French racer Pierre Ragues has today been named as part of the Signatech Alpine Matmut LMP2 squad. For Ragues, the announcement represents a return to the team with whom he won the European Le Mans Series in 2013. 

 

Pierre will drive in the #35 car for Signatech Alpine Matmut, who were 2016 LMP2 World Champions as well as class winners at Le Mans. He will re-join Nelson Panciatici, his team-mate during that successful 2013 season, as well as Andre Negrao. 

 

The trio will represent one of the two Alpine LMP2 cars at the forthcoming Prologue, the traditional start to the WEC season, which takes place at the world-famous Monza circuit this weekend. From there, Ragues will take part in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans followed by a significant programme. 

 

The Caen-born racer has been a firm fixture in the endurance paddock for over a decade, having made his name across all classes – from LMP1 and LMP2 to a successful season in GTE-Am in 2016. 

 

He has earned himself a reputation as a trusted pair of hands in endurance racing, while also tackling a separate rally programme in recent years. It’s this versatility that will help Ragues re-acquaint himself quickly into his former team ahead of this weekend’s Prologue.

 

Pierre commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the reigning World Champions Signatech Alpine Matmut in LMP2. It’s an honour to be heading back to a team where I have such great memories from our title-winning season in ELMS back in 2013. It’s also a privilege to be driving for the defending title-holders and to be back with the Alpine family. They are a great bunch, and I am also pleased to be team-mates with both Nelson and Andre. We have the Prologue this weekend at the fantastic Monza circuit, where we will have the first chance to get acquainted with the Alpine car. After that, our sights will be set on Spa. It’s a great opportunity and I am ready to put my years of experience to good use. I’ve been busy getting ready with some extra help from the guys at simulation company Ellip6, so I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in the Prologue.”