Alpine announces hypercar programme | GRR
Alpine has confirmed its developing an LMDh car for entry in the top-flight endurance racing class from 2024. The marque, in partnership with Signatech, is planning a four-year programme with the car, running two cars in the first year. The driver lineup is yet to be announced.
The car is expected to use a next-generation Oreca LMP2 chassis and of course, per the LMDh rules, a one-make hybrid system. That will be linked to a new in-house engine, for what the class specifies is a system output never exceeding 680PS. The car is also expected to have aerodynamics developed in collaboration with the Alpine F1 team.
Alpine will join Ferrari in 2024 to be the only marques present on the F1 grid as well as the top of endurance racing, with the prancing horse set to debut an LMH car in 2023. Other competitors in the LMDh class in the WEC will include Porsche, Audi, Acura and Cadillac, while Glickenhaus, Peugeot and Toyota will be active in the LMH class. Needless to say, it’s going to be a packed grid.
The Signatech team will be going into this off the back of Le Mans, ELMS and WEC successes with its LMP2 car and indeed the LMP1 car re-jigged for hypercar work this year. The experience of the outfit and its good form stand it in good stead for its LMDh program.
“Alpine’s endurance program underscores the marque’s dedication and ambition in motorsport,” said Laurent Rossi, President of Alpine Racing.
“By competing simultaneously in Formula 1 and endurance, Alpine will be one of the few constructors to participate in the two leading disciplines in auto racing. We intend to make the most of Formula 1 and endurance through technical and technological synergies to gain the advantage over our prestigious opponents.”