ELMS – Philippe Sinault: “May the best win”

On September 14, the Signatech team Alpine had an idyllic day on the Hungaroring. The A450 of the Pierre Ragues-Nelson Panciatici duo crushed the competition to go back to the head of the general classification. Before the fifth and final round, this weekend at Paul-Ricard, the Berruyère stable and Thiriet by TDS Racing are tied on points with 73 points each. But Philippe Sinault, the main team, does not forget that to be crowned, his men will have to trip up the outgoing champions.

“We know we are going to have to fight for this title, he admits. Until the last moment, we prepare for this race as best we can to put all the chances on our side. I never approach a race, and even less such a meeting, with confidence. Perhaps this is what keeps us moving forward. We know what we have to do. And may the best win. This is our philosophy. I want each member of the team to be able to look at themselves in the mirror on Saturday evening and be certain that they have given their best. Shouldn't we have regrets or remorse? »

Nelson Panciatici has already put aside the Hungarian success, his first in Endurance. The very evening of the race, he was already planning for the final. “Winning in Hungary was a great moment for the whole team, underlines the Marseillais. But it was just one step in our season. We also want to win in France. It?s all the more important as I feel at home on the Circuit Paul Ricard. It's my race, I will have a lot of friends and all my family in the stands. I'm not going to focus on the title. We will first think about our own race. There is no question of calculating before departure. The strategies will be put in place according to the progress of the event. And the Signatech team-Alpine showed his ability to handle these situations. »

“We always arrive pumped up at the start of a race, continues his teammate Pierre Ragues. But this victory in Hungary perhaps gives us a little extra madness. The experience acquired with Michelin tires will help us. The tests will be of capital importance. Qualifying is also expected to be a major event of the weekend. We must not forget that a point is awarded to the author of pole position. The objective is to win the European Le Mans Series with style. We will leave to climb on the highest step of the podium. Then, the race will dictate the strategy to adopt! »

After the two free sessions on Friday (respectively scheduled for 10:20 a.m. and 15:40 p.m.), the competitors will meet on Saturday morning at 10:20 a.m. for qualifications. The departure of 3 Hours of Castellet will be given to him at 16:30 p.m.