their strategies and setups.
