Le Mans Series

Ragues and Mailleux confirmed at Signature

© www.pierreragues.com

As we mentioned in the Endurance News Briefs on December 19th Signature will enter a Lola Aston Martin LMP1 in the Le Mans Series in 2010. Even though no drivers were confirmed on Saturday the expectation was that Pierre Ragues and Franck Mailleux would be retained…and that is what happened today.

Today Quadra Sports, the company that manages both Ragues and Mailleux, confirmed that the two French drivers will indeed continue in the Le Mans Series in LMP1 with Signature. As Signature will be an official partner of Aston Martin Racing in the 2010 LMP1 class the two drivers will become Official Aston Martin Racing Team Partner Drivers.

Signature plans to run the Lola Aston Martin in the full Le Mans Series season as well as in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, subject to an invitation by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. The Courage-Oreca LC70 the team used this season will not be used in 2010 and is for sale.

For Pierre Ragues the opportunity to race the Lola Aston Martin is like a dream come true. “This is definitely the highlight of my career so far!” says Ragues. “To be able to continue working with a team as professional and motivated as Signature is fantastic, but to have the opportunity to race with a manufacturer of Aston Martin’s status is truly wonderful. I am so proud to have been offered this chance and I will do all I can to repay the faith that the team has placed in me.

“My experiences in LMP2 gave me very useful experience in preparation for my first season in LMP1 with Signature in 2009 and I think we performed well above everybody’s expectations. Next year, with Aston Martin support, I think we will be much held much higher in people’s expectations but I am sure we will rise to that challenge. Thanks must go to Phillipe and all at Signature for this excellent opportunity; I am really looking forward to getting started after the winter break.”

His team mate, Franck Mailleux, is equally happy with his chance to step up from the Courage-Oreca LC70 into the Lola-Aston Martin. “I am very excited to have the chance to drive in one of the most sought-after seats in the Le Mans Series with Signature and Aston Martin. It is a privilege for me to hold the title of Official Aston Martin Racing Team Partner Driver in 2010. It promises to be a fantastic season working with such an iconic and esteemed manufacturer like Aston Martin, who demonstrated such competitiveness and performance by winning the championship last season.

“I was very pleased with my performances in 2009, my first year in Le Mans Series, and I am optimistic that I can carry my improvements into 2010 and be in an even more competitive situation. With the support of Aston Martin and the professional teamwork from everyone at Signature, I think we will definitely be one of the teams to watch. I’d like to thank Philippe Sinault for his faith in my capabilities; I can’t wait to get started with our preparations in the New Year.”