Ligier back in business....!

[Super Tourer]

Although not 'strictly' an F1 story, (I've rapped my own knuckles) I thought I would post it here, as it's an evocative name from the F1 past.

Guy Ligier has bought a major stake in the Martini racing car constructor and will be producing formula cars, initially for race schools, but Martini used to be a strong competitor in the junior formuale so maybe the future is there?

Also involved is another blast from the F1 past, and well known from his Reynard days - one Rick Gorne. The car sounds a bit 'tidy' too.

"The first new car which is to be called the Ligier MK84, has been developed under the direct responsibility of Tico Martini. It is a brand-new concept of inexpensive racing car design combining a very stiff and strong carbon monocoque with six-speed semi-automatic sequential F1-type gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, and inexpensive standard parts to ensure minimal maintenance costs."
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns13164.html

[Kicking-back]

Theres some speculation Ligier-Martini may do an F3 car next year.

[ASCII Man]

Are there any pictures available of this new car?

[PaulSands]

small acorns
who knows if F1 ever becomes a sensibly priced (that's a relative term of course ) we may see that name gracing F1 grids...Laffite and the Ligier were firm favourites of mine in the late 70's

[f1manoz]

Good to see someone of his former standing once again involved in producing racing cars. You never know, Ligier may once again grace the F1 grids in the future.

[marcus]

I hope so , I liked the Ligier team and Im sure he would be welcomed back with open arms , but he has a long road ahead of him if thats his plan

[Armco Bender]

If my old and failing mind is correct Martini had an F1 car in the '70s with one R.Arnoux doing the steering.

[mountainstar]

Originally posted by Armco Bender
If my old and failing mind is correct Martini had an F1 car in the '70s with one R.Arnoux doing the steering.

It did and it was a piece of junk. The guy that has run ORECA for years was the team manager.

[SFonseca]

Originally posted by Kicking-back
Theres some speculation Ligier-Martini may do an F3 car next year.

They will do

[Kicking-back]

That's good news then!

[Mekola]

Originally posted by mountainstar
It did and it was a piece of junk. The guy that has run ORECA for years was the team manager.

You say Hughes de Chaunac???

[darcym]

define inexpensive, certainly not paddle shift gear systems

Good news to see more constructors though..maybe knock down the prices of others cars if they produce some good cars.

[Nordic]

It did and it was a piece of junk. The guy that has run ORECA for years was the team manager

That would be 78, not a good year to start a new F1 team as the ground effect revolution was just starting.

There is a brief history of the team here Martini[/URL]Martini

[Fiorentina 1]

I miss Ligier! #26 will always mean Ligier to me. That team was the best little team ever, something F1 is missing. I guess Jordan is close.