 Around this time, they were testing a Matra V6 turbocharged engine, which never raced.Thanks to the political support of Ligier long-time friend François Mitterrand, in the mid-1980s, the team benefitted from a free Renault turbo engine deal.This, along with sponsorship from companies such as Loto and Elf Aquitaine, made the team more competitive, though not a frontrunner.