French race star Pierre Ragues has enjoyed a productive time at the official European Le Mans Series test at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France today.
Pierre Ragues, le champion ELMS en titre, a pris part aux essais avec l’équipe victorieuse, Signatech-Alpine, dans son rôle d’ambassadeur pour la marque et de pilote de réserve du team. Pierre était au travail pour aider l’équipe à préparer la saison 2014 en ELMS dont l’objectif est de défendre le titre acquis l’an dernier.
Pierre Ragues a pu rouler avec la voiture durant près d’une heure mercredi après-midi, complétant un nombre important de tours pour l’équipe après deux journées d’essai perturbées. Le premier jour, un incident malheureux empêchait la Signatech-Alpine A450 de poursuivre et l’équipe devait se résigner a écourter la séance durant plusieurs heures. Cependant, les mécaniciens firent un travail sensationnel pour permettre à la voiture de rouler mardi soir pour la séance nocturne.
Pierre was also called up by newcomers to LMP2, Larbre Compétition, who were given permission by Signatech-Alpine to use the expertise of Ragues for much today. Both teams use Michelin tyres, so it was a convenient arrangement.
For Pierre, the test was an opportunity to continue his close relationship with Signatech-Alpine and to contribute to the ongoing development of the team and the car ahead of the new endurance season, which Pierre will follow extremely closely.
Pierre said: “It was a special day today and I’ve been really pleased to contribute in some way to the Signatech-Alpine preparations for the 2014 season. Of course, track time was cut short but I had nearly an hour behind the wheel and it was poignant at the very venue where we took the ELMS title last year. I continue to have a strong relationship to this fantastic team and am continuing to represent the incredible Alpine brand in an ambassadorial role. I am also very grateful to the team for allowing me to help Larbre Compétition today and to get some extra laps on track on Michelin tyres. It has been an honour for me to be here at Paul Ricard these past two days. I will continue to follow the team’s progress this year, as I know they will follow mine, and I look forward to seeing what happens at the 4 Hours of Silverstone in a few weeks’ time.”
