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[08-12-2014]
FRENCH ACE PIERRE RAGUES REFLECTS ON VERSATILE 2014 SEASON
.jpg&maxsize2=250) French race and rally star Pierre Ragues has had one of his most impressive motorsport seasons to date this year, putting in competitive performances in both endurance racing and rally championships.
Ragues has added victories to his impressive career CV in this year’s European Le Mans Series, while also scoring class podiums – and a win – while competing for the first time in a range of regional and national rallies. In addition, he took part in his eighth Le Mans 24 Hours this year, establishing his credentials as a racing all-rounder.
He has masterfully juggled different forms of racing and rallying, different teams and a range of vehicles and conditions, which has made this season one of the toughest, yet most rewarding for the 30-year-old.
Q+A WITH PIERRE RAGUES
You have achieved a lot this season, but what particular highlights do you have?
“There have been so many things going on this season that it is hard to pick out just one. I have been fortunate to take part in endurance and rallying this year for the first time and I have really enjoyed every minute of it. To have the chance to compete in a range of motorsport categories with some great teams and some fantastic machinery is what I love most. Taking part in my eighth Le Mans was special – that event always is – and also taking a win in ELMS was great, but having the chance to learn go rallying and score some class podiums was amazing.”
Looking back at your endurance season, there were some really impressive performances…
“At the start of the season, it wasn’t clear what the programme for endurance would be, so I was very grateful to Larbre Competition for giving me the chance to take part in Le Mans again. I love that event and it’s always a standout moment of the season. The race was tough but I felt it was one of my best Le Mans performances. I felt competitive, quick and confident and we battled hard to finish the race. Working with the Newblood by Morand Racing team for the second half of the European Le Mans Series was great and together with Christian Klien and Gary Hirsch I was able to show my race winning capabilities. Following our win at Paul Ricard, where I was crowned ELMS champion last year, we were able to put ourselves in contention for the championship. We gave it everything we had and I think we can be very proud of the Estoril podium and our ‘podium’ in the championship.”
How did you manage to switch between endurance and rallying?
“The transition between the two was not too bad, really, even if they require a completely different approach. It was great to have the chance to rally alongside my father, who was co-driving, and we took a podium in our first event – Rallye National de la Côte Fleurie. We did six rallies with the Skoda Fabia S2000 with Deslandes Sport, which was very enjoyable. The highlight was probably fighting for the class win in Mont Blanc – that was really a breakthrough performance for me. I was then pleased to join the Munaretto team for two rallies with the 208 R5 Peugeot, including Rally du Var which was a valuable experience for me. All in all, the rallying part of my season has been hugely rewarding and a nice partner to my endurance activities, as well as my continued ambassador role with Alpine. Everything I have done this year has only been possible thanks to the support of all the teams I have worked with, as well as my personal partners Group Auto, Sparco and simulation company Ellip6. Together, we will have some relaxing holidays but I hope to have a similarly busy and productive season in 2015! We are currently looking into some good opportunities in WEC and ELMS, as well as some exciting talks for rally, and I hope to have some news about my 2015 programme by early January.”
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