Category Formula One Designer(s) Frank Dernie Successor Prost JS45 | Constructor Ligier Predecessor JS41 | |
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Chassis carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure | ||
The Ligier JS43 was the car with which the Ligier team competed in the 1996 Formula One season. It was driven by Olivier Panis, who was in his third season with the team, and Pedro Diniz, who moved from Forti.
The JS43 was an evolution of 1995's relatively successful JS41, designed by Frank Dernie. However, he, team manager Tony Dowe and majority owner Tom Walkinshaw left the team after ownership problems with Ligier founder Guy Ligier. This paved the way for Alain Prost to buy the team for 1997.
Despite these losses, the car performed respectably all season, with both chassis and engine the subject of steady development. Despite season-long complaints about the JS43's braking performance, Panis managed to win his first and only Grand Prix at the chaotic Monaco GP. It was also the team's first win since Canada 1981.
Panis also scored a fifth place at the Hungaroring, and Diniz also finished in the points on two occasions. However, the Brazilian was lucky to escape a serious fire at the Argentine GP.
The team eventually finished sixth in the Constructors' Championship, with 15 points.
Complete Formula One results
(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)