[WEC] Alpine Hypercar Discussion

[Articus]

Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to affect them in the non-Le Mans events.

[Adam43]

I wonder if they are making any compromises? It doesn't seem it, but it is hanging over them.

[Gerard C]

They have to find a viable solution for the engine asap. Famin says he's ready but the real concern atm is Viry. Everything is in Renault's hands.

[Articus]

I'm starting to wonder if the real reason that the fix has been delayed is because of the unrest at Viry-Chatillion over the Formula 1 power unit.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by Articus

I'm starting to wonder if the real reason that the fix has been delayed is because of the unrest at Viry-Chatillion over the Formula 1 power unit.

That would be a good explanation. More than likely that’s the case

[Gerard C]

From a purely financial PoV, the saving is substantial, buying a Mercedes engine will cost "only" € 17 M vs € 120 M. Cost killers dont kill only costs… This would be a real shame imo, because there are way more than 350 employees and families involved. This kind of lack of long-term vision is really worrying. More about politics than sport or business.

[Articus]

There’s is some clarification on the Alpine engine updates.

A new camshaft was introduced at COTA as a fix for the Le Mans issues. They were able to run the engine like normal as a result. More updates to the engine are in progress potentially for the end of the season but more likely for next year.

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...five-for-a424/

They also improved the braking consistency (brake by wire, harvesting management) which gained them some performance.

[Adam43]

Interesting.

The potential for improving the harvesting and the deployment of the electric power is a huge thing. A big differentiator between the cars.

[S griffin]

It's nice they've had a bit of a boost with the power now. Not quite there yet, but definitely able to fight nearer the front now

[Ferrari333SP]

Gotta say, outside of the Cadillac, the Alpine has my favorite engine noise. It sounds almost turbine-like with its single turbo spooling up.

[Articus]

Fuji should be a strong track for the Alpine. The long straight and the smooth tarmac will suit them. I think they could achieve their first podium next weekend if they can dial in the setup and have a perfect race.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Ferrari333SP

Gotta say, outside of the Cadillac, the Alpine has my favorite engine noise. It sounds almost turbine-like with its single turbo spooling up.

I like it too. I think the Lamborghini and the Alpine are best behind Cadillac.

[SpikerJack]

The Alpine Hypercar has the same engine as the F2 cars. However I remember the Alpine being a little bit louder, maybe a different exhaust?

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by Articus

Fuji should be a strong track for the Alpine. The long straight and the smooth tarmac will suit them. I think they could achieve their first podium next weekend if they can dial in the setup and have a perfect race.

Spot on. # 36 finishing third and # 35 seventh means you were right and that they had a good weekend. Milesi seems now the leading driver of the team but a little misdjugement instant when overtaking a GT meant a penalty. Both cars proved to be reliable (the bodywork is solid) and the engines sounded as should all weekend long. Best baguette team!

[Gerard C]

Viry keep the engine WEC program. More testing in 2025 announced. https://fr.motorsport.com/wec/news/v...ance/10657473/ Go Baguette!

[Mike E]

And Alpine have bought a bit of Signatech

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...signatech.html

[Gerard C]

When a baguette meets another one, you get two baguettes for the same price!

[FIRE]

I assumed Signatech was already (partly) owned by Alpine.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by FIRE

I assumed Signatech was already (partly) owned by Alpine.

I dont believe so. They have a long association / collaboration and partnership though, with Signatech Racing acting as a 'service' supplier to Alpine for many years. Signatech have been closely involved for years now, from Alpine LMP2 through to the whole Hypercar project. I believe Signatech were also a major part of the Alpine A110 GT4 project also.

The current deal announced is now only a minority shareholding that Alpine have purchased in Signatech. However, what it gives Signatech is a bit of financial stability which obviously is good for both sides in terms of the project being ongoing. It is for sure a good indication of not only Alpine's commitment to the A424 but also an acknowledgement of the level of Signatech's contribution if nothing else.

Gerard would I am sure have far more detailed knowledge of how Signatech and Alpine have collaborated in the past than I, moreso than what is only an understanding or belief on my part.

[Gerard C]

Yes, as you stated above its a long term association. The, ATM, relative success of Signatech/ Alpine is based on a solid team which, of course, includes the drivers. All the tests of the WEC program have been made with French drivers which is a very good thing because its no secret that French are not so good at speaking foreign languages. It would be a great shame if, like the other French team, they'd loose one or several of those drivers. May be its only me but I found they made a whole and were very consistent over the season.

I don't know who pays for the salaries but Sinault made it clear that it could be the financial deal he's been waiting for a very long time.

As to the working language its not a joke seing that several teams had to make a waiver request for some drivers (mainly Japanese and for LM).

[KlBD]

Doesn't Signatech design and build the Alpine GT4 cars in house?

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by KlBD

Doesn't Signatech design and build the Alpine GT4 cars in house?

Not in Dieppe?

[Gerard C]

Nope, in Bourges but with some help. They handle a one make series, Europa Cup, flying colors are Alpine and Elf. Plus rallye cars and a rallye cup.

[Simmi]

Nico Lapierre hangs up the helmet with immediate effect - https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...ng-career.html

A superb sportscar career.

[Gerard C]

Thanks for the input Simmi. Senior management at Alpine, why not. But may be at Oreca imo… Pure guess here.