Over the winter, many were surprised to see former Formula 1 driver Olivier Panis and football world champion Fabien Barthez create a brand new team. But it came as an even greater surprise when the “Panis Barthez Competition” Ligier JSP2 nearly won the first race of the ELMS season at Silverstone.
Since then, the French team has continued to demonstrate great potential for winning races and championships in the future. DSC met Olivier Panis and discussed what his team has accomplished over the past seven months and what lies ahead.
Olivier, your team has had an incredible first season so far. You nearly won at Silverstone, your car saw the chequered flag in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and you scored a double pole in LMP2 and LMP3 at the Red Bull Ring.
Tell us about your journey with this brand new team so far and why you think it works so well?
There are really three people at the beginning of this story: myself, Renaud Derlot [who raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2004] and Fabien [Barthez]. The initial idea was simply to enjoy running a team that functioned like a family. The reason behind the team was also to help Fabien fully live out his passion for sportscars and to coach young drivers. Our vision matured, and we soon found a solid financial partner.
“Then, we looked for a service provider capable of supporting us technically. We selected Tech 1. My son [Aurélien Panis] used to race with them [in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series]. I have to say, it has been seven months of intense labor. But our people are great, and it has worked extremely well from the get-go.”
You’ve partnered with both Onroak and Michelin, two French manufacturers. Are you satisfied with your choices?
“There is French DNA in our team, without a doubt, so it felt very natural to go for a French car like Ligier. We’ve had a great relationship with Jacques Nicolet and his team. We have actually renewed our commitment by ordering a brand new JSP217 for next season. Regarding Michelin, I have worked with them intensively since my F1 days.
There is French DNA in our team, without a doubt, so it felt very natural to go for a French car like Ligier.
“In 2015, Pascal Couasnon told me that Michelin wanted to return to first place in the LMP2 category. When Michelin tells you that, you know they mean business. So we worked together, and look at how they have improved since last season! We scored two poles with them in the Red Bull Ring. They were delighted and so were we.”
Were you happy with how things went at Le Mans?
“For our first Le Mans, I had asked our drivers to do everything they could to stay out of trouble. We never made any mistakes, and we saw the chequered flag. It was an emotionally intense race. It really brought our team together. We also earned a few prizes: the Jean Rondeau trophy [best rookie of the edition for Timothé Buret], the ESCRA and the ACO/UJSF prizes [best technical assistance and best PR during the race week].
“Le Mans is also a popular race – for the people, that is. We’ve tried to open our doors to the fans and give back some of what they’ve gave us since the beginning of this adventure. It would be really great for the sport if others in the paddock copied us!”
At this pace, could we see you in the WEC next year?
“No, unless we get backed by a constructor. The ELMS is the perfect place for us and our young drivers. It’s a great championship.”
You have two cars: one in the LMP2 category and one in the LMP3 category. Next season, is there any chance of seeing one of more of your current LMP3 drivers join the LMP2 driver lineup?
“Actually, I’m not into this to make money. It’s really not what motivates me. What interests me is the prospect of having a very competitive team and the desire to help young drivers grow in Sportscar racing. If one of them ever makes it with a proper constructor, then we’ll know we reached our target.
I’m not into this to make money. It’s really not what motivates me.
“Until then, if one of them is capable of racing our LMP2 car, then we will make it happen for sure.”
What’s your ambition for the rest of the season and next year?
“We’re a young team. We want to continue building our reputation and aim for first positions in the LMP2 and LMP3 categories. For 2017, we obviously want to return to Le Mans with one, possibly two cars.
“Until then, we’re considering the Asian Le Mans series for the end of this season. That is also a great championship for young drivers.”
