Australian Racing Driver Dylan Young heads to Barcelona this weekend for the opening round of the 2024 Ligier European Series from April 12-13 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.
Young will pilot the #3 Ligier JS P4 in the all Pro Class, teaming up with Romanian driver Alin Fulga for the Smart Driving Team. The 6 round Championship will hold its opening two races in Barcelona this weekend, with the marquee race of the season coming in June on the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. The Ligier European Series serves as a key stepping stone to the European Le Mans Series and FIA World Endurance Championship.
After a successful single seater career, Young made the switch to endurance racing in 2023 and quickly adjusted to the different style of racing as he looks to set up his future in Le Mans prototypes.
Young had a successful two day test at Paul Ricard and Barcelona in February with the team and will enter the Championship as the only Australian in the 18-car field which features drivers from the four corners of the globe.
The action in Barcelona will begin on Friday, 12 April, with two 40-minute free practice sessions at 9 am and 1:50 pm. The two 15-minute qualifying sessions will follow the same day at 5 and 5:35 pm. On Saturday, 13 April, race one will start at 9 am, followed by race two at 1:30pm, each lasting 60 minutes.
Young's campaign is supported by a number of key partners including Marbanc International who will be a major partner this season. Joining the fold as a major supporting partner will be Aussie craft brewery Boxer Brewing Co. followed by Hemisphere Management Group who have also committed for the '24 season.
Returning partners include nutrition brand My Muscle Chef and Home Theatre and Hi-Fi accessories company Selby.
After Barcelona, the series will make the short trip to the Paul Ricard Circuit in the south of France from May 3-4.
From there, the championship stays in France and heads to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 9 before the summer break. Action then resumes at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium from August 23-24 and for the first time in the series history it will venture to the heart of Tuscany at the Mugello Circuit on September 27-28. The Championship then concludes in style at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on 17-19 October.
Dylan Young:
"I'm really pumped to get going for this season. It's been a minute or two since last year so I'm just glad it's go time! We had a good couple of test days with Smart back in February and so I feel ready. I'm looking forward to teaming up with Alan and hopefully we'll have a strong outing to kick off the Championship."
"Finally, I can't thank all my partners enough for jumping onboard this campaign. Let's get it done!"