Dumas Departs Ligier Automotive

Philippe Dumas

Ligier Automotive general manager Philippe Dumas has announced his departure from the French sportscar manufacturer.

"I would like to inform you that I’ve left my job as operational deputy general manager of Ligier Automotive (ex-Onroak, Everspeed Group).

"I have just enjoyed five years of enriching experiences that have helped me to acquire a very wide range of new knowhow."

"If I have a single regret it’s that we never won Le Mans in LM P2 together. We came pretty close to it on my first attempt with the #35 G Drive Ligier JSP2-Nissan in 2014. But it doesn’t matter as the idea of winning the Le Mans 24 Hours someday – overall by preference – is still trotting around in a corner of my mind!

The former GT driver turned team manager had played an integral role in the organization’s on-track success, having spearheaded OAK Racing’s efforts since 2014 that spanned multiple continents and supporting numerous teams.

Dumas was most recently the team principal of Onroak’s Nissan DPi program with the now-defunct Extreme Speed Motorsports squad.

“I can never thank [Jacques Nicolet] enough for that and for the trust he showed in me right from the start," Dumas said.

“We developed two cars, began a restructuring of the company, organized ambitious operations with private teams and wrote some historic chapters by winning an FIA WEC LMP2 title and some of the great classic races: Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

“In addition, I’ve lived unique moments with people who have inestimable professional competences and embody rare human values."

It’s understood Dumas parted ways with Ligier Automotive late last year, with no firm plans yet lined up.

“Now it’s time for me to assess new openings," he said. “Although endurance is my field, I’m open to other forms of top-class racing or rallying.

“I want to work with a team that embodies strong values and be the link between those involved as well as coordinating the sporting and technical aspects before and during the event.

“In fact, to mastermind a major project and achieve performance and success."