[03-10-2013]
ELMS CHAMPION PIERRE RAGUES REFLECTS ON JUBILANT SEASON AND AIMS TO FLY HIGH IN 2014
 Recently crowned European Le Mans Series champion Pierre Ragues has already turned his focus to an equally victorious 2014 season after impressing critics in his five ELMS races this year with SIgnatech-Alpine.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a stellar championship helping to secure a triumphant return for the Alpine brand in endurance racing with second place results at Imola and Red Bull Ring, as well as a dominant victory in Hungary in which Ragues took the field by storm.
The competitiveness of the Signatech-Alpine A450, Michelin equipped package enabled the Alpine brand to take its first European endurance title for 39 years and its first victory since the 1978 Le Mans 24 Hours. It also helped Pierre and his team-mate Nelson Panciatici to take the drivers’ championship title to complement the team title after a perfectly managed season.
Quick Q+A with Pierre Ragues
Pierre, an incredible championship title but in nail-biting conditions…tell us about Paul Ricard from your point of view.
“It was the perfect end to what has been a very competitive season for Signatech-Alpine but it was a bit nerve-wracking at times! We knew that we had to finish ahead of the Thiriet team but also had in the back of our mind that Jota could mathematically take the title if we didn’t finish. Therefore, we had to push hard but also make sure we finished in the points. There were a few incidents during the race but we kept our cool and got to the chequered flag with the result we wanted. It was a long final hour though!”
How did you cope mentally when you hit trouble in such a tense race?
“Thankfully the Signatech crew is so professional and calm under pressure that when we have problems, like when the steering wheel broke during Nelson’s stint, they just get on with the job. It was obviously helpful when Thiriet had problems but you never know what can happen in endurance racing so we have to keep focussed and getting the most out of the car. Like at all races this year, the Signatech-Alpine A450 was competitive around Le Castellet and we had podium pace in the car just at Silverstone, Imola, Austria and Hungary.”
How do you feel about the contribution you have made to bringing Alpine back into endurance?
“The partnership with Alpine has been very special and emotional this season. To be part of the return of such an iconic brand is an honour but to be able to take their first win since 1978 and the first European endurance title for nearly four decades is undoubtedly the highlight of my career. I feel that I have driven better than ever this year and really spurred on by the Signatech-Alpine partnership. Our victory in Hungary was fantastic and really underlined my own performance capabilities. Overall, I think we have managed the entire season perfectly. It has also been great to be part of Michelin’s return and to have seen them take the championship against all the other cars on their rivals’ rubber. All in all, we have had a dream season, also thanks to the unwavering support of my special partners at Group Auto. I really can’t wait to see what 2014 holds. Above all, I hope I have demonstrated my worth and can continue to be part of this Alpine resurgence as a reigning endurance champion.”
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