[08-11-2012]
PIERRE RAGUES LOOKS BACK ON POSITIVE 2012 WITH G-DRIVE BY SIGNATECH-NISSAN RACING
French racer Pierre Ragues has enjoyed a largely positive season in the debut World Endurance Championship with the G-Drive by Signatech-Nissan Racing team, competing regularly in the LMP2 podium positions throughout the year.
Ragues, who only joined the team for its debut race at the Spa 6 Hours back in May, was able to demonstrate quick and consistent pace in the Nissan-powered Oreca 03 #26 car, frequenting the upper reaches of the classification at each event with a Silverstone podium the highlight of the season.
Pierre is able to look back on the highs and lows of 2012 knowing that he has impressed the team and the paddock with a series of competitive drives this year.
Quick Q+A with Pierre Ragues
Pierre, it has been a positive season for you, hasn’t it?
“Yes, I have been pleased with the season and in particular with my own performances this year. The G-Drive by Signatech-Nissan Racing team was only established after the start of the WEC season so we had our first race only in Spa, but I think we got up to speed quickly and we have shown ourselves to be regularly among the frontrunners in the LMP2 class.”
What have been your personal highlights of the season?
“Getting the podium at Silverstone was definitely a high point for me but it came off the back of some good performances in previous races. Le Mans was another excellent race weekend and we were fighting for the podium in LMP2 which was an incredible position for us to be in. Ultimately, we finished in fourth place but to finish fourth at an event as tough and demanding as Le Mans is a great effort.”
Do you think you could have achieved even more this season?
“If you look at the pace of the car and our combined performances this season, I think it is fair to say that we have been capable of scoring LMP2 podiums on a regular basis. We were actually in a position to fight for the victory in Bahrain and we have often set some of the fastest laps in LMP2 in races. Unfortunately, we have encountered some issues along the way, which is perfectly normal in endurance racing, but these have prevented us from scoring more than one podium.”
Have you enjoyed being part of the Signatech-Nissan family this year?
“I spent two very happy years with Signatech in 2009 and 2010 so it was a pleasure to rejoin the team in this new guise as part of G-Drive by Signatech-Nissan Racing. The Nissan support has been outstanding but it has been refreshing to have such commitment from the entire team, as well as from my team-mates. Their determination to succeed is commendable and we have achieved a lot this year thanks to their professionalism. I have also continued to receive invaluable support from my personal partners Group Auto Union, for which I am very thankful. Let’s see what lies in store for 2013!”
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