[1] Having used Talbot engines for the previous two seasons, the JS21 was designed to be powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV.

[2] Ligier was the first choice to be the recipient of the then-new Honda turbo engine due to team owner Guy Ligier's longstanding relationship with Honda but the team declined to use it.

Jarier qualified for every race with a best grid placing of 9th, at the Monaco Grand Prix.

His best qualifying was 17th, in the season opening Brazilian Grand Prix, and he achieved his best finish of 7th the following race in the United States.

For the following year, team owner Guy Ligier secured the use of Renault V6 turbocharged engines.