Alpine’s LMDh car causes problems during a 30-hour test, but manages 5,000 kilometers – Second chassis ready, but the Renault subsidiary admits: time is running out
The Alpine A424_Beta was subjected to a real long-distance test for the first time. After Mick Schumacher had caused a stir during a test in mid-October, the French program had initially gone quiet, especially as they said goodbye to the LMP2 transition year at the 8 Hours of Bahrain
Now there is news, as the hypercar in accordance with LMDh regulations has completed its first real long-distance test at Motorland Aragon. It covered 5,027 kilometers in 30 hours. The 24 Hours of Le Mans are simulated at Motorland Aragon, with turns 12 to 15 being omitted.
In a very honestly worded press release, Alpine admits that it missed its target of 5,400 kilometers. The test drives were “briefly interrupted” by a puncture, turbo problems, oil and water leaks. They were also not yet completely satisfied with the performance.
“The whole team is happy that we achieved this number of kilometers in our first long-distance test,” says Bruno Famin, Head of Alpine Motorsport. “The main aim of the test was to test reliability and look for weak points. We found a few that we now need to address.”
And that has to happen quickly, he admits: “Time is pressing: there are still 100 days until the start of the season in Qatar and we still have a lot of work ahead of us – both in terms of reliability, but even more in terms of performance.”
In addition to the reliability tests, the focus was also on the tires. After the previous test rides had taken place in summer temperatures, the night rides provided the opportunity to gain experience in low single-digit temperatures
Our Alpine A424 going full send
The Hypercar campaigns continue! AlpineEnduranceTeam AlpineRacing pic.twitter.com/lfdgXUn5dN– Alpine Endurance Team (@SignatechAlpine) October 20, 2023
“We simulated a whole series of race sequences, including the start, safety car and full-course yellow,” explains Signatech team boss Philippe Sinault. “This allowed everyone involved to familiarize themselves with the procedures. This type of training is very important for everyone in the team. “
Preparations for IMSA entry
At the same time, Signatech and Alpine received their second chassis from Oreca. Interestingly, this was immediately sent to the USA, where wind tunnel tests were on the agenda – for the IMSA.
The Renault Group is interested in the IMSA SportsCar Championship because it wants to return to the US market in 2027 – with the Alpine brand. Although no IMSA program is planned for 2024, it could make sense from a marketing point of view to get involved in the run-up to the return to the US market.
Back in October, Famin confirmed that the manufacturer was in contact with Meyer Shank Racing – the team that was recently dropped by Acura following the tire pressure scandal at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Alpine’s testing will continue in Portimao in December