Alpine returns to Le Mans with Panciatici and Ragues

AUTOhebdo told you about it exclusively on November 7, Alpine just confirmed it. The French manufacturer returns to 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category, 50 years after his first entry in the Sarthe double-clock race. The brand won victory in 1978 on theAlpine-Renault A442B with Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud.

The A442B poses alongside the A220 for the official presentation of the return ofAlpine at Le Mans. Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues are the first official drivers for the next Le Mans event and for the seasonELMS where the manufacturer will also be present. “The return ofAlpine at the 24 2013 Hours of Le Mans follows the relaunch of the French brand, announced on November 5, 2012. The commitment to?Alpine goes in the direction of the history of motorsport", declared ACO President Pierre Fillon.

Carlos Tavarès, the Managing Director responsible for operations at Losange, was keen to emphasize that this adventure was built over the long term.. “The return ofAlpine from 2013 on this legendary event of the 24 Hours of Le Mans constitutes the start of a new adventure which is part of the long term. The deep passion that guides us is matched only by the frugality of this return which is based on the commitment of our partners and our supporters whom I would like to salute here. Step by step, we will attempt to collectively write a new page in the history of this great French sports car brand that is Alpine »».

Associated with Philippe Sinault's stable, the Signatech team-Alpine will evolve with a badged chassis Alpine powered by a Nissan block.

Discover the photos of the presentationAlpine clicking on this link.