Alpine A424 Testing Continues in Jerez
Alpine continued its testing programme as part of its preparations for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The last time we brought you news of Alpine’s A424 in testing was earlier this month as the car was thrashed around the track in Aragon, Spain. Last week, the third stage of testing took place in Jerez, with the car completing up to 1200km across three days. It also saw Mick Schumacher pilot the car for some of the distance in what was a maiden drive of the A424 for the 24 year old German.
Showcasing a new blue livery, three current Alpine LMP2 drivers - Charles Milesi, André Negrão and Nicolas Lapierre - also had spells behind the wheel, including night testing in preparation for the biggest challenge of the 2024 season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Nicolas Lapierre, Alpine development driver, admitted: "The Hypercars are quite powerful and robust cars that require us to adapt our driving style. We have several areas to focus on, specifically tyre reaction and the energy recovery system. These two factors have an influence on the car's balance, and we need to take the time to understand and master them so that we can homologate the car within a good performance window."
Philippe Sinault, Alpine Endurance Team Principal, reflected: "Overall, we are satisfied with our tests in Jerez. Despite the ever-changing weather conditions, we found the right running windows to optimise track time and keep improving the car. We made significant progress, particularly in aerodynamics, onboard systems, headlight settings and other essential lighting for night runs. These tests were also crucial for the teams, who have to learn to work together, and we were able to put in a little more practice in what were sometimes extremely challenging conditions over these three days. This is another step towards the forthcoming challenges, particularly in terms of regulations. The pressure is mounting by the minute, but we're moving forward calmly, well aware of the road we still have to travel."
The team will return to Aragon for the next stage of private testing which will involve a crucial 24 hour endurance test that will determine whether the car is ready for the rigours of the 2024 season ahead of the homologation deadline.
Sports stars team up for £173m investment in the Alpine F1 Team
Alpine’s Formula One team has had a fresh injection of investment from the world of sport to the tune of £173 million. Names including Anthony Joshua, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Juan Mata, Alexander Zverev and Rory McIlroy join as part of the syndicate created by the Otro Capital group which contains Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Michael B Jordan. In June, the syndicate bought a 24% share of the Oxfordshire based team which is still majority owned by Renault, using its sportscar brand Alpine as its name.
The figures involved in the new investment will be involved in growing the team commercially using their experience from their own sporting exploits. They’ll also be appearing at races and this started with last weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Texas, which saw Anthony Joshua and Rory McIlroy in attendance as Alpine’s Pierre Gasly secured an impressive sixth place finish. Teammate Esteban Ocon wasn’t so fortunate as a collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri saw him retire early.
Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Alpine