[08-12-2015]
ENDURANCE ACE PIERRE RAGUES REFLECTS ON COMPETITIVE 2015 SEASON
 French racing star Pierre Ragues has cemented his position as one of the World Endurance Championship’s most experienced and dependable drivers following another successful season competing at the forefront of endurance racing.
Ragues, who took part in this year’s Championship with Team SARD Morand from the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps onwards, was regularly in contention for the podium in the #43 Morgan Evo Sard.
The Caen-born racer registered an impressive podium in his first event of the year at Spa before and notched up an incredible ninth participation in the Le Mans 24 Hours. He was frequently the quickest silver driver in the field, and often among the quickest of anyone in the competitive LMP2 class.
Working alongside a number of drivers this season, Ragues ever expanding experience in the WEC has allowed him to help drive forward Team SARD Morand at every stage of the season. Having expertly mastered a near complete season in WEC, along with occasional entries in high profile rallying events, Ragues has continued to show why he is a trusted pair of hands for manufacturers in motorsport.
Quick Q+A with Pierre Ragues
How do you look back on another busy season, Pierre?
“I am very satisfied with the past season. I have had the opportunity to compete once again at the highest level of sports car racing in the World Endurance Championship with Team SARD Morand, while also expanding my experience in the world of rallying. It is a pleasure to compete against some of the world’s finest racers and to put my years of experience, especially in endurance, to good use.”
What has been your season highlight?
“Team SARD Morand had a slightly complicated start to the year and we were forced to skip the season opener in Silverstone, but it was definitely a highlight to get our season off to such a competitive start in Spa with a podium. That was a special moment. Also, taking part in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours for the ninth time was fantastic. There is so much exhilaration and an amazing atmosphere in the build up to that race, I am always honoured to have the opportunity to be involved.”
What is your summary of the team’s performance?
“We have had a generally positive season and regularly been fighting for the podium positions in LMP2, which we know is an incredibly competitive class. We take a lot of encouragement from the fact we’ve been in the mix so often. Unfortunately we weren’t able to repeat that Spa result but I was pleased with the way we handled ourselves. I have personally been very pleased with my own driving and feel I am at the top of my game.”
What does next season hold for you?
“I hope people have recognised my capabilities behind the wheel and the competitiveness and experience I can bring as a silver driver. My goal is to remain within the World Endurance Championship and I am working with my management team to make that a reality. We are also in good contact with ELMS and with people in the GT category so I am excited to see what will happen. It would be my tenth entry into Le Mans next season, which would be a huge milestone, so that’s my objective. I cannot thank enough everyone who has supported me this season, including everyone at Team SARD Morand, title sponsors Franck Muller, as well as my personal partners GroupAuto, Sparco and Ellip6.”
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