Pierre Ragues will begin preparations for an astonishing tenth participation in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans at this weekend’s official test day. 

 

Pierre has built up enviable experience in the prestigious event over his impressive career, dating back to his first involvement at Le Mans back in 2006. This year’s 84th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours will see Pierre take part in the GTE-Am category with Larbre Competition, the team with whom he raced in LMP2 just two years ago.

 

The team has enjoyed a strong start to the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championships with GTE-Am podiums at the season-opener in Silverstone, as well as at the last round in Spa-Francorchamps. Pierre will head to Le Mans looking to complete a trio of podiums at the biggest endurance event of the year. 

 

Alongside team-mates Paolo Ruberti and Yutaka Yamagishi, Pierre will take to the cockpit of the #50 Chevrolet Corvette C7-R on Sunday for the official test day. The objectives from the test will be to establish a strong baseline for the car before the opening free practice session on 15 June.

 

The car has already proven its capabilities on two classic circuits, so there are high hopes for a repeat performance on the most epic track of them all – the 13.6km Circuit de la Sarthe. Pierre has already tasted podium success at the track, back in 2008 when he finished third in LMP2. He finished a close fourth in class during the 2012 event and the Frenchman has amassed five top-tens in class over his previous nine entries. 

 

The official test day will allow Pierre to lay foundations for his tenth Le Mans 24 Hours – and the team’s 24th - with sights set firmly at the front of GTE-Am. Corvette will have a total of four cars present with two entered into GTE-Pro in addition to two in GTE-Am. 

 

Pierre said: “This is it, the start of our preparations for the highlight of the season – the 24 Hours of Le Mans! I cannot wait to get back out on that magical track, and to see what our Chevrolet-Corvette C7-R can do. It’s such a special place and it brings out the best in all the drivers and teams. The official test day will give us the chance to establish a set-up for our car, working with Michelin on tyre evaluation, and to ease our way into what will be a busy but fantastic two weeks. The test is just the prelude but it’s important to get things off to the best start. We will be looking to build momentum and although lap times are not the target this weekend, we need to understand how to get the best out of our package. I am grateful, as always, to Larbre and to Corvette for the opportunity, and to my partners GroupAuto, Ellip6 and Sparco. This is a very special year for me, and it’s an honour to take part in my tenth Le Mans with them all supporting me. I have had some highs and lows at Le Mans in my past nine races there but this is an important one, so I’m ready to give it everything!”