Alpine confirms “preliminary discussions” with Andretti

Contacted after the revelations about existing discussions between Alpine and Andretti for a program in IMSA, the brand with the arrow A confirmed to AUTOhebdo "preliminary discussions" between the two parties.

Published on 01/03/2022 à 17:42

Valentin GLO

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Alpine confirms “preliminary discussions” with Andretti

Photo: Penske Entertainment: Chris Owens

Mario Andretti has been very vocal lately. After revealing his son Michael's intentions to launch his Formula 1 for 2024, the 1978 World champion declared that a formal agreement had been reached so that Renault becomes the team's engine supplier in this discipline. The American did not stop there, since he also mentioned theEndurance and discussions with Alpine with the aim of setting up a program in IMSA.

ALSO READ > Andretti recalls exchanges with Alpine for a program in IMSA

« We have many friends in the world of Formula 1, he said in an interview with David Land. It's like a big family or something. Michael had discussions with Alpine to set up a program in IMSA. There are a lot of variables at play and everything works perfectly. We rely on good people who keep us informed. » More than ten years after its last laps in Endurance, will the Indianapolis structure rediscover the joys of long distance racing with the support of the brand with the A arrow? On the side of Signatech, which operates the ex-LM P1 in French colors in the Hypercar category of the WEC, Philippe Sinault has never hidden his dream of participating in the 24 Hours of Daytona, but what would happen with this possible agreement with Andretti? Alpine would it evolve on both sides of the Atlantic with two different operators for the future LMDh planned for 2024?

Laurent Red and Michael Andretti last October (Photo: Instagram @alpine_ceo)

Last October, Laurent Rossi, the brand's CEO Alpine, had met Michael Andretti while he was on his way to the United States Grand Prix in Austin. If the Frenchman jokingly mentioned on his Instagram account links with Alpine via the headset Fernando Alonso on the American's trophy cabinet, this message and this photo take on a completely different meaning several months later.

Contacted by AUTOhebdo, the Dieppe structure confirmed “preliminary discussions with the Andretti team”. “However, at this stage no agreement has been reached, we were told, Alpine remains attentive to the various possible development opportunities with Andretti as with other major players in motorsport. » We will therefore have to wait to find out more.

ALSO READ > Renault now owns 100% ofAlpine Racing

Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

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