Sinault satisfied with progressAlpine at the end of the Test Day: “We have taken a big step forward”

"There was no mistake already.", greets Philippe Sinault at the end of the Test Day of the 24H of Le Mans 2025. One year after the rout ofAlpine in Sarthe, the French team was keen to get off to a good start after a successful start to the season. Building on its two consecutive podium finishes, the No. 36 finished the day in 3rd position thanks to Mick Schumacher, present at the wheel.

The director ofAlpine Endurance Team focused more on learning and progressing as a team than on the timesheet. While acknowledging that being in a good position from the start is positive, he explains that it's not the priority. "We really don't care about the rankings.", he says. Finally, if we were 20th and 21st I would not say the same thing, but what is certain is that we did a lot of laps and we learned for the race.".

“It’s a moment that always seems fluid, but it was a very, very big day, Sinault confided about this day of tests. We took time this morning to adapt all the procedures, because the car is very complex and this circuit is so special.", he recalled. Le Mans is a unique race, which requires slow and meticulous preparation.

The A424 is on track and suitable for drivers

As the day goes on, Alpine was able to concentrate on the adjustments of his A424, with which the pilots were satisfied. “The car has improved, the balance seems to suit the drivers, rejoiced Philippe Sinault. We've made a big step forward, compared to last year, of course, but also compared to this morning. This afternoon, we rolled out the program we wanted to do.".

Sunday afternoon, both Alpine were in the top 10, respectively one second and one and a half seconds behind the best time of the Toyota No. 8. Beyond the simple final ranking, the pace ofAlpine on the long runs was very convincing, suggesting that the French manufacturer's good run could continue at Le Mans. It will still be necessary to avoid the (very) numerous traps that will arise on the A424 road.

Comments collected by Michaël Duforest, in Le Mans.

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