[28-11-2016]
PIERRE RAGUES REFLECTS ON PODIUM-FILLED GTE-AM SEASON
 Endurance star Pierre Ragues has enjoyed a competitive debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s GTE-Am class in 2016 – and underlined his credentials as one of the quickest and most experienced silver drivers in the WEC.
The French ace joined forces with the Larbre Competition squad and became the only driver to contest all nine rounds of the Championship for the team in 2016 – from Silverstone to Bahrain.
Pierre scored a total of four podium finishes against tough opposition, showing a measured approach in the #50 Corvette C7.R during the year. Third places in Silverstone, Spa, Nürburgring and at Circuit of the Americas further cemented Pierre’s status as a trusted pair of hands in the WEC, as he helped Larbre Competition establish themselves as regular front–runners in GTE-Am.
The 2016 season was also notable as being Pierre’s tenth participation in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. His personal strong showing in Le Mans was echoed in the other eight events on the calendar, as he as consistently among the quickest drivers in the GTE-Am category. From the snowy start of the season in Silverstone through to the blistering heat of Bahrain, Pierre’s performances were among the standouts of a captivating season.
QUICK Q+A WITH PIERRE RAGUES
Pierre, how would you review your debut season in GTE-Am?
“It’s been a privilege to be part of the competitive GTE-Am line-up this season, and to have the opportunity to represent Larbre Competition and Corvette on the global stage. I feel like I have learned a lot, while also being in a position to fight for the podium in all races. I settled into the GTE-Am category quite easily and I found it really suited my driving style. Of course, there were lots of important things to learn along the way, most crucially how to deal with the faster LMP cars on track. But I am thrilled with how it all went – and with the podiums we were able to achieve together.”
What were your highlights of the season?
“It’s always difficult to look past Le Mans when it comes to picking a standout memory. It’s the one race on the calendar when it doesn’t even matter what result you get, just taking part is so special. It was even more special for me this year because it was my tenth participation in the event. Unfortunately, the result wasn’t what we wanted to achieve but to be involved in such a prestigious event is a true honour, and one I hope I get to enjoy again in 2017. Silverstone was another memorable race. It was my first event in GTE-Am, but with the crazy weather we had – including some snow – it had an added challenge. To finish on the podium in my first event in the class was amazing. One additional highlight for me was Spa, another podium result. We were involved in a thrilling battle with the Porsche and there was just one tenth between us after six hours of racing – incredible!”
How will the experiences from 2016 help prepare you for next season?
“We took four podiums this season and were in contention for many more, so I feel I have demonstrated my abilities in GTE-Am. We had the potential to fight for many victories and I have been personally very pleased with my own performances during the year. I have been proud to represent the Corvette name, as well as Larbre and my personal partners GroupAuto, Sparco and Ellip6. I am working hard with my management team to sort out a campaign for 2017. I feel at home in the WEC and would be very happy to remain part of the family. There’s also the highly competitive European Le Mans Series, which is a fantastic championship. Let’s see what the winter months bring, but I am more determined and motivated than ever.”
|
)