“This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” says Philippe Sinault, Alpine Endurance Team principal. The French make’s return to Hypercar, is painstakingly prepared: numerous test sessions, and three rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship, amounting to 22 hours of racing. They’re off to a good start, having seen all three races to the end. “But Le Mans is our Everest this season,” says Philippe Sinault. It has to be said that the car’s maiden outing was in August 2023 — less than a year ago. That’s not long to get such a technologically advanced machine ready.

Primed for reliability

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is both a goal in itself and a milestone towards a higher aim. “This car was designed for this circuit. But it won’t be easy, because it’s our first time here. There’s stiff opposition. We’re up against the motorsport giants, which is humbling. It’s hard to say when we’ll make the podium, or the top step, but we’ll do all we can to get there as quickly as we can,” promises Nicolas Lapierre, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 class winner with Alpine.
How will the two Alpine A424s rank among the Hypercars? “Our pace is pretty good, says Matthieu Vaxiviere, driver of the #36 with Nicolas Lapierre and Mick Schumacher. We keep a close eye on our opponents; Lamborghini and BMW in particular, because they’re newcomers like us. We’ve come a long way in terms of reliability and tyre warming, which I think will be a key element, because the forecast is for cool weather.”

With former F1 driver Mick Schumacher on the roster, Alpine Endurance Team is sure to attract even more attention than usual. Schumacher, who has raced 43 Grand Prix, isn’t ashamed to show his excitement at taking part in the world’s greatest endurance race. “We’re obviously aiming for big things at Le Mans. It’s my first time here, so I have a lot to learn, but being at the wheel always puts in me in a good place! Being with Alpine makes it even better.”

On both technical and human fronts, Alpine Endurance Team seems to have the right set-up to take on the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Dieppe-based team know they can count on the support of the French crowd. Such fervour is touching. “It’s fantastic to be in a French team at Le Mans. I’ve spent the last three seasons with Alpine and, now, in the top class, it’s a whole new dimension,” confirms Matthieu Vaxiviere. “There’s an Alpine effect. There’s so much expectation resting on our shoulders,” says Charles Milesi, who shares the #35 with Paul-Loup Chatin and Ferdinand Habsburg-Lothringen.
Alpine’s Hypercar entry boils down to meticulous preparation, continuous learning and shared values. The six drivers pool their experience, humility and enthusiasm.

The battle of the constructors is on. Which of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar first timers — Alpine, BMW, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini — will make the best debut? Find out next weekend. Race starts at 16:00 ECT on Saturday 15 June. Battle is the theme of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Show from 23:30 on Saturday night on the infield. Trackside spectators will be treated to an immersive light and sound show by French musical duo Synapson, combining fireworks, drones and video.