Alpine towards a double LM P2 program in 2023

The team Alpine Elf Endurance certainly dreamed of a better stage exit during these 24 Hours of Le Mans 2022. Between a double adjustment of the Bop slightly upwards, then drastically downwards, and technical glitches never seen on the successful prototype born Rebellion, the race took on the air of an interminable way of the cross. The only satisfaction, seeing the arrival in 5th position of the premier category, André negrao, Matthieu Vaxivière and Nicolas lapierre leave Le Mans at the head of the Drivers' Championship before the last three rounds remaining at Monza, Fuji, recently confirmed, and Barhein. However, if there is still a World Championship season to complete, it is now time to think about the future for Team Signatech, which has been responsible for defending the interests of the A-shaped brand since 2013. 

The return ofalpine in Endurance in 2013 © DPPI

The great uncertainty therefore concerns the 2023 season since in October 2021, Laurent Red President ofAlpine, had announced with great fanfare the commitment of the Dieppe brand to LMDh from 2024. “ The Endurance programAlpine underlines the brand's attachment and ambition in motorsport. he then specified. By competing both in Formula 1 and in Endurance, Alpine will be one of the rare brands to be present in the two flagship disciplines of motorsport. We will get the best from Formula 1 and Endurance through technical and technological synergies to gain an advantage over prestigious opponents.."

The LMDh in 2024 for alpine

Although no official announcement has yet been made, no one in the 24 Hours of Le Mans paddock denied the information. Philippe Sinault even opened the way for this project during an interview last Friday on the big circuit. » In 2023 we will be there, we will play something but not with this car and not in this Hypercar category. My desire is to continue working with our three current pilots... if they are willing! So, the plan is not yet determined but it is quite easy to imagine. Our goal is to be on the starting grid and to have things to celebrate ».

With three drivers categorized as Platinum for Nicolas Lapierre and Gold for André Negro and Matthieu Vaxiviere, it is of course impossible to keep the entire crew in an LM P2, the category requiring the presence of a driver from the Bronze or Silver category. We are therefore well on the basis of the entry of two LM P2 prototypes.

André Negrao and Nicolas Lapierre already in blue on the top step of the podium in 2019 © Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

Signatech already provided technical support for two cars this year, with theAlpine in Hypercar and the Oreca of the Richard Mille Racing Team in LM P2. With two European Le Mans Series titles in 203 and 2014, two World Endurance Championship titles in 2016 and 2018-2019 and three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016, 2018 and 2019, the Berruyère structure remains a reference and should have no trouble finding good momentum in the lower category. With a view to coming up against the biggest global brands, a little refreshment in the category which has brought its greatest laurels to the team cannot be a choice by default.

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