Pierre Ragues and Larbre Competition have completed today’s 6 Hours of Shanghai, the penultimate round of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, in fifth position in the competitive GTE-Am class. 

 

After a tough weekend at the technically demanding Shanghai International Circuit, Pierre battled hard in today’s race, showing improvements in performance as the six hours progressed.

 

Pierre and the team tried to repeat the potential shown by the #50 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R in previous races, but the tough characteristics of the circuit prevented them from getting the most out of their package. 

 

From Friday’s opening practice sessions, it was clear that the Shanghai track would require a different approach. Completing 65 laps of the 5.451km track, the team worked hard to improve the set-up of the car, and to assess tyre behaviour, which was to prove an influential factor in the race. 

 

There were signs of encouragement on Saturday morning as they finished third in GTE-Am, but it was clear that it would be another closely fought battle for the podium positions. 

 

Starting sixth in class for Sunday’s race, it was Ricky Taylor who was on starting duties followed by Romain Brandela, and then Pierre. After an early safety car, the race settled into a rhythm with the team holding fifth place. 

 

The opening stints for all three drivers were challenging. As temperatures started to cool down during the race, the performance improved slightly. Pierre showed strong pace, setting competitive times especially in his second stint. However, the team was forced to settle for fifth place at the chequered flag.