So many of us take international air travel for granted, moving from one continent to another with ease, especially when competing in a world championship. But when it goes wrong, as occasionally it does, it can have far-reaching effects.

Air France’s flight to Shanghai from Paris on Saturday evening was carrying 13 members from the Signatech Alpine team, 8 from the compact Larbre Competition squad and 8 key members of the core WEC organisation team including Operations Director Pascal Dimitri and Event Manager Cedric Vilatte.

Unfortunately, the plane developed a serious technical fault which meant the flight had to make an unscheduled emergency landing in Irkutsk, eastern Siberia!

The unlucky passengers were eventually lodged in a hotel but, without Russian visas or luggage (held by the authorities), it was a long three days before they were able to take another flight to continue their journey to China! They have now all safely arrived.

Meanwhile, at the Shanghai International Circuit, the paddock sprang into action to help the French teams as much as possible.

Team members from TDS Racing, Jackie Chan DC Racing and Gulf Racing joined members of the WEC logistics department and Signatech Alpine’s driver Pierre Thiriet to transfer the contents of the freight containers to their garages. Others joined with them to put everything in the garages, thus saving Signatech Alpine and Larbre Competition valuable time needed for preparation of the cars.

The collaborative effort was a true example of the great spirit within the WEC paddock.



