Le Mans – Busy schedule for Alpine during the test day

Three months and a day later the official announcement of the return ofAlpine in Endurance and 35 years after the 1978 victory, the emblematic brand will make its return to the circuit of 24 Hours of Le Mans from this weekend on the occasion of the test day. To best prepare for the biggest race in the world, the Signatech team-Alpine lines up two cars on Sunday, numbers 36 and 37, while only one is entered for the double round of the clock. “The commitment of two Alpine A450 will allow us to carry out multiple tests to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans”, explains Philippe Sinault, the team principal of the team. “We will have to make the best use of the time available starting this Sunday. The new 'Le Mans' aerodynamic kit, Michelin tires and various parameters must be reviewed on this very special circuit. This will also be our first appearance at Le Mans with the colors Alpine. This is a fantastic project. There is incredible anticipation from the public. This year, Le Mans will have a special flavor! »

Fourth and second of the first two rounds of the European Le Mans Series, at Silverstones then at Imola, Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues are joined by Tristan Gommendy and Paul-Loup Chatin. “This day will really be a test,” explains the first. “We need to validate many parameters to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tires, consumption? We have a lot of data to record and then analyze. Even if the track will not yet be erased, it will be a perfect warm-up. » “I can’t wait for this fortnight to start”, adds Pierre Ragues for his part. “We have been preparing for it all year. The testing program is well defined. Even if it's an endurance race, I know that we start a sprint on Sunday at 9 a.m. You will have to quickly gain confidence and make the most of this driving time. »

Integrated into the team since the launch of the program, Tristan Gommendy will be at the wheel of the?Alpine A450 to prepare for its first race. “From Sunday, we get to the heart of the matter”, he emphasizes. “Every kilometer will count. I usually say that the race begins on this Test Day. I've been waiting for this moment for months. I'm like a child thinking about what awaits us! » “These will be my first laps on this circuit. Wear the colors Alpine represents something unique for a pilot », adds Paul-Loup Chatin, the team's reserve. “Personally, I have to complete ten laps to confirm my qualification for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Then, I will need to gain as much experience as possible and provide useful information to the team. » A busy schedule, in short.