China, and the Shanghai International Season, saw the SIGNATECH-NISSAN team in action this weekend, for the season finale of the FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP. Despite some fine performances, the nr 23 ORECA 03 NISSAN entered by the Bourges-based team, although regularly at the forefront, has only been able to claim a single podium this season, at Bahrain last month, mainly due to a run of bad luck. Franck Mailleux, Jordan Tresson and Olivier Lombard, who had placed great hopes on this final race, finished the Six Hours of Shanghai in fifth position, just off the podium.
It should be mentioned that Jordan Tresson, the winner of the 2010 Playstation Nissan GT Academy, with the support of his fellow drivers and the whole SIGNATECH NISSAN team, has brilliantly managed the task of going from virtual to reality, being considered today as a true racing driver.Philippe Sinault : "It is true that I am disappointed, as I dont like losing ! Franck Mailleux was seventh in practice despite his heavy work schedule, having driven the Delta-Wing in Atlanta. He made a fine start, gaining two positions and handing over to Olivier, who maintained that position. Jordan continued the work, and undoubtedly had his best race, being only seven tenths behind Franck, while taking care of the fuel consumption. He handed the car back over to Franck, who crossed the finish line in 5th position. We finished the Championship in sixth position ; it is a disappointment as this time last year we claimed the title ! Sometimes, when things start off badly, it is difficult to turn them around, and the ground we lost at Sebring, and then in the middle of the night at Le Mans, cost us dearly. I would like to thank my team sincerely for their fantastic work, carried out with motivation and determination throughout the season; they have never given up ! I would also like to thank the drivers for their performances and their state of mind, and especially our partners, who have supported us through in the good times, and in the more difficult moments.
Franck Mailleux : "Globally, I am disappointed with the season and with our performances. This is not how I wanted to finish the season ! We have not been lucky, and I think with a bit more success, we would have been among the men to beat ! Despite all that, we have helped Jordan to progress, and I think that he has reached a very good level today !
Oliver Lombard : "This season has not been easy. We had to keep our morale in order to keep on fighting at each race, and to start again from zero. The team has done an amazing job, they are always motivated ! The page has turned, and I cant wait for next season !"
Jordan Tresson : " This year has been extraordinary for me ! To go from gamer to official Nissan driver in the World Endurance Championship is a dream that could not have come true without the Playstation Nissan GT ACADEMY. I also owe thanks to my team-mates for helping me to progress throughout the season, and most particularly to Franck, who has been my mentor this year, and to my team, with whom I have learned so much."
