Despite the progress shown in 1993, 1994 was very problematic for Ligier, for various reasons, including economic and managerial ones. Having had little time during the winter to think about the technical and sporting issues, the team fielded an updated 1993 car, the JS39B, retaining the Renault engines. In the spring of 1994 Flavio Briatore acquired the team. Ligier finished sixth in the constructors' championship, with 13 points. The best of the Ligier drivers was Olivier Panis, 11th in the championship with 9 points. The other drivers of the team were Eric Bernard, Johnny Herbert and Franck Lagorce.