Alpine achieves the feat in Fuji: “It’s like we’re dreaming!”

It's a resounding day for French motorsport. Alpine had been on the podium several times, Peugeot also, but the two French manufacturers did even better by signing a French double in Japan, at the end of the 6 Hours of Fuji.

If the Peugeot n°93 had to resist until the checkered flag on the return of the Porsche Laurens Vanthoor's No. 6, Charles Milesi, had time to savor his moment, seven seconds ahead of his pursuers. “It’s incredible, I have no words.”, struggles to realize the 24-year-old pilot. "It's like we're in a dream because in the first stints it wasn't good at all, we were one lap behind, and then the team did a superb job. The car was very good in race pace, the Full Course Yellows allowed us to gain a lot of positions, then we implemented a good strategy. It was the longest last stint of my life, that's for sure! It was crazy, I thought it was going to come back like rockets from behind but it wasn't the case!"

A pleasure shared by his two teammates, notably Ferdinand Habsburg, who was already teaming up with Charles Milesi during their victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2021 in LMP2. “I have the two best teammates possible, anyone would have an incredible chance to team up with those two!” praises the Austrian, with a huge smile, about Charles Milesi and Paul-Loup Chatin.

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Shared pleasure for a crew that has suffered so much

“I couldn’t thank them more for everything they’ve done these past two years. I also want to give a shout-out to two of my friends who came from Europe to support me, and it’s partly thanks to them that we made it. And a final word to the most epic Smurf crew ever: I don’t speak French, but I can at least say “Thank you so much” to all of you! We deserve this, you deserve this, well done!”

Alpine built its race after a tricky first part, as mentioned by Charles Milesi, until the French wall took a perfectly judged strategic gamble: a change of two tires on the left side while Peugeot swapped all four wheels on Mikkel Jensen's No. 93, allowing the A-arrowed car to regain the lead. A choice all the more important as the Lion firm was incredibly fast in a straight line and very difficult to overtake on the track.

“The decision (for the two tires) came from management! It was of course the right choice. Charles then did a very good job managing the tires, the available energy as well, while maintaining a superb pace,” Paul-Loup Chatin rejoices"We've been together for two years, we've been through some difficult times, but now we tell ourselves that it's worth it for those moments."

For Alpine, this success symbolically falls on the day of the 100th race in the history of the WEC and the 70th anniversary of Jean Rédélé's brand. There will be no shortage of symbols.