 [21-11-2011]
ILMC CHAMPION FRANCK MAILLEUX REFLECTS ON SUCCESSFUL SEASON AFTER CHINESE WIN
[Full Article]
 [13-11-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES ENDS 2011 SEASON WITH COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE IN CHINA
[Full Article]
 [13-11-2011]
FRANCK MAILLEUX ENDS INCREDIBLE CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING SEASON WITH VICTORY IN CHINA
[Full Article]
 [12-11-2011]
FRANCK MAILLEUX PUTS CHAMPIONS SIGNATECH-NISSAN ON POLE IN CHINA
[Full Article]
 [10-11-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES READY FOR FIRST PRACTICE AFTER USEFUL WET TEST IN CHINA
[Full Article]
|
[21-11-2011]
ILMC CHAMPION FRANCK MAILLEUX REFLECTS ON SUCCESSFUL SEASON AFTER CHINESE WIN
 Franck Mailleux has achieved a career milestone by claiming this year’s Intercontinental Le Mans Cup LMP2 championship but the personable Frenchman is still aiming for even greater things in 2012.
With podiums in all bar one race in 2011, including the sensational win at Zhuhai just over a week ago, Franck has emerged as one endurance racing’s highest profile drivers, and has played an integral role in Signatech-Nissan’s championship charge. He reflects on a positive season with happy memories and a determined outlook for the future.
Quick Q+A with Franck Mailleux
Franck, was it a relief to take the first win of the season in China?
“We have led all races this year and shown race winning pace in all six of the ILMC events this season, so the result in China was genuinely deserved, I think. We had secured the LMP2 title at the previous event at Petit Le Mans so victory at Zhuhai was definitely top of our priority list. The weekend went quite smoothly and we were comfortably quicker than the other LMP2 entry, so we adopted a deliberately cautious approach to the race to make sure that we crossed the chequered flag with the win!”
How would you summarise the season as a whole?
“This season has been one of the highlights of my career without question. Since Signature came into endurance racing three years ago, when I myself moved from single-seater racing to endurance, it has been a continual evolution and season-by-season improvement. We made good steps in 2010 and finished second in the LMP1 championship but this year, entering LMP2 with the support of Nissan, Dunlop and the supremely professional work from the whole team, we have really developed into a consistently competitive outfit.”
Are there any particular standout moments from this year?
“There have really been too many highlights to mention all of them but we have relished each and every time we have stepped onto the podium, especially at Le Mans 24 Hours. The atmosphere you get at Le Mans is unbelievable and drivers really appreciate the support. To finish on the podium at that event is truly special. Obviously clinching the title at Road Atlanta, a circuit I had never visited before, was phenomenal, and we are still coming to terms with it a bit. Finally, the race win in China really topped off the season in style and you never forget your first win in a championship, so that feeling will remain with me forever.”
What are your plans for 2012?
“I have been incredibly proud to be part of the championship winning Signatech-Nissan team and to be associated with a leading manufacturer like Nissan. We have worked very well as a team and we have had a great driver line-up with Lucas, Soheil and Jean-Karl during the year. I have continued to benefit immensely from the backing of my personal sponsor Sojasun, who have been a huge part of my career. As far as next year goes, it is obviously quite usual for everyone to keep their options open for the coming year. I have already tested the Peugeot which was an honour and I enjoyed the experience a lot, but there is time over the winter months to formalise my plans for next year together with my management team. I’d love to be part of the new World Endurance Championship and as reigning LMP2 champion, I want to be competing to win races regularly.”
|
)