[1] The JS35 chassis was prepared by Ligier's design department under the direction of Michel Beaujon, Claude Galopin and Richard Divila, the latter two being fired after the disappointing start to the season.

The car was overweight and bulky from the start, not helped by the large oil tank required for the new engines.

The JS35B, which made its debut at the French Grand Prix, also had some input from Gérard Ducarouge who was recruited mid-season.

[3] In the season opening United States Grand Prix, Comas failed to qualify while Boutsen placed 20th on the starting grid.

[4] Comas made his debut at the next race in Brazil; he qualified 23rd but retired with an oil cooler fire on lap 51.

Boutsen secured the better finish, 7th, in the race; Comas was 10th, having to swap to the team's spare car after his own broke down on the parade lap.

Although experiencing technical difficulties, both drivers finished, Comas in 11th, having run as high as 9th by lap 11, and Boutsen behind him in 12th.

[10] At the German Grand Prix, Boutsen qualified 17th and, despite being troubled with faulty brakes and clutch, finished in 9th place.

Reverting to the spare car, he was holding 18th place when he retired on lap 22 due to low oil pressure.

[11] In the Hungarian race, Boutsen, who had won the event from pole position the previous year, qualified 19th while Comas placed 25th on the grid.

Comas also had a puncture early in the race; running last after stopping for a replacement, he retired on 26 with an engine failure.

[18] As neither of its driver scored any points during the season, Ligier ended the year unplaced in the Constructors' Championship.