After two world titles and three LMP2 category wins in the last four editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Alpine has decided to enter an LMP1 prototype in the premiere class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
This should prove to be quite an interesting challenge, seen as how LMP2 is aimed at independent teams featuring a mandated chassis and a single engine, whereas LMP1 is for factory teams, free of any such restrictions.
So starting next year, Alpine will be among the very few constructors simultaneously engaged at the highest level of two FIA World Championships, while also running a complete customer program with the Alpine A110 Cup, GT4 and Rally.
Watch: Alpine A110S Beats Porsche Panamera GTS On The Track, Loses Out To Renault Megane RS Trophy R
“Motorsport is inseparable from the Alpine brand, whose passion for competition and sportsmanship is its DNA. The return to endurance in 2013 marked the beginning of a long-term adventure. After eight successful years against some of the best teams in the world, it is time to take a new step by challenging the constructors in the premier category as we will also do in F1,” said Alpine exec Patrick Marinoff.
“The latest changes to the 2021 regulations allow Alpine to demonstrate its technical know-how and racing experience in a competitive and fair field thanks to a fairly moderated investment ensured with various cost controls measures. Together, we intend to take the fight to well-established competition and to write new pages in the history of this great brand born out of competition that is Alpine and to put the French colours at the highest levels of motorsport.”
The French carmaker’s LMP1 prototype will be based on an Oreca chassis, featuring a Gibson engine, both of which have a proven track record. The package will also benefit from all of Oreca and partners Signatech’s technical expertise – although potential synergies with the F1 team are also being considered.
