Real-life testing resumed for the Signatech Alpine Elf squad at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France today, as Pierre Ragues returned to the cockpit of the #36 car for the first time since February.

 

Pierre, who took part in the recent Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans esports extravaganza, returned to reality at Le Castellet, joining his team-mates Thomas Laurent and André Negrão for a one-day test. 

 

Hot summer weather conditions greeted the drivers as they embarked on preparations for the return of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) next month.

 

The crew completed 115 laps of the 5.8km layout working on long runs and car set-up in anticipation of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, taking place 13-15 August.  

 

Pierre said: “We have enjoyed a return to a form of normality at Paul Ricard today with a productive single-day test session. It was so good to get back behind the wheel of our car - shared of course with Andre and Thomas - after so long away. We had a bit of a racing fix recently with the Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours, which was a great experience. Now, we have had the chance to return to the racetrack for real and can look forward to some racing. Today, we just reacquainted ourselves with the car, carrying out some long runs. We also got used to our new socially distanced operations. We saw at the weekend how F1 successfully and safely was held, so we know we can plan our own return to action with confidence. Spa is just over one month away, and like so many people, I can’t wait to get back to action in the WEC.”