ELMS – A Word from The Champions 2 of 3 – Signatech Alpine

Signatech Alpine won the LMP2 championship in 2013 with victory in Hungary, two second places in Italy and the Red Bull Ring, and two fourth places at Silverstone and Le Castellet. The team is back to defend its title in 2014 with the Alpine A450 Nissan plus one of its 2013 drivers, Nelson Panciatici, and newcomer Paul-Loup Chatin .

Philippe Sinault, Team Manager of the 2013 European LMP2 Championship team

Q:How were your two days of testing?

Philippe Sinault: "We evaluated all the 2014 tyres, focusing on endurance rather than performance, particularly on the second day.  However, the session was disrupted by an incident with a GTC car.  I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of the entire team because the damaged car was repaired for the start of the night session. Paul-Loup was therefore able to drive for the first time at night.  We still have a lot of development work to do and must now analyse the data collected during these two days."

Q: How do you approach the season as champion?

Philippe Sinault: "The same as every other season: we still need to focus on the work which needs to be done whether we are champions or not. You press the RESET button...motor racing is a sport where everyone forgets fast; victory in Hungary and the 2013 title already seem a long time ago."

Q: What are your goals for Silverstone?

Philippe Sinault: "It's simple; from the beginning of the season onwards we must do everything possible to defend our Championship title!"

Nelson Panciatici, 2013 LMP2 European Champion with Signatech Alpine

Q: You are the 2013 European Champion. What's new for you this year and what are your goals within the team?

Nelson Panciatici:  “For me it's primarily my two teammates who are new, but I get on well with them both so it'll be really nice.  In 2014, we have to do as well as last year, i.e. win the title but, if possible, in a slightly calmer way because last year was really tight.”

Q: How did testing go for you at Paul Ricard?

“Ever since the end of the last race, I've been itching to get back in the car and get back together with the team. Paul Ricard is a circuit that I like a lot as it's where we clinched our championship.  Despite the accident, we were able to work on tyre testing, and we also gathered information for the penultimate round season which will be held there.”

Q: What do you expect from the first meeting of the season at Silverstone?

“I hope we will have a good race and above all one that's better than last year because we finished off the podium. We would like to start by getting on the podium, and I really hope the weather will be good because last year we had a downpour...”

Paul-Loup Chatin, 2013 LMPC European Champion

Q: You have changed class since last year. How did this step up come about?

“Yes, for me, things have changed quite a bit and it's a good move.  I've gone from a seat in LMPC, from which I came away with the title, to an LMP2 drive which is a good step forward.  I have also gone from a reserve Alpine driver to official driver which is what I wanted, and I am very happy to be in that position.  Now I have to quickly get my bearings in this new class and show that the place is well deserved.”

Q: How were the official tests?

“To my taste the winter break lasted a bit too long but, after six months, this test was the first leg of the season and I am very happy to have seen everyone.  We were as ready as we could be to get back on track, and the official test session is a great way to start the new ‘term'.”

Q: What are you expecting at Silverstone?

“Firstly, this is my favorite track and it really is a legendary place in motorsport.  I want to show that we are on the pace.  Having won the title last year, there is a lot of expectation and pressure on the team. This year, I have to back up the good 2013 result and to do that it's important to start the year well and with good results.  That would be a very positive way to start the season.”

The first round of the 2014 European Le Mans Series, the 4 Hours of Silverstone, will take place at one of the temples of European motorsport, Silverstone, on Saturday April 19.  On offer is a great weekend of endurance racing as the first round of the FIA World Endurance Championship will also be run on April 20.

Mapidu Media (Translation Fiona Miller)