Signatech Alpine team manager Philippe Sinault: "I have to say, in 1978 I cared more about football than I did car racing (never mind Renault-Alpine's win at Le Mans, Ed.). And that year was the World Cup as well, with Brazilian footballer Mario Kempes, the best player in the game back then. Motorsport came into my life thanks to Gilles Villeneuve, in 1979 and 1980. For me, first it was Formula 1, then in 1982 my big brother took me to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I remember sleeping in his Volkswagen Golf GT1 during the race near the Mulsanne Straight."

This year, his team is once again a front-runner to win the LMP2 class and make history. "It's true that my marketing training made me want to see our Alpine A470 in the black and yellow livery of the car that won in 1978." As a consolation, in Signatech Alpine's guest area in the paddock of the circuit there is a large wall hanging depicting the 1978 Renault Alpine, creating a nice contrast between the black and yellow of the Renault and Signatech Alpine's blue and orange. "Rather than commemorate the anniversary with the livery of the car, this is what we came up with," Signault says with a mischievous smile.

For Signatech Alpine and its drivers Nicolas Lapierre, André Negrao and Pierre Thiriet, victory in the LMP2 class - and maybe even overall? - for the #36 Alpine A470-Gibson would be the greatest way to celebrate such a special anniversary. But as we are all aware from past editions, Le Mans is predictably unpredictable. "You have to remain humble, but we're ready," assures Philippe Sinault. Just like in 1978, the 24 Hours of Le Mans coincides with the World Cup this year. And he doesn't intend to miss it: "I think there's a screen in the Signatech Alpine garage where I can watch the match between France and Australia on Saturday!"

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TEST DAY, SUNDAY 3 JUNE 2018. After its LMP2 win in 2016, Signatech Alpine is looking for another at this year's edition.