[WEC] Alpine Hypercar Discussion

[J Jay]

The way he came back from the clearly stress-inducing exit from Toyota* deserves particular praise. Hopefully he'll remain a key member of the sportscar community for years to come.



*Calm down Toyota fans, this is not a criticism.

[TF110]

So who takes his place? I hope he finds success in his next position whatever it may be.

[Gerard C]

Good question. I can't believe it has been as brutal as presented to the public. They must have prepared something but atm Jules Gounon seems to be the right call.

[tomcug]

Surprising news, there were rumors about Lapierre quitting but such a sudden exit before the last race was unexpected imo. Still, good luck to him on his future challenges

[S griffin]

Lapierre leaves with his head held here. Got a career to be proud of.

[PhilipR]

Originally Posted by tomcug

Surprising news, there were rumors about Lapierre quitting but such a sudden exit before the last race was unexpected imo. Still, good luck to him on his future challenges

I think its related on how they plan to use Gounon. Last race they benched PLC for Gounon and if Lapiere was going to retire after Bahrain probably better to have him retire now and use Gounon as a replacement than replace a full time driver that might/will continue to drive for the team next year

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by PhilipR

I think its related on how they plan to use Gounon. Last race they benched PLC for Gounon and if Lapiere was going to retire after Bahrain probably better to have him retire now and use Gounon as a replacement than replace a full time driver that might/will continue to drive for the team next year

Makes sense.

[flatlandsman]

If you had Gounon you would want to keep hold of him as Merc might be begging for him to get into a GT3 for WEC if they are allowed in, he is their star man really so Alpine really want tyo see what he can do I would think.

He has not had the same blistering speed this year as I think the Merc in GT3 has been not on the pace it usually is, but he and Marciello over the years have been pretty THE level in GT racing.

Oddly though,Vnthoor, both of them, Estre, Pier Guidi have all shown great speed in Hypercar, but not all the big GT3 guys have...

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

Oddly though,Vanthoor, both of them, Estre, Pier Guidi have all shown great speed in Hypercar, but not all the big GT3 guys have...

A lot is made of Hypercar being similar to GT3, but they aren't actually super-sized GT3 cars. There are enough differences (hybrid drivetrain, increased aero, reduced weight, brake by wire, etc.) to make the skillset distinct. Some drivers will make the switch easier than others.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by tomcug

Surprising news, there were rumors about Lapierre quitting but such a sudden exit before the last race was unexpected imo. Still, good luck to him on his future challenges

His future challenges have just become clearer. He will remain at Alpine in a new management role.

"Lapierre will move into a newly-created role of sporting director at the Alpine Endurance Team to assist team principal Philippe Sinault."

Although his new job will officially begin on 1 January 2025, he will actually take up the position in next months Bahrain 8 Hours season finale.... in order to 'familiarise himself with the role.'

Apparently this is not something done in a hurry, and, according to Sinault, they have been discussing this prospect together for several months now.

Good luck to him.

Full details:https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/l...ment/10660217/

[TF110]

Originally Posted by J Jay

A lot is made of Hypercar being similar to GT3, but they aren't actually super-sized GT3 cars. There are enough differences (hybrid drivetrain, increased aero, reduced weight, brake by wire, etc.) to make the skillset distinct. Some drivers will make the switch easier than others.

No abs is a big thing as well, switching from one to the other seems to take a good getting used to.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by TF110

No abs is a big thing as well, switching from one to the other seems to take a good getting used to.

Many of those big name GT drivers have many years of experience in the GTE pro category (Estre, Pier Guidi, etc). They know what it's like to drive without ABS.

[PascaLM]

Interesting. Renault Group has bought 49% of Signatech. This move indicates a bigger investment in WEC after having left the F1 engine.
https://www.confidential-renault.fr/...amme-Endurance

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by PascaLM

Interesting. Renault Group has bought 49% of Signatech. This move indicates a bigger investment in WEC after having left the F1 engine.
https://www.confidential-renault.fr/...amme-Endurance

I wouldn’t be surprised given how little F1 seems to mean to them now

[Gerard C]

Nicolas Lapierre starting a new life: https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/...a-bahrein.html
From PR people PoV: https://lachainerenault.com/alpine-e...finale-du-wec/