Alpine to compete in Le Mans after 35 years

After a 35 year hiatus the name Alpine returns to the motor-racing world in a partnership with Signatech to race in the Le Mans series. Alpine had contested the legendary 24-Hour race 11 times between 1963 and 1978 running a total of 55 cars and for its return to Le Mans, the name Alpine will join forces with Signatech team of Philippe Sinault.

French automaker Renault announced its intention to revive the brand and have said that the Alpine team will participate both in the Le Mans 24 hours and the 2013 European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

On Alpine’s return to Le Mans, Renault CEO Carlos Tavares said, “Alpine’s return to the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013 marks the beginning of a new adventure which is set to last. Together, step by step, we will do our very best to write another exciting page in the history of Alpine, a truly outstanding name in the world of French sports cars.”

An Alpine LM P2 prototype with an Alpine chassis powered by a 507PS Nissan engine will race the five rounds of the ELMS, including the opening race at Silverstone, England which will be held on April 13, 2013. Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues are the drivers confirmed to drive for the team. The name of the third driver will be announced when the car is officially presented at Le Castellet in France on March 24, 2013.