Le Mans - Alpine in ambush among the LMP2s

THEAlpine A450b remained discreet during qualifying 24 Hours of Le Mans since she only achieved the fifth fastest time in the LMP2 class with a lap completed in 3'38"089 by Nelson Panciatici. But the Signatech team is far from being worried since the qualifying sessions were particularly choppy due to the various off-track events and the gaps are very small in the category, with the No. 36 trailing by less than half a second. behind the pole of the Ligier du Thiriet by TDS Racing signed by Tristan Gommendy. “I have never managed to find a clear route to achieve our performances. It's a shame, because we are fast. This is the main thing even if I am disappointed not to have had the opportunity to demonstrate it”, explains the reigning champion of theELMS.

The main thing for Signatech is to have been able to test the new package ofAlpine as well as Dunlop tires on the Sarthe circuit. “These sessions were particularly eventful,” underlines Philippe Sinault, the Team Principal of the French team. “I would like to congratulate our drivers who did not make the slightest mistake. We tried to get a better place on the grid just before midnight but it didn't work. However, this was not the main objective. We are starting to get to know Dunlop tires well. The crew is homogeneous and theAlpine A450b suits our three pilots. We worked well. »

The newcomers, Paul-Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb, are also confident for their first start on the Sarthe double clock. “We can be very satisfied with the performance and balance of the car. The team did a very good job. There is a bit of frustration at the end of this qualification. It's up to us to be there during the race! », comments the ELMS champion in the LMPC category. “We had a real opportunity to be ahead in LMP2”, adds the 23-year-old Briton. “Personally, I feel good behind the wheel of theAlpine A450b. It was important to continue to understand the circuit and do laps. I realize to what extent the 24 Hours of Le Mans are a special event even though the race has not yet started! »

The start of the 82nd edition of the 24 Hours will take place tomorrow at 15 p.m. and will be followed live and in full on AUTOhebdo.fr. Photos of the tests can be viewed on this link.