Alpine's Preparation for Hypercar 2024

The Alpine Endurance Team headed to Portimão for their final test session of the year, preparing for their 2024 Hypercar program. This event marked the first time two Alpine A424s and their six newly announced official drivers shared the track, a key moment in the team's evolution.

The A424s, which had already undergone wind tunnel testing in the U.S. in November, continued their homologation process in Switzerland. Currently, this process is finishing at the FIA's Valleiry facilities in France. In total, it was two days of intense testing, covering over 3,000 km (1,443 km by the #35 and 1,562 km by the #36), without technical issues delaying the work. This is a testament to the solidity and reliability of the A424s.

"This testing session in Portimao was an important step in our development program. Our lineup for 2024 was together for the first time. I had no doubts about their behavior and adaptability, and this confirms that we made the right choice. They integrated very quickly and are taking this project very seriously. However, development is far from complete, and we still have many hours of work ahead of us before the first meetings of the season.

For the first time, the simultaneous presence of the six drivers allowed the technical teams to work integrally on aspects such as the cockpit, refueling processes, driver changes, and procedures in the pit and garage. These two days of testing were also an opportunity to develop the homologated aerodynamic package, alternating between short and long stints with each driver. The goal was not only to improve the car's and engine's setup but also to optimize the interaction of the various systems, as well as the management of energy and fuel.

Additionally, the session provided the opportunity to continue working on tire management and evaluating the different compounds proposed by Michelin, their partner in this adventure. The drivers' adaptability to the different tire conditions is crucial for success in competitions as demanding as those the Alpine team will face in 2024.

The day at Portimão was not just a test of endurance and performance for the A424s, but also a demonstration of the synergy between drivers, engineers, and the technical team. Together, they are polishing a machine that is not only an engineering marvel but also a reflection of collaboration and team spirit. The expectations are high for the Alpine Endurance Team. With a solid foundation established in these tests, the road to the 2024 Hypercar program is paved with promise and anticipation. It will be exciting to see how this team performs in the 2024 season.