Le Mans – Full program for Signatech-Alpine

THEAlpine 450b performed well during the Test Day of 24 Hours of Le Mans since she finished the session third in LMP2 with a time of 3'39"026 set by Nelson Panciatici. Signatech only saw its session disrupted by a puncture caused by debris. The program was busy for the reigning champion team of theELMS since Paul-Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb each had to complete ten laps of the Le Mans circuit for their debut in Sarthe while the team had to work on its new Dunlop tires and the new package.

“The first satisfaction is to have been able to fulfill our schedule, which was very busy”, declares Philippe Sinault, the Team Manager of Signatech-Alpine. “Paul-Loup and Oliver completed the ten obligatory laps and we reviewed the tires made available to us by Dunlop. Even though we had some setbacks with a puncture, we showed that we were on the pace this morning by being the fastest and this afternoon with the third fastest time. The next week will still be very busy before starting the race! »

Although the crew is made up of two beginners at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the drivers were competitive. “I was finally able to discover this incredible track”, said Oliver Webb. “I first did a first stint of ten laps before starting to work on the settings. We were able to do long stints with different types of tires. I was also able to get used to the track and the traffic. The whole thing is extremely positive. » His teammate Paul-Loup Chatin was also able to quickly get his bearings by setting the best time of the morning in 3'39"922. “It was a very positive day,” adds the Frenchman. “In this Le Mans configuration, our Alpine A450b proves to be efficient. I quickly felt at ease, I was able to attack without fear of being surprised. These tests were very useful in preparing for the 24 Hours week. All that will remain is to validate what we have learned today during the next tests. » As for Nelson Panciatici, the French driver was once again able to prove that he had lost none of his speed. “We worked well for the race. I was able to regain my bearings on this circuit. Even though I lost a little time by puncturing on a piece of debris, I was able to achieve a good performance. This day gives us confidence before Le Mans week. »

Discover the analysis of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Test Day carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1963 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms, and from tomorrow on newsstands.