Panis-Barthez Compétition launches into the Asian Le Mans Series

Panis-Barthez Compétition will expand its program at the end of the year. In addition to theELMS, the team of Olivier Panis and Fabien Barthez will field a Ligier JS P2 in the 2018-2019 Asian season Le Mans Series.

The French LM P2 will be entrusted to the hands of Matthieu and Jean-Baptiste Lahaye who will be joined by François Hériau. The Breton crew which finished 4th in the LM P3 category during the last ELMS season with the Ultimate team will be entered in all four rounds of the calendar.

“It is truly excellent news for us to have been able to find an agreement to participate in the ALMS Championship and, what is more, with Panis-Barthez Compétition. With Sarah and Simon Abadie, it's a story of friendship, almost family, which has lasted for 15 years, we have shared a lot on and off the circuits. For the record, I was Simon's last teammate in the Mégane Trophy. I also know Olivier Panis well having worked alongside him and competed against him on the track in LMS, ILMC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans”, comments Matthieu Lahaye.

“Having followed them since the creation of their common team, we know the high level of performance of the team and know that we are in the optimal conditions to seek results in Asia. I have the privilege of knowing two circuits (Shangai and Fuji), my experience in LM P2 will allow me to give the right keys to my inseparable teammates. All these technical and human factors combined are the omen of a great sporting adventure! ", adds the PB Competition driver.

“The team is delighted to welcome this very efficient crew which has shown very good things in recent seasons in LMP3 in ELMS, declares the former winner of the Monaco GP. Matthieu already has extensive experience in LMP2, Jean-Baptiste continues to progress on the track and François is one of the best gentlemen on the grid. We are delighted to bring the Panis-Barthez Compétition team to the ALMS, after 3 years of activity it is now well established and has been able to show its growing level of performance in ELMS and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Making ourselves known overseas is very positive for us, especially with such a crew who will be able to work alongside us to do well in this new challenge. »