Ligier launches F3 car.

Guy Ligier, Philippe Ligier and Tico Martini took the wraps of their first collaborative single-seater yesterday, during the launch of the Automobiles Ligier JS47 specifically designed for Formula Three.

The launch is the culmination of a substantial project which brought the trio together, following Ligier Sr's acquisition of a significant share in Automobiles Martini. The Ligier Mk84, created and developed by Martini, was presented on the Automobiles Ligier stand at the Mondial de l'Automobile in September, kicking off the mass production of specialised competition cars. The new Ligier JS47, a spin-off from that interest, should be ready for action from next season onwards.

"The JS47 will enable us to better develop our commercial potential," confirmed company MD Philippe Ligier, "The F3 car will compete in the various international
championships in 2005.

"Built from carbon fibre, we designed the car to meet all the rules and regulations set by the FIA for 2005, in particular for improved safety in the case of front, side or rear impact. This new car sets the precedent for design and marketing of racing cars of the future. It meets a genuine need from the racing world and enables us to grow our
presence."

The car can be fitted with a two-litre, four-cylinder engine and benefits from a specially developed six-speed sequential gear box by Ligier.

"Under Gilles Alegoet, our technical and commercial director, we've been working on this project for around ten months," Guy Ligier added, "I wanted to build a fast, reliable racing car in full compliance with the new FIA regulations for 2005, and we have been focusing carefully on designing efficient aerodynamics, transmission and suspension.

"It's always great to be involved in the birth of a new car. Taking the car from concept to creation is always special as is hearing that on track it behaves like our simulations predicted. To optimise the car, we must now perform a long testing programme on track to learn more about the car's behaviour - and- this is always fascinating."

Alexandre Pr?mat, runner up in the 2004 F3 Euroseries, and 2002 Macau GP winner Tristan Gommendy, carried out the first JS47 track test at Magny-Cours, just a few hundred metres from where the car was conceived, drawn and built. Further development is due to continue this week at the ASA Armagnac Bigorre circuit at Nogaro, with a three-day outing that should provide a clearer picture of the car's potential.