With a revamped driver lineup and updated A424s, the Alpine Endurance Team is gearing up for a significant leap forward in the 2025 FIA WEC season.
Last year was a rollercoaster for the French manufacturer, with its debut ORECA-based LMDh prototype powered by a turbo V6. The Le Mans 24 Hours, the season’s most important race, ended disastrously for the team, as both cars suffered early engine failures. However, the latter part of the season showcased promising performances, highlighted by a podium finish at Fuji. The team’s post-Le Mans engine management strategy helped bridge the gap to a more reliable solution.
To maintain this momentum heading into the new season, Alpine and the Signatech team have worked extensively over the winter on an engine update package that shows considerable promise.
“We continue learning with this car. We’ve done a lot of testing and worked on the engine, and we now have a better understanding of the car,” Alpine Endurance Team boss Philippe Sinault said during the Prologue. “After Le Mans, it was tough, but we worked hard, bringing improvements to the engine and turbo, significantly boosting reliability. This ‘Joker’ update has made a big difference, and we’re pleased with the winter running.”
Sinault clarified that the original engine has not been replaced but modified, with key components updated after extensive work by the engine department in Viry, France.
“It’s the same engine, with changes to internal parts and the turbo, but the base is the same. Work started immediately after our DNF at Le Mans. We’re on schedule, and the new package is ready. It brings us more confidence.”
If the updates deliver as expected, Alpine will be able to focus more on extracting performance from the car at each race weekend, giving the team’s drivers high hopes of competing at the front.
Sinault and Alpine’s management team are confident they have a strong lineup, with Frederic Makowiecki joining from Porsche and Jules Gounon stepping up from reserve driver to full-time competitor. They will be joined by returning drivers Charles Milesi, Paul Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Mick Schumacher.
“With Jules, it’s a continuation of the good work he did last year. He’s ready for this level,” Sinault said. “And when we saw Fred could be available, we didn’t hesitate. They both bring real value to the project.”
The new drivers replace Nicolas Lapierre, who has moved into a role as sporting director, and Matthieu Vaxiviere, who now serves as the nominated reserve driver. Sinault emphasized the difficulty of these decisions, but assured that Lapierre’s journey with the team isn’t over.
“It’s a tough decision on the human side,” he said. “But it’s the right choice for the project, and it was important to keep Matt involved. Having him as reserve is a great option, and the door remains open for him.”
After a successful Prologue where the A424s completed 684 laps at the Qatar circuit without major issues, Sinault is cautiously optimistic about the season’s start but remains realistic.
“It will be difficult early in the season as we get up to speed with the package. Starting with a 10-hour race is like beginning the Tour de France with a mountain stage,” he said. “Reliability is the top priority, and once we achieve that, we can focus on results. As of now, I don’t think we’re ready to win regularly. We need to stay humble. Our goal is to avoid any DNFs and aim for the top five.”