Alpine, the French performance brand that currently competes in Formula 1, is set to expand its racing endeavors by entering the premier Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship starting in 2024. The brand’s entry into this top-level endurance racing category will be with their newest vehicle, the A424. Recently, the A424 completed its first test session at France’s Circuit Paul Ricard to ensure the proper functioning of various vehicle systems.
During the test session, the A424 covered over 600 miles without encountering any significant issues, even in extreme heat. This successful test allowed the team to gather essential data for analysis ahead of their next testing phase scheduled for September. Experienced drivers Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, and Charles Milesi took turns behind the wheel of the A424 during the initial test.
The A424 is built to comply with LMDh regulations, one of two car types eligible for the WEC’s Hypercar class. This class also allows LMH race cars, with Balance of Performance rules in place to ensure fair competition between both car types. These regulations are similar to those seen in the premier GTP class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, where both car types are eligible to compete.
The A424 is powered by a turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a single electric motor. According to LMDh rules, the powertrain’s output is limited to 670 horsepower. Additionally, LMDh regulations require teams to use donor chassis provided by one of four suppliers to control costs. In the case of the A424, it utilizes a chassis from Oreca.
Alpine’s commitment to endurance racing spans at least four seasons in the WEC, with plans to field two cars per season. The brand will work closely with its current endurance racing partner, Signatech. Although LMDh cars are also eligible to compete in the GTP class of the SportsCar Championship in North America, Alpine currently has no intention of participating in this series. Instead, they will rely on their Formula 1 program to build awareness in the U.S. as they prepare for a planned launch in 2027 as a performance EV brand.
The 2024 WEC season is set to kick off on March 2 in Qatar, marking Alpine’s debut in the premier Hypercar class. Another notable addition to the competition will be Lamborghini, as the brand plans to enter the championship with their SC63 LMDh vehicle in the upcoming season.
Alpine’s expansion into top-level endurance racing demonstrates their commitment to showcasing their expertise and performance in various racing disciplines. With their long-term plans and focus on sustainability with the introduction of electric vehicles, Alpine aims to leave a lasting impact in the world of motorsports. Fans can eagerly anticipate seeing the A424 in action, competing against other renowned manufacturers in the fiercely competitive Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship.