Pierre Ragues and the Signatech-Alpine LMP2 squad have completed the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours race in 15th position overall and ninth in the LMP2 category after a resounding comeback after a difficult first quarter of the race left them languishing in 51st place.

 

It has been one of the most difficult Le Mans races in recent years with persistently inclement weather conditions causing changeable and challenging track conditions. Throughout the 24 hours, an unusually high number of safety car periods were in force, as a result of the conditions, which made for a fragmented race for all teams. 

 

The first six hours of the race saw a series of incidents involving the Signatech-Alpine crew with a slow puncture caused by debris, a trip through the gravel, which required repairs in the pits and a sizeable off for Tristan Gommendy, the cause for which is still to be determined.  All in all, though, the time delays left the team down the order and in need of a fightback.

 

The team mechanics performed exceptionally to minimise the disruption to the race and managed to carry out significant repairs to the A450 race car in an incredibly short time. So much so, that race organisers gave the team the best technical assistance award at the end of the race.

 

The team’s impressive comeback was in spite of those notable safety car periods and the weather with all three drivers – Ragues, Panciatici and Gommendy completing competitive triple stints. As the morning hours kicked in, the team were closing in on the top 20, something that they achieved by the chequered flag thanks to some dogged, determined performances by the complete team.

 

The final stages of the race became chaotic as rainstorms made for extremely hazardous driving conditions, with a lot of drivers getting caught out in the treacherous weather. The conditions required yet another safety car period but Pierre and the Signatech-Alpine team kept their cool under pressure to bring the car home into a solid race finish.

 

Unfortunately, the event was marred by the death of driver Allan Simonsen in the opening laps of the race, and Pierre Ragues extends his condolences to the driver’s family and friends.

 

Pierre Ragues said: “The Le Mans 24 Hours is always a tough race, always unpredictable and always with its issues. I think that this year’s event is one of the hardest I have been involved in, with challenging conditions and lots of incidents. The team has performed incredibly this week but especially in the past 24 hours to allow us to make up the places we lost in the first quarter of the race. They have been quite rightly awarded with a commendation for their technical work, which is thoroughly deserved. We were right down the order by the time I went out for my first stint in the evening but we were able to get into a rhythm – when there were not safety cars out on track – and to get competitive performance out of the Signatech-Alpine A450 and our Michelin tyres. The conditions were tough for everyone – especially in the final hour when the rain came down hard - but we fought valiantly to come from 51st to 15th at the chequered flag and in the top ten of the very competitive LMP2 category. Thanks again to the team and to my supporters Group Auto for their efforts and backing. It has been a long event with some sad news as well. Finally, I would like to pass my condolences to the family of Allan Simonsen.”