Panis-Barthez Compétition was launched in January 2016 and has gone from strength to strength. This year, it has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series and has now confirmed that it will be entering the 2018-19 Asian Le Mans Series, which comprises four races (Shanghai, Fuji, Buriram and Sepang). PBC will field a Ligier JS P2 (#35) in the LMP2 class and has revealed an all new line-up with Matthieu Lahaye and his brother Jean-Baptiste sharing driving duties with Jean-François Hériau. The #23 car (the number Fabien Barthez sported during his goalkeeping career) is driven in ELMS by Timothé Buret, Julien Canal and Will Stevens.  

For Olivier Panis, the outfit’s Team Principal, this new venture is a great opportunity: "The team is delighted to welcome this competitive line-up, which has shown great promise in the LMP3 class in ELMS in past seasons. Matthieu already has LMP2 experience, Jean-Baptiste continues to improve on track and François is one of the best gentlemen drivers on the grid. We are glad to be taking the Panis-Barthez Compétition team to ALMS. After three years of competition, the team, is now well-established and has continually improved its performance in ELMS and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Being able to demonstrate our performance overseas is very positive for us, especially with such a line-up, who will give its all to succeed in this latest challenge."

Photo: Panis-Barthez Compétition is adding another string to its bow. After the #23 car, seen here at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the French team is fielding another LMP2, the #35, this time in the Asian Le Mans Series.