Le Mans – Pierre Ragues: “A hammer blow”

The publication of the ACO entry list in 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 14 and 15) was an unpleasant surprise for Pierre Ragues. While the reigning champion of theELMS was expected on the second Alpine A450, the second LM P2 from Signatech only appears in second place in the list of substitute teams behind the Morgan de Larbre Compétition. “We had always planned for this season to defend our title and make the 24 Hours of Le Mans our priority, explains the 30-year-old Frenchman. As the reigning champion, it was planned for me to take the wheel of one of the two Signatech-Alpine for the entire Championship but unfortunately the list of Le Mans entries published on February 13 only included one car accepted. I remain under contract Alpine but it is clear that we have to find another solution for me to defend my title this season. I must admit, however, that this information, which I only received when the entry list was confirmed, was a massive blow. »

Paul-Loup Châtin appears on the premiere Alpine while Nelson Panciatici, the teammate with whom Pierre Ragues won the ELMS title, is provisionally entered in the second. But the latter is sure to be there both in ELMS and in Sarthe. Pierre Ragues still remains under contract with Signatech but has no other choice but to look for a steering wheel elsewhere, whether in Endurance or in GT, to continue racing and optimize your experience. “Signatech-Alpine continues to be very present for me and tries to unblock this delicate situation, specifies the Caennais. It?s a real shame that there?s only one car confirmed for Le Mans. I have extensive experience in Endurance, with seven participations at Le Mans and an ELMS champion title in 2013, today it is a question of seeing if there are synergies or mutual agreements through Signatech-Alpine and which would allow me to race this season. We are actively looking for a solution that suits us and I hope that we will find a positive outcome quickly. »

Philippe Sinault can only hope that the situation improves for Pierre Ragues. “This is a very unfortunate situation for us because we had planned our season with two cars with Pierre at the head of one of them., comments the director of Signatech. Unfortunately, we only have one place for Le Mans, so we need to find a solution to help Pierre get a seat for 2014. I see it as an important part of the Signatech program-Alpine and so it?s a terrible feeling. He is still under contract but is free to be loaned elsewhere and we are open to discussions with other teams to see if we can place Pierre on a mutually beneficial deal. This is what we are doing and we hope to find a solution soon. Pierre is a fantastic champion and it would be ridiculous if he was not part of an endurance championship this year, and especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the highlight of the season. »