French racer Pierre Ragues will make a spectacular return to the European Le Mans Series at the forthcoming Red Bul Ring 4 Hours race, as the endurance specialist joins NewBlood by Morand Racing. 

Ragues, who enjoyed a competitive 24 Hours of Le Mans recently, has been signed by ELMS frontrunners NewBlood by Morand Racing to join its drivers Christian Klien and Gary Hirsch in the #43 Judd BMW-powered Morgan with Dunlop tyres.

NewBlood by Morand Racing is one of the standout performers in the closely fought ELMS championship; the team finished on the podium at the season-opening Silverstone round, in third place, before leading a large part of the second round at Imola. The team also registered a top ten finish in the recent Le Mans 24 Hours.

This latest announcement will see Pierre Ragues take part in the Austrian round of the competitive ELMS championship, which will be the third race of the season. Pierre has been enjoying a positive 2014 season, successfully combining a burgeoning rally programme together with occasional endurance events. 

His ability to switch driving styles, cars and programmes with ease has marked him out as a popular choice for teams this season. The Red Bull Ring 4 Hours will take place next week at a track where Pierre secured a second place podium finish in last year’s ELMS round on his first visit to the popular circuit.

Pierre continues to benefit from the invaluable support of his personal sponsors Group Auto, as well as the full backing of Alpine for whom he acts as an ambassador.

Pierre said: “I am delighted to be making a return to the ELMS for Austria and honoured to be joining the NewBlood by Morand Racing team. It is a very professional, competitive outfit and I am sure that I can make a valuable contribution to their ELMS campaign. Austria was a strong weekend for me last season when I helped Signatech-Alpine to second place overall, enjoying some good battles through the race. I have been maintaining my race craft, thanks also to my rally programme, and my fitness, so I am sure I will be able to settle in well. I appreciate the team’s trust in my abilities and I am looking forward to returning to the competitive ELMS championship for this race. I’d like to thank Alpine for allowing me the chance to follow this opportunity with NewBlood by Morand Racing.”