Pierre has already derived encouragement from the performance of the Dunlop-shod OAK-Pescarolo after the 12 Hours of Sebring in March, having set fast lap times compared to their LMP1 rivals, so the team will be hoping for another strong performance in Spa.

The fast approaching 24 Hours of Le Mans is another attraction for teams to attend the Spa event, as it will be the final opportunity to gather race data in preparation for the biggest event on the endurance calendar in June. The recent official test day at the La Sarthe track delivered promising performance for the OAK Racing team and for Pierre but Spa will be another useful chance to evaluate all areas of car performance around one of the world’s toughest race tracks.

Spa has hosted endurance events since the 1950s but staged its first 1000km event in 1966 with this year’s event marking the ninth consecutive 1000km of Spa. The circuit is a motorsport haven with fans and drivers alike setting it aside as a firm favourite.

Turns like Eau Rouge, La Source, Bus Stop and Blanchimont have become household names as the 7.004km long circuit and its variety of 21 different twists and turns continues to fascinate race fans.

The circuit’s location in the heart of Belgium’s Ardennes forest make it a real spectacle but often attracts the unwelcome sight of heavy cloud and rain, so teams will be keeping one eye on the track and one eye towards the skies!

Pierre Ragues: “Spa is always a great race weekend and it is always a pleasure to drive a fast car around such an exhilarating circuit. There are still so many challenges around Spa that it remains a real favourite for all drivers, whether experienced or rookies. Getting a lap right around Spa is a wonderful feeling, but over the 1000km it requires a lot of focus and concentration. It is a tough circuit for cars so it is a great test in its own right but also a very representative test for teams ahead of Le Mans, which means it always has a large entry list. This year is no exception. We had a promising race in Sebring even if the end result was not what we wanted. The OAK-Pescarolo and Dunlop tyres were competitive and we were able to threaten the top four. With such a competitive field at Spa, I’m not sure where we will line up on the grid or figure in the race, but I know that the team has worked tirelessly since Sebring and the Le Mans test, so we will be in the best shape possible when practice starts. I’m looking forward to an enjoyable and hopefully successful weekend”

For more information about Pierre Ragues, please visit www.pierreragues.com or www.quadrasports.com