Alpine, a prominent player in international motorsport, is set to continue its presence in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2025. With a strong background in endurance racing, the French manufacturer will once again field two A424 Hypercars in the premier class, aiming for even greater success than their inaugural 2024 season.
The driver lineups for the two A424s showcase a mix of returning talent and fresh perspectives. The #35 car will be driven by Paul-Loup Chatin, Charles Milesi, and Ferdinand Habsburg, a trio who demonstrated considerable potential in 2024. The #36 entry will feature Mick Schumacher, Jules Gounon (promoted from reserve driver), and Frédéric Makowiecki, a seasoned veteran bringing invaluable experience to the team. Matthieu Vaxiviere, a familiar face with Alpine, will continue as a reserve driver, contributing to the ongoing development of the A424.
These drivers will represent Alpine on the global stage, competing in an eight-race championship against a field of prestigious manufacturers in the Hypercar category. The 24 Hours of Le Mans, a highlight of the season, will be a particularly significant event for the French team racing on home soil.
Leading the Alpine Endurance Team is Bruno Famin, VP of Alpine Motorsports, with Philippe Sinault as Team Principal and Nicolas Lapierre as Sporting Director. This leadership team brings a wealth of experience, including multiple LMP2 Le Mans victories and world titles with Alpine.
Motorsport remains central to Alpine’s strategy, as emphasized by Luca de Meo in the ‘Renaulution’ plan. Beyond Endurance, Alpine’s motorsport portfolio includes Formula 1, rallying, GT racing, esports, and other disciplines.
Alpine: A Racing Legacy
Alpine’s history began in 1955 with Jean Rédélé, a passionate racing enthusiast. The brand quickly established itself in motorsport, achieving significant success in rallying, including a Manufacturers’ title in the World Rally Championship in 1973. Alpine also experienced success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving an overall victory in 1978.
The brand continued to produce innovative road cars, including the A310, GTA, and, more recently, the revived A110. Alpine’s return to motorsport in 2013, particularly in endurance racing, has yielded numerous victories and championships.
The Alpine Range: Blending Heritage and Innovation
Alpine’s current road car lineup includes the A290 (an electric urban sportscar), the A110 (a lightweight sports car), and the upcoming A390 (an electric sports fastback). These models reflect Alpine’s commitment to combining its racing heritage with cutting-edge technology and design.
The Alpine A424: A Hypercar Contender
The Alpine A424, revealed during the Centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is Alpine’s Hypercar contender for the WEC. Developed with Oreca, the A424 features a 3.4-litre V6 engine and a standard hybrid system. Its design, overseen by Antony Villain and Raphaël Linari, incorporates styling cues from Alpine’s road cars.
The A424 underwent extensive testing in 2024, achieving a podium finish and several top-five results. The team aims to build on this experience in 2025.
Team Dynamics and Driver Insights
The Alpine Endurance Team emphasizes stability with the return of several drivers from the 2024 season. The team values the contributions of Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, Mick Schumacher, and Paul-Loup Chatin, and looks forward to the expertise that Frédéric Makowiecki brings. Jules Gounon’s promotion to a race seat reflects his progress and potential.
The drivers shared their thoughts on the upcoming season, expressing excitement about the challenge and a desire to improve upon their 2024 performance. They highlighted the team’s strong camaraderie and collaborative spirit.
Partnerships and Technical Collaborations
Alpine’s endurance program is supported by a network of premium and official partners, including ELF, H. Moser & Cie., Businessolver, Eurodatacar, M4Markets, Bahco, Sabelt, France Toner, Ixell, and Dewesoft. Technical partners include Oreca, Mecachrome, and Michelin.
FIA World Endurance Championship Overview
The FIA WEC features two categories: Hypercar and LMGT3. Alpine’s A424 competes in the Hypercar category. The Hypercar class includes both LMH and LMDh prototypes. Alpine has chosen the LMDh route with its A424.
The series employs a Balance of Performance (BoP) system to ensure competitive parity. Michelin is the exclusive tire supplier for the Hypercar category.
The 2025 WEC calendar includes eight races across four continents, culminating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Alpine’s Endurance Racing History
Alpine’s involvement in endurance racing dates back to the 1960s. The brand has a rich history at Le Mans, with victories in various classes. Alpine’s return to the premier class in 2021 marked a new era in its endurance racing program.
Summary/Specs List (A424):
- Chassis: Carbon fiber & honeycomb
- Engine: 3.4l V6 single turbo
- Power: 500 kW / 675 horsepower (BoP)
- Transmission: Xtrac 7-speed sequential
- Tires: Michelin
- Weight: 1030 kg (BoP)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific racing vehicle, team, or racing activity. Racing is inherently dangerous, and any participation should be undertaken with appropriate training, safety measures, and at your own risk. The information provided here is based on publicly available sources and may not be fully comprehensive or up-to-date. Always consult with qualified professionals for any racing-related advice or decisions.
Source: Alpine
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
