Alpine wants to take Toyota out of its comfort zone

Testing at Le Castellet for three days, notably in the company of Toyota, who is also racing at the Paul-Ricard circuit this week, the stable Alpine has confirmed its trio of drivers for the 2022 season. Nicolas lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere will always be there alongsideAndre Negro, which was the only one announced so far. During these first tests since those in Bahrain at the end of last season, Philippe Sinault, the main team ofAlpine Elf Endurance Team, and its trio of drivers took part in a virtual round table where certain media were invited, including AUTOhebdo. “We are here to make our first laps of the wheel, but above all to work and prepare well for the Sebring event which is fast approaching (March 18. Editor’s note), explains Philippe Sinault. We still have a lot to study. The balance of performance has been reset to zero with the arrival of new competitors in this category. We are working a lot on the tire and engine aspects, which are the two main elements available to us to increase our level of performance shown last season. »

These new competitors in Hypercar are obviously Glickenhaus, present only part-time in 2021, and Peugeot , whose date of arrival in competition is still a mystery, even if time is running out to be on schedule for participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “We want to see more competitors and it will be very good news for everyone if Peugeot is at Le Mans, believes the main team of the stable Alpine. It would just be fantastic to see them alongside us. » As for Glickenhaus, can they play spoilsport for a full year after taking fourth and fifth positions at Le Mans last August? “They had an impressive first season, replies Nicolas Lapierre, the pilot Alpine. They made a somewhat shy first appearance (at the 8 Hours of Portimão. Editor’s note) and finally they were well in the match at the 24 Hours by being reliable and solid. I think we will clearly have to count on them. Especially since their project seems to have grown even bigger. But the Toyotas remain the favorites with their strike force and their resources. »

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Matthieu Vaxiviere, André Negrão and Nicolas Lapierre continue the adventure (Photo: Alpine)

Do not make up the figure

Regardless of the number of competitors facing Alpine, the A arrowed camp does not intend to make any appearances in the premier category while awaiting the arrival of the future LMDh scheduled for 2024. “We still have a lot to improve on. resumes Philippe Sinault. We are on the right track and we are going to do everything so that this season is not a copy and paste of the previous one.” In 2021, Alpine found itself in particular difficulty compared to the Japanese prototypes because of an inferior fuel autonomy. “We have been working on this, but to say that we have found the solution… It will also depend on the first performance balance that will be displayed for Sebring. This is where we will know a little more where we are and what we still need to work on to be optimal for the season. »

This will also be the first time that the French team will present itself in Florida with its A480. “This redistributes the cards a little, but there will be a two-day Prologue on this track and this will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the layout, judge Nicolas Lapierre, winner on the Florida circuit in 2018 with the Nissan Onroak DPi of Tequila Patron ESM as part of theIMSA. However, it remains a specific route that doesn't look like much else. It's a very difficult circuit for the cars and where it's very easy to make mistakes. This promises an eventful race. I hope we will be a little closer in order to put Toyota under a little pressure and take them out of their comfort zone to annoy them from the first race. We learned a lot last year and we expect to be closer this season. It would be good for everyone if we can fight with Toyota this season. »

After initiating his return to the discipline in 2013, @SignatechAlpine is ready to start its 9th consecutive year in @FIAWEC. After 5 podiums in 5 races, and a 3rd place at the @ 24hoursoflemans in 2021, the team will race in its 2nd season in the Hypercar category with the #A480 pic.twitter.com/eTKJZjeMpC

— Alpine Racing (@Alpineracing) February 16, 2022

For this new season, Alpine will run with a slightly modified livery compared to 2021 as reported by Philippe Sinault: “The decoration has changed a bit, it’s very blue-white-red! » Pink, the new fashionable color, especially on the branch side Formula 1 byAlpine, therefore does not make its appearance in Endurance, BWT not making the trip in WEC despite the departure of Matmut. “Matmut, which has been a loyal partner until now, has decided to take a break for this year 2022, but we hope to find them again for the rest of the project », develops the main team ofAlpine. “If some people want to put pink on the car, I am happy to discuss it,” he teases in passing. The message is launched.

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