[15-07-2013]
PIERRE RAGUES AIMS TO BUILD ON SECOND PLACE AS ELMS VISITS AUSTRIA
 European Le Mans Series runner-up Pierre Ragues is aiming to build further on his impressive season to date with another competitive performance for Signatech-Alpine, as the championship resumes at the Red Bull Ring this weekend.
Pierre finished in a highly commendable second place at the previous ELMS round at Imola, as well as fourth in the season-opener at Silverstone, so he will be hoping to find a similar level of performance in Austria for Saturday’s three hour race.
The Signatech-Alpine team had a difficult Le Mans 24 Hours but worked well as a team to produce one of the comebacks of the race from 51st to 15th overall, earning the team the award for best technical assistance. The team, with drivers Pierre Ragues and Nelson Panciatici, will put the valuable experience of Le Mans to good use as the ELMS campaign gets back underway this weekend.
The 4.326km Red Bull Ring will be used for the first time by ELMS so it will be learning curve for many of the 60 drivers taking part in this third round of the season, which will see ten LMP2 cars fight it out in one of the most competitive categories in endurance racing. Pierre has used the time since Le Mans to work with simulation specialists Ellip6 to prepare for this weekend.
Quick Q+A with Pierre Ragues
Pierre, you are second in the ELMS standings heading to Red Bull Ring, what are your objectives this weekend?
“We are entering new territory this weekend with the first ELMS race to be held at the Red Bull Ring. It will be a great test of our ability to learn new circuits quickly but I am confident in our package and hope we can mount a challenge for the podium. We will look to get some decent track time in practice to learn the circuit and to find the best set-up for the Signatech-Alpine A450 with Michelin tyres. I have been fortunate to work with simulator specialists Ellip6 who have been a big help for me to prepare for this weekend’s race.”
What influence does Le Mans have on your performance in the rest of this ELMS season?
“We had a strong pace in the two opening races of the ELMS season at Silverstone and Imola, which allowed us to settle into the season with a new car and new team with Alpine. Le Mans is always a key event because it is so intense and tough. We really develop the car in difficult conditions and improve every area of our working operation. I think we are heading to Austria with more confidence in ourselves and with the overall car and tyre package, so I look forward to seeing what we can achieve this weekend. I hope we can build on our second place in the championship, which is so important for Signatech-Alpine and for my sponsors, Group Auto, who continue to provide such valuable support.”
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