Reigning European Le Mans Series champion, Pierre Ragues, will intensify his preparations for the 2014 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the official test day takes place at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe this Sunday, 1 June. 

 

Endurance ace Ragues will take part in his eighth Le Mans 24 Hours this year after announcing a partnership with Larbre Competition for this year’s event. 

 

The amiable Frenchman, who has this season also embarked on a parallel campaign in the world of rallying, as well as his ongoing ambassadorial duties with Alpine, will drive a Michelin-equipped Morgan Judd LMP2 car with the support of Onroak Automotive in this Sunday’s test as the prestigious 24 Hours approaches. 

 

Ragues will line up alongside new team-mates Rick Taylor and Keiko Ihara as GT specialists Larbre Competition use his years of Le Mans experience and expertise to help them in their prototype debut at Le Mans this season. The team has an illustrious record in GT racing at Le Mans so it is an honour for Ragues to help them with the transition to LMP racing in 2014.

 

Pierre said: “Sunday’s official Le Mans test will be the formal start of our preparations for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. It is important to get plenty of track time at the official test day as it will represent the first occasion where all cars can test alongside each other at the legendary track. I am thrilled to be taking part in my eighth Le Mans with Larbre Competition this season. I have done lots of driving this season, including a rally campaign, but I always feel at home driving around La Sarthe. We have lots to learn at the test, including a detailed understanding of the Morgan Judd LMP2 car and Michelin tyres, as well as for me to integrate myself more firmly within the team – and alongside my new team-mates Rick and Keiko. It will be an important day but one of many special moments before this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans gets underway.”

Pierre Ragues is an ambassador for Alpine and is supported by Group Auto.