After two world titles and three LMP2
category wins in the last four editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Alpine has
decided to enter an LMP1 prototype in the premiere class of the FIA World
Endurance Championship. This should prove to be quite an interesting challenge,
seen as how LMP2 is aimed at independent teams featuring a mandated chassis and
a single engine, whereas LMP1 is for factory teams, free of any such
restrictions.
So starting next year, Alpine will be
among the very few constructors simultaneously engaged at the highest level of
two FIA World Championships, while also running a complete customer program
with the Alpine A110 Cup, GT4 and Rally.
The French carmaker’s LMP1 prototype will
be based on an Oreca chassis, featuring a Gibson engine, both of which have a
proven track record. The package will also benefit from all of Oreca and
partners Signatech’s technical expertise – although potential synergies with
the F1 team are also being considered.
