Alpine commits four years to FIA WEC’s Hypercar category from 2024

Alpine has confirmed it will enter the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar category from 2024 for four years.

The French manufacturer will enter two LMDh cars in the WEC’s top-tier Hypercar category designed around an Oreca chassis with an Alpine engine developed in Viry-Châtillon. The power unit will benefit from all the expertise from the manufacturer’s exploits in Formula 1.

In addition to the engine, the new car will also benefit from Enstone’s aerodynamic know-how. The engine, chassis and body package will also have the added advantage of technical expertise from both Signatech and the Alpine F1 Team.

Since Alpine’s return to endurance in 2013 with the help of Signatech, the marque has amassed a number of victories. First in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with driver and team titles in 2013 and 2014. Then at the top level in the FIA WEC, with two LMP2 world titles (2016 and 2019) and three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the hotly contested LMP2 category (2016, 2018 and 2019), plus a podium in the Hypercar category at Le Mans this year.

Alpine and its partner Signatech intend to remain involved in the WEC until 2024 with the arrival of its new LMDh car and will reveal their plans until then in due course.

Laurent Rossi, Alpine CEO: “The Alpine Endurance program underlines the brand’s dedication and ambition in motorsport. By competing in both Formula 1 and endurance, Alpine will be one of the rare brands to be present in the two key disciplines of motorsport. We will make the most of Formula 1 and endurance through technical and technological synergies to gain the advantage over prestigious opponents.”

Philippe Sinault, Signatech Alpine Team Principal: “It is a great pride for Signatech to have been chosen by Alpine for its arrival in LMDh. This represents the culmination of a common project that began eight years ago. More than ever, we have great ambitions, and are happy to take our collaboration to another dimension. After 32 years of career in motorsport, I can’t wait to challenge the most prestigious manufacturers on the planet, with Alpine, a brand that conveys passion and lives only for victory.”

Pierre Fillon, ACO President: “Another prestigious marque has joined the Hypercar class, the new premier league of endurance racing. There have been so many announcements over the past year and the latest from Alpine is excellent news for our discipline. The Hypercar regulations are a success and we’re delighted to see such a high-quality grid taking shape.”