[04-06-2015]
PIERRE RAGUES READY TO PUT EXPERIENCE TO GOOD USE IN NINTH LE MANS
.jpg&maxsize2=250) The 83rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans gets underway next week with endurance star Pierre Ragues making his ninth appearance in the legendary event.
The French ace will be joining TEAM SARD Morand for this year’s event, as he contests the hugely competitive LMP2 class once again. He will be looking to use his vast experience of the gruelling 24 hour race to help the team to extract the full performance from the #43 Morgan Evo Sard and the Dunlop tyres.
Ragues will partner Oliver Webb and Zoel Amberg as they look to continue the high level of competitiveness shown in their opening race of the season – the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. The trio stormed to a podium finish at the classic Spa event last month, setting impressive lap times and a strong foundation for next week’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
Preparations began at the official test day on 31st May as the team amassed 66 laps of the 13.629km Circuit de la Sarthe in wet conditions. Working on baseline set-up and tyre evaluation with Dunlop, the team will continue their pre-race checklist when first practice gets underway on Wednesday.
Pierre has built up an enviable endurance career over many years, taking the European Le Mans Championship title in 2013, as well as an LMP2 podium at Le Mans in 2008. He has also successfully mastered a rallying career alongside his endurance programme, making him one of the most versatile drivers in motorsport. As a proven endurance winner and champion, Ragues is well equipped to support TEAM SARD Morand as they set their sights on another podium result, together with their new title sponsors Franck Muller.
He will receive support once again from his personal backers GroupAuto, who will promote their e-commerce site Drivista.com, as well as Sparco.
The build-up to the event starts with the traditional scrutineering at Place de la République taking place this coming Sunday. TEAM SARD Morand will go through their check procedure at 17.20 on Sunday with Pierre looking forward to the support from the thousands of fans who follow every step on the road to Le Mans.
Pierre said: “This is the definite highlight of the season and I am thrilled and delighted to have the chance to take part in this fantastic event for the ninth time. I am honoured to be representing TEAM SARD Morand and to drive alongside Oliver and Zoel. We had a great start to our season at Spa, showing the potential of our car as we finished on the podium. I hope we can replicate that sort of performance this weekend, although a 24-hour race is a far bigger challenge. We will pick up where we left off at the official test, which was affected by the wet conditions, and focus on our own programme in the practice sessions. LMP2 is always very competitive and there is no room for error at any time. We know we have a good base but we now have to fine-tune the car and tyres to the track and also be prepared for any eventuality. The support we receive from the fans is tremendous and really creates a special atmosphere. I am also fortunate to receive support from GroupAuto, Drivista.com and Sparco; I will do everything I can to get a good result, and to repay the faith that everyone has placed in me. We’re in for another fascinating Le Mans!”
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