Pierre Ragues has got his 2011 preparations underway with a visit to OAK Racing’s new race facility at the Le Mans Technoparc. During the visit, Pierre met with OAK Racing owner Jacques Nicolet and Managing Director François Sicard, who proudly presented their new facility to their recent signing, as well as discussing the forthcoming race season with members of the team.

Pierre’s contract with OAK, which was announced just before the winter break, will see the just-turned 27-year-old French racer take part in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) this season, as OAK moves up to the LMP1 category.

The announcement confirms Pierre’s continued presence in international LMP1 racing, and reinforces his position as one of France’s most talented racing drivers. It will also see him progress naturally from the Le Mans Series into the global ILMC series.

The ILMC calendar will be expanded to seven events in 2011 after a successful debut series in 2010, in which OAK Racing became the inaugural LMP2 champions after the three events. This year’s championship gets underway in mid-March at the 12 Hours of Sebring and takes in Spa-Francorchamps, Imola, Silverstone, Petit Le Mans, a race in China as well as the unquestioned jewel in the crown with June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans event, one of the world’s most beloved motorsport races.

For Pierre, it will mark a natural continuation of his LMP1 career following his two year stint at Signature, but will allow him to expand his knowledge of truly international race venues. Alongside team-mate Guillaume Moreau, Pierre will play an integral role in OAK’s progression up to LMP1 this year.

Q+A with Pierre Ragues

How has the winter break been for you?
“The winter break was fantastic, knowing that I had already announced the deal with OAK for the 2011 season. I had a great time with family and friends, just relaxing a bit, but also keeping up-to-date with my physical training. 2010 was a great year with some enjoyable LMS races, as well as some karting events, but I am expecting even more challenges and a lot of hard work this year, so it was nice to have a few weeks of rest.”

What are your thoughts on OAK Racing and their new Le Mans facilities?
“I know OAK from my time with them in LMP2 in the Le Mans Series a few years ago, so it is a bit like coming home. Having said that, it is nice to see their new facilities at the Technoparc – I suppose you could call it our new home together. The ambition from this team is always high and that is one of the reasons why it is a pleasure to race for them once again. Jacques and François showed me around and I met many of the guys who I will be working with this year, so it was a really nice way to start this exciting New Year.”

Do you have any objectives or targets for this year’s races?
“This is a year of change and challenge, both for me and the team. I am moving into the new ILMC series for the first time after two years in LMS, while the team is moving up to LMP1 after winning the LMP2 championship in ILMC last year. There will be a lot of new things for us to learn and there are a number of factory teams who will undoubtedly lead the way. We have to just do a solid job and my personal aim, as it always is, will be to show my full potential and battle for the best result possible. We have to be ready to capitalise on any special situations that might occur at the front. To get anywhere near the top five would be a tremendous result for us but we must aim to be the best non factory LMP1 car at all events.”

Do you have any particular partners or supporters for this season?
“In addition to my friends and family who always support me, I am privileged once again to have the backing of Group Auto Union. They have been a great help to me during my career so far and it is always a pleasure for me to reward their partnership with the best result possible on the track. I also have the support of Quadra Sports management who remain an instrumental contributor to my career. ILMC will be a great adventure for all of us and I can’t wait to get started.”