Alpine, already a contender in Formula 1, has announced its entry into top-tier endurance racing starting in 2024. The French high-performance marque will participate in the elite Hypercar category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The A424 model was recently tested for the first time at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France. The primary objective of the initial test was to validate the functionality of diverse vehicular systems, according to Alpine.
Over the course of the test session, the A424 covered slightly more than 600 miles without encountering significant problems. The session included conditions of extreme heat, thereby allowing the team to amass data for further scrutiny before the ensuing test, planned for September. The driving roster for the A424 during this test consisted of Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, and Charles Milesi.
Unveiled in June, the A424 conforms to LMDh regulations, one of the two vehicle types eligible to participate in the WEC Hypercar category. The Hypercar class also accommodates LMH race cars and employs Balance of Performance regulations to ensure competitive parity. These rules also apply to the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s premier GTP class, where both car types are eligible.
The A424 is propelled by a turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine, complemented by a single electric motor. As per LMDh stipulations, the maximum output of the powertrain is limited to 670 horsepower. To control expenses, LMDh guidelines mandate the utilization of donor chassis from one of four approved suppliers. In the case of the A424, the chassis is sourced from Oreca.
Alpine has pledged to commit to a minimum of four seasons in the WEC’s LMDh category, with plans to field two cars each season. The brand will continue its collaboration with its current endurance racing affiliate, Signatech.
Though LMDh vehicles are also qualified to participate in the GTP class of the SportsCar Championship, Alpine has no immediate plans to enter the North American series. The company intends to leverage its Formula 1 activities to bolster brand recognition in the United States in preparation for its planned 2027 launch as a performance electric vehicle brand.
The 2024 WEC season is set to commence on March 2 in Qatar. Joining Alpine in next season’s competition will be Lamborghini, which plans to field its SC63 LMDh.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alpine A424 LMDh Endurance Racing
What is Alpine’s new entry into endurance racing?
Alpine has announced that it will enter the top-tier endurance racing circuit with its A424 model starting in 2024. The vehicle will compete in the elite Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Where and when did the A424 undergo its first track test?
The first track test for the Alpine A424 was conducted at France’s Circuit Paul Ricard. The test took place recently, with the primary objective being to validate the vehicle’s various systems.
What are the technical specifications of the Alpine A424?
The Alpine A424 is equipped with a turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a single electric motor. According to LMDh regulations, the powertrain is capped at a maximum output of 670 horsepower. The vehicle also uses a chassis sourced from Oreca.
Who were the drivers for the A424 during its initial test session?
The initial test session for the A424 involved three of Alpine’s drivers: Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, and Charles Milesi.
Are LMDh vehicles like the A424 also eligible for other racing championships?
Yes, vehicles built to LMDh regulations are also eligible to participate in the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s premier GTP class. However, Alpine has stated it has no immediate plans to enter the North American series.
How long is Alpine committed to racing the A424 in the WEC?
Alpine has committed to a minimum of four seasons of racing in the WEC’s LMDh category. The company also plans to field two cars per season, in collaboration with its current endurance racing partner, Signatech.
What other car brands will compete in the 2024 WEC season?
Lamborghini will also join the competition in the 2024 WEC season with its own LMDh vehicle, the SC63.
Is Alpine planning to launch in the U.S. market?
Yes, Alpine intends to enter the U.S. market as a performance electric vehicle brand by the year 2027. However, the company is not planning to participate in the North American endurance racing series, relying instead on its Formula 1 program to build brand awareness.
When is the 2024 WEC season scheduled to start?
The 2024 WEC season is slated to begin on March 2 in Qatar.
More about Alpine A424 LMDh Endurance Racing
- Alpine Official Website
- FIA World Endurance Championship
- LMDh Regulations Overview
- Circuit Paul Ricard
- Oreca
- Signatech Partnership
- IMSA SportsCar Championship
- Lamborghini Motorsports
- Performance Electric Vehicle Market