Earlier this year, the Indian automobile company, Tata Motors, has bought two iconic British brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. Last week, Ratan Tata, Tata Motors Chairman, has thrilled the sportcars world when, during the company's Annual General Meeting, he spoke of the possibility of racing back the Jaguar name at Le Mans.

After such a statement, we have contacted the Indian manufacturer to try to know a bit more about this project. Debasis Ray, Tata Motors Limited Head, Corporate Communications, whom we warmly thank gave us kindly the following answer :

"This was just a long-term desire expressed by our Chairman at our Annual General Meeting, to a specific question by one of our share-holders. Nothing has been finalised, and therefore there are no details to share at this stage."

So, no schedule yet for a comeback of Jaguar at Le Mans, comeback deeply wished by endurance racing fans, but the will seems to be there. During the support race of the 2008 24 Hours of the Le Mans, the Jags, and especially Justin Law's XJR12, have been warmly waved by the audience and we would be delighted to see the "big cats" as soon as possible in la Sarthe. So, wait and see, knowing that the big cats are well known by the Indians, especially the Bengal tigers... Maybe it is a good omen !

Claude Foubert