 [27-11-2011]
PIERRE CAMPANA ENDS INCREDIBLE SEASON WITH STYLISH STAGE WIN ON FINAL DAY OF RALLYE DU VAR
[Full Article]
 [26-11-2011]
PIERRE CAMPANA IN CONTENTION FOR SOLID PODIUM AFTER SECOND DAY OF RALLYE DU VAR
[Full Article]
 [25-11-2011]
PIERRE CAMPANA ENJOYS GOOD START TO RALLYE DU VAR WEEKEND
[Full Article]
 [22-11-2011]
PIERRE CAMPANA AIMS FOR SUCCESS ON THIRD RALLYE DU VAR
[Full Article]
 [21-11-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES LEFT BUOYANT AFTER COMPETITIVE END TO THE SEASON
[Full Article]
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[21-11-2011]
PIERRE RAGUES LEFT BUOYANT AFTER COMPETITIVE END TO THE SEASON
 Pierre Ragues had a positive end to his 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup after a string of competitive points-scoring results at Silverstone, Road Atlanta and Zhuhai. The results helped contribute to OAK Racing’s recovery to fifth place in the LMP1 championship standings.
It was a tough start to the season for the #15 OAK Racing crew after a competitive showing at Sebring was followed by a withdrawal from the Spa 6 Hours as a result of a qualifying crash for Matthieu Lahaye. Pierre looks back on a mixed season but pleased with his own overall performance and the potential of the OAK-Pescarolo LMP1 car which was perfectly demonstrated in China.
Quick Q+A with Pierre Ragues
Pierre, were you pleased with the performance in China?
“We had quite a good result in China and I was definitely pleased to add a third consecutive points finish to our season total. It was a positive end to the season which did not get off to the start we had hoped for. We managed to get the best out of ourselves as drivers and from the car in China, just as we did at Road Atlanta and Silverstone, so I am pleased in that regard. Our season target was always to fight to be top petrol car and I think we had the potential to achieve that at most races.”
Were there any positive elements to take from that first part of the season?
“Yes, there absolutely were positives. The first race of the year at Sebring brings back good memories. It was my first time at the track, and it is a legendary event, so I enjoyed the learning curve throughout that weekend. In the race, we were running as high as fourth and I had shown good pace in my stints, but we were forced to retire with a fuel tank problem with three hours remaining. It was frustrating but proved the pace of the car, and what I can achieve at new tracks, so it was a generally positive weekend.”
Talk us through the following events…
“The hardest part of the year was actually at Spa with Matthieu’s bad qualifying crash. Thankfully he was able to recover and join us later in the season but as a team we decided not to take part in the Spa race. I always enjoy the Le Mans 24 Hours week, it is a highlight of any season and although it was a tough race for us, we have good memories from the atmosphere and the support of the fans. We worked hard throughout the summer to find improvements to the OAK-Pescarolo and the results of that were shown at Silverstone, which in results terms was the highlight of the year for us with fifth. We were in contention for the podium and that reinvigorated us for the final races of the year.”
What are your plans for 2012?
“We have shown strong resilience this season as a team and I am pleased to be part of the OAK Racing line-up. We proved in these final three races that when things come together, we are capable of competitive results. I have also had tremendous support from my sponsors Group Auto Union for which I am extremely grateful. The off-season period is a useful time to reflect and it is normal to look at what options are available for the coming season. My priority is to race in the new World Endurance Championship and to put my combined years of experience from LMS and ILMC to good use. I will be consulting with my management team to see what the best solution is for me.”
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