Ballymena’s McCaughan denied Barcelona podium despite dominant pace in Ligier opener

Ballymena racer Brandon McCaughan on track in the Ligier European Series. (Pics: DPPI Images)

A blistering opening to the 2026 Ligier European Series saw Ballymena driver Brandon McCaughan lead both races in Barcelona—only for penalties to strip away what could have been a double podium finish.

The Northern Irish prototype racing prospect showcased standout speed across the opening round at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (10–11 April), but a combination of pitstop and restart infringements ultimately left him without the results his pace deserved.

Front-running pace from the outset in Barcelona

Reuniting with reigning champions Team Virage, McCaughan returned to the Ligier European Series off the back of a dominant double victory at Silverstone in his previous outing with the team last year.

Sharing the Ligier JS P4 with Filipino driver Sebastien Kawpeng, the duo quickly established themselves as contenders despite McCaughan tackling the Barcelona circuit for the first time.

Friday’s free practice sessions proved productive, with the pair clocking top-six times in both outings despite ongoing braking issues. Those problems failed to halt their momentum, however, as qualifying later that day saw both drivers secure top-three starting positions—firmly placing them in the podium fight for both races.

Race one: From the lead to recovery drive

McCaughan started the opening race and immediately made his presence felt in a disrupted, stop-start contest. Three safety car periods within the first 30 minutes limited green-flag racing, but he capitalised on each restart.

Twice executing decisive overtakes into the opening corner, he surged into the lead before handing over to Kawpeng at the halfway stage.

The team remained firmly on course for a podium finish until a stop/go penalty for a pitstop infringement derailed their race. Dropping to 17th place, their hopes appeared over—yet a determined recovery in the closing ten minutes saw them fight back into the top ten.

Race two: Victory on the road undone by penalty

Kawpeng took the start in race two and held second position through multiple safety car interruptions. However, a mistimed restart—overtaking before crossing the start-finish line—resulted in a ten-second time penalty.

After the pitstop phase, McCaughan rejoined in third and quickly resumed his charge. A mistake from the car ahead allowed him to move into second, before a decisive overtake secured the race lead.

He crossed the finish line first on the road in a commanding display, but the earlier penalty proved decisive—dropping the pair to fifth in the final classification.

Personal loss adds context to performance

Speaking after the weekend, reflected on both the pace and the circumstances surrounding his performance.

“It’s a pity that the race results don’t show it, but it’s been a really positive weekend and I’m happy with our performance. The #1 car was on rails, we had the best race car out there, and on pace alone we would have come away with first and second place finishes.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks for me, I lost my mother last week, so I had to put that emotion to the side as best as possible and focus on the racing. The team have been fantastic and I couldn’t be happier with them and my team-mate Sebastien [Kawpeng].

“His pace was great in only his second event in the car and his mistakes were just down to experience. We make a competitive partnership and I believe we’ve definitely got the pace to be championship contenders. I’m looking forward to Paul Ricard next.”

Championship momentum despite setbacks

Despite the setbacks, McCaughan’s performance underlined his credentials as a serious contender for the 2026 title, with outright pace placing him among the standout drivers of the opening round.

Backed by partners UtilityMapz, I.J. Lynn & Sons, ADM Group and AAA Biomass Services Ltd, the Ballymena driver now turns his attention to the next round of the championship.

The Ligier European Series continues on 01–02 May at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, where McCaughan will look to convert his evident speed into results.

Both Barcelona races are available to watch on the Ligier European Series YouTube channel.

McCaughan is also inviting new commercial partners to join his 2026 campaign, with opportunities available through contact at brandon@mccmotorsport.com.

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At a glance

• Brandon McCaughan led both races at the Ligier European Series opener in Barcelona

• Competing with Team Virage alongside Sebastien Kawpeng

• Race one: dropped to 17th after stop/go penalty, recovered to top ten

• Race two: crossed line first but demoted to fifth after ten-second penalty

• Demonstrated race-winning pace throughout the weekend

• First visit to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

• Dealt with braking issues during practice sessions

• Personal loss: McCaughan lost his mother the week prior to the event

• Next round takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard, France (01–02 May)

• Commercial partnership opportunities available for 2026 season