 [03-08-2011]
Pierre Campana honoured by FFSA and set for WRC breakthrough
[Full Article]
 [30-07-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES BRIDGES SUMMER GAP WITH TWO-DAY TEST AT BUGATTI CIRCUIT
[Full Article]
 [14-07-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES HOPES SUMMER BREAK WILL REVIVE OAK RACING’S ILMC FORTUNES
[Full Article]
 [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]
PIERRE RAGUES HOPES SUMMER BREAK WILL REVIVE OAK RACING’S ILMC FORTUNES
 Pierre Ragues is determined to make the most of the summer break to help the OAK Racing team fight back after a difficult first half of the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup season.
OAK Racing has experienced hard-hitting reliability issues in the races contested so far this year at Sebring, Le Mans and again at Imola just a few weeks ago, preventing them from capitalising on the pace of the car and competitiveness of the drivers. The team was unable to take part in the second race of the year at Spa after a nasty accident for Matthieu Lahaye in qualifying forced the team to withdraw.
Nonetheless, although Pierre has been disappointed with the reliability issues, he is sure that the team has the ability to bounce back when the ILMC season resumes at Silverstone in September.
Q+A with Pierre Ragues
Pierre, it has been a difficult season for you, but are you confident of a fight-back?
“Absolutely. There is no hiding from the fact it has been a difficult season for OAK Racing in LMP1 so far this season as the various reliability issues have stopped us from getting any decent finishes. However, I am convinced that as a team we can turn it round in the final three races and show people what our true potential has been.”
Have there been any positives to draw upon?
“Among the disappointment, there are plenty of positive elements from the season so far. We have shown the #15 OAK-Pescarolo to be a quick and competitive car with some very promising performances at times. It has just been a shame that we have not been able to maintain the competitive level throughout an entire race.”
What have the highlights been?
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first taste of Sebring back in March. It was a great atmosphere and a wonderful feeling to race in America. We had a good pace over the weekend and fought hard into the top four before we were forced to retire with fuel tank problems with just three hours left of the race. Racing there was fun and I look forward to returning next season. Of course, the build up to Le Mans is also special and leaves a long-lasting memory thanks to the tremendous support from the fans. It is an incredible event and I am always proud just to be a part of it.”
What are yours and the team’s plans for the summer break?
“As a team, we have to sit down and understand what all of the problems have been in these four races of the season so far. It is important for us not to be too disheartened and to regroup and rediscover the sort of the form and results that we know we are capable of. We will have two test sessions between now and the next race in which we can make good progress. We are all passionate about the team and competing at the highest level, so we will use that combined positive energy to fight back at Silverstone. Matthieu’s accident was also a low point of the season, so we all look forward to welcoming him back into the team. The extended members of our team, the technical partners, sponsors and my own personal backers Group Auto Union, are also helping us to achieve our goals, and for that I am very appreciative. I can’t wait for Silverstone.”
For more information about Pierre Ragues, please visit www.pierreragues.com or www.quadrasports.com
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