Le Mans – Signatech-Alpine wins a podium in LM P2

Always very followed and very supported, the Signatech team-Alpine was keen to achieve a good result in an event that she had highlighted three times on her calendar before the start of the season. After his 14th place last year and a championship title ELMS, the podium was the objective clearly stated by Philippe Sinault, the boss of the French team. Contract fulfilled at the end of the double round of the Sarthe clock with third place in LM P2 and seventh overall.

“What a fight for 24 hours! This result is fantastic for our entire team. I am happy to dedicate it to those who work alongside us to advance such projects. Last year, we celebrated the return ofAlpine at Le Mans. This time, we celebrate the return ofAlpine on the podium of the 24 Hours! And, above all, we showed that we were capable of imposing ourselves. » declares Sinault upon arrival. Because the A450 actually competed for most of the race at the front of the category with the Ligier JS P2s of Thiriet by TDS Racing and G-Drive by Oak Racing and the Zytek Z11SN of Jota Sport. A few small mechanical incidents, including the breakage of a hub carrier, slowed down the progress of the proto tricolor, which however fully satisfied its drivers. " Our Alpine A450b was among the highest performing cars, explains Paul-Loup Chatin. I am satisfied with the pace I was able to achieve. I really felt comfortable for this first participation. »

“We showed that we were fast throughout the race, indicates Nelson Panciatici, who gets on his first podium in three participations in the Sarthe. During my last stint, I had the green light to attack. I really enjoyed myself. I was able to detach myself from the pressure of 24 Hours of Le Mans to compete in a real race within the race for three hours. The result is a great reward for the whole team. And I also congratulate my teammates who discovered this race. We all pulled ourselves up! » For rookie Oliver Webb, this first in the 24 Hours represents “a great way to start a career in endurance!” »

Enough to give new impetus to the team which must defend its ELMS title from the next round of the Red Bull Ring (July 19-20).

Photos from the 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans can be consulted on this link.

Discover the analysis of the 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1965 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow evening in digital version, and from Wednesday on newsstands.