It has been confirmed that the #35 Signatech Alpine Matmut crew of Pierre Ragues, Nelson Panciatici and André Negrão has been promoted to fourth place overall in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, following the exclusion of another LMP2 competitor. 

 

The decision means not only does Pierre register his best overall result at the legendary endurance event, but also that the #35 crew have been rewarded with the LMP2 podium that they fought so hard to achieve on Saturday and Sunday. 

 

It is the second LMP2 podium at Le Mans for Pierre in a career that has now encompassed 11 participations in the classic endurance race. 

 

The #35 car had been among the quickest in the LMP2 category for much of the race, and the crew was heading for an outright podium into the final hour. Unfortunately late drama dropped them a few places before the chequered flag, so this latest development is a welcome consolation for the entire team.

 

Pierre said: “This has been a very unexpected development but one which promotes us into the LMP2 podium, so I’m naturally delighted. We might not get our moment to enjoy the celebration in front of the amazing crowd of spectators, or to have our ‘champagne moment’ but it’s a welcome reward for all our efforts. The #35 Alpine A470 was quick and competitive throughout the race, all three of us drivers performed to the best of our capabilities and the Signatech Alpine Matmut team were on top form – so it’s a fantastic, belated result.”