Tequila Patrón ESM Tests Ligier Prototypes - Speedway Digest

In a season of firsts, Tequila Patrón ESM added another to that list today – first laps in the Onroak Automotive Ligier JS P2 prototype race cars.

Tequila Patrón ESM brought the brand new racing machines to Magny-Cours in central France today to conduct its first official shakedown and laps with the Ligiers. Today’s test kicks off a week of on-track action that concludes with Round 2 of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on Saturday.

The No. 30 and No. 31 Tequila Patrón Ligier JS P2 prototypes are powered by Honda HR28TT V6 engines, the same powertrain the team used for the 2013 season of the American Le Mans Series, the 2014 season of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, the first two rounds of the 2015 Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup (Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring) and at the WEC season-opening 6 Hours of Silverstone on April 12.

“It was cold and rainy in Magny-Cours today but that didn’t dampen Tequila Patrón ESM’s shakedown of our new Ligiers one bit!” said Scott Sharp, driver/owner of Tequila Patrón ESM. “The entire team is impressed with the build and finish on the Ligier. All of the drivers remarked how confidence-building, even in the wet, the car was. It is a very refined and balanced piece. We can’t wait to take it to Spa his weekend!”

Before heading to Belgium, Tequila Patrón ESM completed the one-day shakedown to ensure all systems are functioning properly. The all-new Tequila Patrón-sponsored, Honda-powered Tequila Patrón ESM Ligier JS P2 prototypes will make its public debut at Spa.

Tequila Patrón ESM team principals Sharp and Ed Brown turned laps in the Ligier for the first time during The Prologue preseason test at Paul Ricard in March. Sharp, Brown and fellow Tequila Patrón ESM drivers Ryan Dalziel, Johannes van Overbeek, Jon Fogarty and David Heinemeier Hansson participated in today’s shakedown test at Magny-Cours.

“The car was really good. All drivers had positive things to say today at Magny-Cours,” said Brown, president and chief executive officer, Patrón Spirits International. “We drove in the rain all day so we really couldn’t do a whole lot with speed, but if a car is that good in the wet it will be good in dry conditions. We ended early so the guys can head to Belgium. We’re excited to see what the future holds with the Ligier, Honda and Tequila Patrón ESM.”

Onroak Automotive’s Philippe Dumas was pleased with today’s test session.

“The Tequila Patrón ESM Onroak Automotive adventure started only six weeks ago and we are already on track together!” said Dumas. “I can’t wait to see those two beautiful Ligier JS P2 Hondas this weekend at Spa, for the second round of the FIA WEC. I am sure it will be successful! Thank you to Scott Sharp, Ed Brown and all the guys involved in the Tequila Patrón ESM team for their trust in us. Everything went well today for the shakedown. The Onroak Automotive crews did a great job last past weeks!”

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Adam Sinclair

NHRA, IHRA, Motocross and other forms of motorsports Staff writer
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.