[20-11-2013]
PIERRE RAGUES VISITS SIGNATECH HEADQUARTERS AS HE LOOKS TOWARDS 2014
 Endurance ace Pierre Ragues can reflect on a championship-winning season in the European Le Mans Series as he helped take Signatech-Alpine to a maiden title in 2013, but that has not stopped the Frenchman from turning his attention to the 2014 season.
Ragues, who took victory in the 3 hours of Hungaroring as well as runner-up results at both Imola and Red Bull Ring this season, paid a visit to the Signatech factory in Bourges, France earlier this week, to spend time on the team’s simulator with preparations for next year.
Although nothing is fixed for Pierre in 2014, everyone is working hard to secure the best programme for next year, whether that is in ELMS or the World Endurance Championship.
Quick Q+A with Pierre Ragues
Pierre, what have you been up to since the end of the ELMS season?
“It has actually been a busy time since we took the championship title back in October and we had a lot of PR work in the week after the Paul Ricard race. We obviously spent some time together as a time to enjoy the results and one of the highlights was the annual Signatech 24 Hours karting event last month. It is so rare that we have the chance to spend time with the team and our extended partners, so it is always a great event. I have also been maintaining my fitness levels and doing some simulation work with Ellip6 to begin preparations for next season.”
How was your time at the Signatech factory this week?
“Yeah, it was very useful. Although this season’s competition has finished – with good results – we are already looking ahead to next year. The World Endurance Championship is everyone’s aim and I think it is a realistic one for us, although we have some months before the season begins again and nothing is fixed yet as regards my contract. I had a good time in the simulators carrying out some assessment work for the team and I will be sure to stay in regular contact with them over the winter. I hope that I will be able to continue my partnership with Signatech-Alpine into 2014.”
How important is it for you to stay fit over the winter?
“I still take part in a lot of karting events in the off-season and even in between race weekends, so I am always focussed on staying in shape. Over the winter, we spend some time resting with the family but I like to begin each New Year in good condition and ready to prepare for the season ahead. After a very positive 2013 with a victory in Hungary and the ELMS title, I am more determined than ever to take this momentum forward into next year where I am convinced even greater things are to be found.”
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