The frustration of Signature Plus

On the third step of the podium of the Algarve 1000 km in July, the Signature-Plus team hoped to be able to repeat such a performance last weekend, on the Hungaroring circuit. Ultimately, it was a mixed feeling that reigned Sunday evening in the stands of Philippe Sinault's team. If Vanina Ickx, Pierre Ragues and Franck Mailleux had managed to finish third in the LMP1, they had only gone under the flag in 23rd position in the general classification, the Lola-Aston Martin Frenchwoman having spent 22 rounds in her box.

“We should be satisfied to sign another podium in our category, and to score important points, but we could have done so much better, says Pierre Ragues. This is the first time I have driven on this track near Budapest. I was in charge of qualifying, unfortunately I made a mistake on my first fast lap, and I went off the track. Thanks to the excellent work of the mechanics, I was able to make another attempt. What was frustrating was that the tires had suffered quite a "flat"? in the mishap. I nevertheless managed the fifth time. But the team made the wise decision to start with a different set of tires. Which, under the terms of the regulations, forced us to start from the back of the grid. Vanina had a great start, she was sixth when I took the wheel. I was able to move up to second position. Unfortunately, the battery and the alternator pulley decided otherwise. It's a real shame, when we see the difficulties of the other LMP1s, and our own competitiveness. Everyone at Signature can be proud of their efforts throughout the weekend. »

“It’s good for the team to get a second category podium in a row, and to score points after this difficult race, continues Franck Mailleux. I am third now, which is remarkable when compared to our situation last year at the same time. This shows the progress made by the team. Now, this Hungarian weekend was a disappointment. When we encountered our problems, we were second behind the Peugeot , which in turn would experience problems. We could have fought for victory, but that?s also endurance. The speed with which the team resolved them (the problems, editor's note) shows its efficiency and its strength. The characteristics of this circuit favored the LMP2s, but we demonstrated that we were among the best, and that our place - without our mechanical problems - was on the overall podium. It's frustrating that our result does not reflect our true potential. The last round of the season will take us to Silverstone, I hope we will end our second year in LMS there on a better note, with another podium. »

Next September 12, on the British track, in addition to the 908 Oreca and the two Lola Rebellions, we will also have to face five official cars and not the least, namely a Peugeot, two Audis and two Lola-Aston Martins. Second in the team rankings, Signature-Plus can still hope to finish in the top two at the end of the season, a great result which would allow it to glean one of the two invitations awarded by the ACO for the next 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Find the full report of the Hungarian round of the Le Mans Series in your AUTOhebdo magazine, currently available.