If the request is upheld, Larbre Compétition will have a busy week at the Circuit de la Sarthe in June as it will also enter two Ligier JS P3s in Road To Le Mans, the Michelin Le Mans Cup race that will feature in the support programme ahead of the 86th running of the 24 Hours. The Michelin Le Mans Cup provides a platform for gentlemen drivers and young talent at the entry level of the endurance pyramid to discover the discipline before graduating to continental championships or the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC).

After several seasons in LMGTE Am on the world stage, the French team competed only in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017, where the Corvette shared by Christian Philippon, Romain Brandela and Fernando Rees crossed the line in last place. Larbre Compétition has appeared 24 times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning its class on four occasions, most recently in 2012 (LMGTE Am). Rees also has two Le Mans starts in LMGTE Pro to his name (twice sixth in class with Aston Martin Racing) and helped Larbre Compétition to the FIA Endurance Trophy awarded to the best LMGTE Am team in the 2012 FIA WEC championship. The Brazilian is no stranger to the LMP2 class either after driving a Zytek fielded by Barazi-Epsilon in the 2008 and 2009 Le Mans Series.

The identity of the other drivers of the Ligier JS P3s and JS P217, developed by Onroak Automotive, is as yet unknown. The team intends to organise tests at the Val de Vienne circuit, close to its headquarters near Poitiers.

Jack Leconte, Team Manager: Larbre Competition has contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans 24 times, but only once with a prototype, in 2014, when we ran a Morgan LMP2, establishing a partnership with Jacques Nicolet and Onroak Automotive. We are now looking to use our 30 years of experience in endurance racing for a new adventure, by turning to the LMP2 and LMP3 classes. Ligier was an obvious choice as it allows us to compete in two classes, and work with Onroak Automotive again. We are also delighted to welcome Fernando back to the team. Last year at Le Mans, he set pole position in LMGTE Am at the wheel of our Corvette, and will be a great asset in getting our Ligier JS P217 to the front of the pack.

Quote translated from the team media release

Photo (© Larbre Compétition):  The Ligier JS P3 will sport Larbre Compétition colours in Road To Le Mans.