French race star Pierre Ragues has enjoyed a productive time at the official European Le Mans Series test at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France today. 

 

Reigning ELMS title holder Ragues took part in the test with his fellow title holders, Signatech-Alpine, in his role as Alpine ambassador and reserve driver for the squad. Ragues was on hand to help the team prepare for his 2014 season in the ELMS as they seek to defend last year’s impressive title. 

 

Ragues enjoyed almost one hour of running in the car on Wednesday afternoon, completing a valuable number of runs for the team after a disrupted two day session. The opening day saw an unfortunate incident which rendered the Signatech-Alpine A450 out of action for the duration of the opening day. Nonetheless, the team’s mechanics put in an exceptional display to permit the car to run on the final day. 

 

Pierre was also called up by newcomers to LMP2, Larbre Compétition, who were given permission by Signatech-Alpine to use the expertise of Ragues for much today. Both teams use Michelin tyres, so it was a convenient arrangement. 

 

For Pierre, the test was an opportunity to continue his close relationship with Signatech-Alpine and to contribute to the ongoing development of the team and the car ahead of the new endurance season, which Pierre will follow extremely closely.

 

Pierre Ragues said: “It was a special day today and I’ve been really pleased to contribute in some way to the Signatech-Alpine preparations for the 2014 season. Of course, track time was cut short but I had nearly an hour behind the wheel and it was poignant at the very venue where we took the ELMS title last year. I continue to have a strong relationship to this fantastic team and am continuing to represent the incredible Alpine brand in an ambassadorial role. I am also very grateful to the team for allowing me to help Larbre Compétition today and to get some extra laps on track on Michelin tyres. It has been an honour for me to be here at Paul Ricard these past two days. I will continue to follow the team’s progress this year, as I know they will follow mine, and I look forward to seeing what happens at the 4 Hours of Silverstone in a few weeks’ time.”