European Le Mans
In 2013, three of the World Series by Renault's seven meetings have hosted a round of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). In Hungary, Austria and in France this weekend, WSR's Saturday evening spectators have been able to enjoy Endurance racing action. Team Signatech-Alpine and their two former WSR drivers, Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues, were crowned ELMS champions on the final round of the season at Paul Ricard.
A member of the Equipe de France de Karting, Nelson Panciatici made his single-seater debut in the Formula Renault 2.0. Panciatici came fifth in the FR 2.0 France championship in 2006 and made his World Series by Renault debut the following season, finishing tenth in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. In 2010 and 2011 he competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, finishing 12th and ninth respectively, before moving into Endurance racing.
Pierre Ragues is another product of Renault Sport's flagship series. A Formula Campus Renault Elf runner-up, Ragues also learned the ropes in the Formula Renault 2.0 France championship and the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, following the creation of the World Series by Renault. Since then, he has competed in Endurance racing.
With three podium finishes, including a victory in Hungary during the World Series by Renault meeting there, Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues went into the final race of the season among the title favourites. And they were up against a number of other former WSR drivers, including Pierre Thiriet (Eurocup Megane Trophy) and Oliver Turvey (Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 3.5 Series).
The European Le Mans Series field allowed fans to see a host of other former World Series by Renault drives in action. Among them were Brendon Hartley, Paul-Loup Chatin, Renaud Kuppens, Federico Leo and Dimitri Enjalbert.
Official Renault Sport Press Release.