 [03-08-2011]
Pierre Campana honoured by FFSA and set for WRC breakthrough
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 [30-07-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES BRIDGES SUMMER GAP WITH TWO-DAY TEST AT BUGATTI CIRCUIT
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 [14-07-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES HOPES SUMMER BREAK WILL REVIVE OAK RACING’S ILMC FORTUNES
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 [14-07-2011]
FRANCK MAILLEUX HEADS INTO SUMMER BREAK AT HEAD OF ILMC CLASSIFICATION
[Full Article]
 [03-07-2011]
FRANCK MAILLEUX AND SIGNATECH-NISSAN FIGHT HARD FOR WELL DESERVED IMOLA PODIUM AND TRIUMPHANT ILMC VICTORY
[Full Article]
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[14-07-2011]
FRANCK MAILLEUX HEADS INTO SUMMER BREAK AT HEAD OF ILMC CLASSIFICATION
 Franck Mailleux enjoyed his third LMP2 podium of the season at the recent 6 Hours of Imola, round four of this year’s Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, as the Signatech-Nissan team extended their lead of the LMP2 championship with just three rounds of the season remaining.
In a competitive LMP2 field at Imola, the team performed admirably to secure second in class, ninth overall and, crucially, to win the ILMC battle after a competitive and professional performance at a new-look Imola track that Franck and the team had to master in just a few practice sessions.
ILMC takes something of a summer break with the next race at Silverstone scheduled for the second week of September, but Franck and the Signatech-Nissan team will be using that break wisely to ensure their position at the head of the championship is maintained in the final part of the year.
Q+A with Franck Mailleux
Franck, reflecting on the season so far, how do you rate your performances?
“I am really pleased with our performances and our results in the first four events of the season. We had expected to fight for the LMP2 podium at every race and that has proven to be the case and in some races, we have even had the pace to fight for the class victory, which shows we are working well as a team.”
Do any races stand out particularly?
“Actually, they all bring positive memories for different reasons, but Sebring and Le Mans were great experiences for me personally and for the team. Sebring was the first time that I have raced in America and we were very competitive. If we hadn’t run into mechanical problems, I am sure we would have won LMP2 but we were all thrilled with second considering it was our first time in LMP2 and racing in the States.”
And Le Mans?
“Le Mans is always a highlight of the season regardless of the result just because it is the pinnacle of the endurance racing season. This year’s race was probably one of the experiences of my career as a whole. To see the Signatech-Nissan Oreca car on pole position was a very special moment and to experience the range of emotions over the complete 24 hours, overcoming problems to fight back to the podium was amazing.”
Do you think Signatech-Nissan can fight for a class win in the remaining three races?
“Imola showed us that we have the car to fight at the front even in the most competitive field so definitely an LMP2 win is not out of the question, but our focus is on maintaining our lead in the ILMC championship. We set ourselves a podium target for each race and we are doing well to achieve that with three podiums in four races. The result at Imola extended our championship lead but we know that with three races left, we have to work hard to defend that position. We do not take anything for granted. The team are working extremely well, Nissan is continuing to provide us with fantastic technical support, while our tyre suppliers Dunlop are also playing a big part in our success this year. The three drivers, Soheil, Lucas and myself, are working well as a team on and off track, and I also have the backing of my personal sponsors Sojasun, so we definitely have a winning package. We will continue to work hard over the summer to be in competitive form when we get to Silverstone in September.”
For more information about Franck Mailleux, visit www.franckmailleux.com or www.quadrasports.com
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