Ligier Automotive has reinforced its programs and powertrain departments with a pair of new hires, as the French manufacturer turns its focus to developing its next-generation JS P228 LMP2, which is scheduled to make its racing debut in 2028.
Cyril Reboul (above, right) and Pierre-Jean Tardy (above, left), both formerly of Alpine, are joining as programs director and powertrain & hydrogen technical director respectively.
Reboul will be responsible in particular for coordinating the internal teams involved in the JS P2228 programme, as well as those working on other existing and future Ligier projects.
Reboul began his career at Mygale, now Ligier Advanced Technologies, before joining OAK Racing in 2011 as a track performance engineer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 6 Hours of Imola. Since then, he has spent time at Renault Sport, Williams and Scuderia Toro Rosso in Formula 1, before holding several technical and management positions at Renault Sports Cars and later Alpine.
“Cyril’s arrival marks a new step in the structuring of Ligier Automotive,” commented Pierre Nicolet, CEO of Ligier Automotive.
“With the 2028 LMP2 project, as well as all the customer programs we are running, we needed stronger cross-functional program management. Cyril’s experience in racing, vehicle development and technical team management will be a real asset in coordinating these programs and meeting our performance, quality, cost and timing objectives.”
Tardy, meanwhile, will be responsible for defining the technical strategy of Ligier Automotive’s powertrain department, overseeing the development of internal-combustion, hybrid and alternative propulsion technologies.
This will include the JS P228, which will need to be paired with the spec Gibson-built 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged Nissan engine, as well as Ligier’s single-seater and GT machinery.
Tardy arrives at Ligier with more than 30 years of experience in racing powertrain development, most of which was spent at Renault Sport, where he contributed to nine Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship titles. Since 2022, he has served as chief engineer hydrogen for Alpine.
Tardy’s expertise therefore will complement Ligier’s future hydrogen projects, which will build on the work of its Ligier JS2 RH2 ‘rolling laboratory’ unveiled in 2023.
“Pierre-Jean’s arrival reflects our ambition to strengthen and structure our Powertrain expertise,” said Richard Tur, chief technical officer of Ligier Automotive, whom both Reboul and Tardy will report to.
“His in-depth knowledge of racing engines, his Formula 1 experience and his ability to lead complex development programs will be particularly valuable across the group’s different programs, starting with the 2028 LMP2 and the next Ligier F4. His expertise in hydrogen technologies will also allow us to continue and accelerate the work already underway in this area.”
Images courtesy of Ligier Automotive
