Pierre Ragues elected president of the Normandy League

Two weeks before the last round of the R-GT World Rally Cup, in which he occupies the lead in the general classification, it is therefore a new challenge that the driver of the Côte Fleurie team is launching. “It’s a real relief,” admits Pierre. I am very happy, above all for the team that I represent because they are passionate people and very invested in Norman motor sport. We represent 11 ASA and 8 ASK, we must not forget anyone. It’s a great challenge, but not easy! »

© Antonin Vincent / DPPI

Dominique Lunel, president of the Regional Committee for more than 20 years, finally gave up running, leaving his running mate Franck Marie to defend the program in place. With 84 votes against 64, Pierre Ragues was entrusted with the reins of the league with the difficult task of building new relations with the Federation and organizing the return of the high national level to the region. “We will work with the FFSA so that the Normandy Automobile Sports League regains its place within the federation, at the same level as the other leagues. » The stated objective of the new management is in particular to organize the final of the French Rally Cup in the near future on one of the two major events in the region, the Rally of Dieppe or the Lisieux Rally. “Application files are ready and will be submitted soon. The next finals have already been assigned but we want to be the first of the next ones. And of course if a place becomes available we will be ready. »

©Grégory Lenormand / DPPI

Before thinking at the national level, Pierre wants above all to consolidate regional action. “My primary objective is to help the organizers with financial means of course but above all with human resources. We will work to motivate new commissioners to join us and train them.”

This election should put an end to the crisis that motorsport in Normandy has been going through since mid-summer. As a reminder, the first election was invalidated by the French motorsport federation due to irregularities, notably in the convening of motor sport associations. Karting. The latter, who represent a third of the licensees, know that they can benefit from an attentive ear from Pierre Ragues. In fact, Pierre began his career in Karting and only ended it, temporarily as he assures us, on the evening of the 1 KZ2013 World Championships won by a certain Max Verstappen before Charles Leclerc.

© Joao Filipe / DPPI

Before getting back behind the wheel of your Alpine A110 R-GT to compete in the last round in Spain, Pierre will take part in a test session with the AF Corse team on a Ferrari 488 GTE in order to prepare for the final of theELMS in Portimao with Côme Ledogar and Franck Dezoteux. A return to the sphere of 24H of Le Mans which could prepare a return to the Le Mans classic. “I of course have this 14th participation in the 24H in mind,” admits Pierre. But this morning I have other priorities with the League”