SIGNATECH ALPINE MATMUT RARING TO GO FOR THE FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

The list of entries for the 2018-2019 Super Season of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 2018 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was unveiled at a highly anticipated press conference held by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

This event was organised as part of the “Rétromobile” vintage car show, at which Alpine is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its 1978 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Until 11 February, visitors can admire the four Alpine cars that competed that year: the winning A442B, as well as the two A442s and the A443.

2016 World Champion in the LMP2 class, the Signatech Alpine Matmut team will again be one of the leading contenders in its category, with the Alpine A470 still bearing the number 36.

As it aims for victory in what is an incredibly competitive category, Signatech Alpine Matmut will be able to call upon the talents of its operations team and its three drivers.

Having played a key role in winning the title in 2016, the Frenchman Nicolas Lapierre will line up alongside the Brazilian André Negrão. In the five events contested together, the two men have already won one race and scored another three podium finishes.

The crew will be completed by Frenchman Pierre Thiriet, ELMS European Champion in 2012 and winner of the WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in the LMP2 class last season. The experienced and pacey trio will be aiming for one thing only: the top step of the podium.

Last year, the new Alpine A470 claimed victory at the Circuit Of The Americas, whilst securing podium spots at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring, in Mexico, Fuji and Shanghai. The French squad remained in contention for the title until the final round, held in Bahrain.

The no.36 Alpine A470 will be making its bow on the track this year on 6 April at the Circuit Paul Ricard (France) for the official prologue of the FIA WEC.

What they said

Michael Van der Sande, Managing Director of Alpine

“For the next season, we have put together a crew that combines speed and experience. The 2018 season is all the more important as it marks the 40^th anniversary of Alpine’s victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours and coincides with the initial deliveries of the Alpine A110.”

Philippe Sinault, Signatech Alpine Matmut Team Principal

“Since the end of the 2017 season, we have been back at work preparing for the new season of the FIA World Endurance Championship whilst looking to up our game. We are very pleased to be competing with a fast, consistent crew. Nicolas Lapierre remains the ‘backbone’ and provides continuity for the technical team. During his first season with us, André Negrão produced some really strong performances, so much so that he has been awarded the status of Gold driver. The crew is completed by Pierre Thiriet, an excellent Silver driver, with whom we have wanted to work for a long time. Compared with previous seasons, we are going to be able to build on our experience, since we are using exactly the same car as in 2017. This means we will save a lot of time in fine-tuning the set-up of the car at the various circuits. We will certainly be aiming to reclaim the titles! ”

Signatech Alpine Matmut no.36 car drivers

NICOLAS LAPIERRE (FRA)
Born on 2 April 1984 in Thonon-les-Bains (France)
FIA driver category: Platinum
With a solid record in single-seater racing, winning the 2003 Macao Grand Prix with Signature, Nicolas switched to Endurance in 2008. He enjoyed his first victories with Team Oreca Matmut, finishing third in the FIA WEC with Toyota in 2012. During the three seasons he spent with the Japanese manufacturer, he won six World Championship races. LMP2 class winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015, he rejoined Signatech-Alpine for an unforgettable 2016 season, during which he won the famous Le Mans race again and claimed the LMP2 titles. A winner at the Circuit Of The Americas with Alpine last year, the Frenchman will be one of the driving forces behind the team’s attempt to regain the titles in 2018.

In brief

2017 FIA WEC – LMP2 6^th2016 FIA WEC – LMP2 1^st2015 FIA WEC – LMP2 5^th2014 FIA WEC 6^th2013 FIA WEC 4^th2012 FIA WEC 3^rd2010 Le Mans Series – LMP1 2^nd2009 Le Mans Series – LMP1 3^rd2009 Asian Le Mans Series – LMP1 3^rd2006 A1 GP 1^st2004 Formula 3 Euro Series 3^rd2003 Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix 1^st

ANDRÉ NEGRÃO (BRA)
Born on 17 June 1992 in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
FIA driver category: Gold
Like his more famous predecessors, André Negrão crossed the Atlantic to acquire experience racing in Europe. Having raced in promotional formulas on both sides of the pond, the Brazilian switched to Endurance with Signatech Alpine Matmut for the 2017 season. André surprised many an observer, as he adapted quickly to the new prototypes. Although misfortune cost him an outright podium on his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut, his efforts saw him promoted to the no.36 car, in which he secured victory in Austin. With a promising first season behind him, André will be a key asset in what is an extremely competitive category.

In brief

2017 FIA WEC – LMP2 5^th2016 Indy Lights – 7^th2015 GP2 Series – 20^th2014 GP2 Series – 21^st2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series – 10^th2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series – 15^th2012 F3 Brazil Open – 2^nd2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series – 20^th2010 Formula Renault Eurocup – 13^th2010 F3 Brazil Open – 2^nd2009 Formula Renault Italy – 15^th2008 Formula Renault Portugal Winter Series – 3^rd

PIERRE THIRIET (FRA)
Born on 20 April 1989 in Épinal (France)
FIA driver category: Silver

After cutting his teeth in karting, Pierre opted to make his track racing debut in the Eurocup Mégane Trophy. A year later, he finished as runner-up in the championship before then moving into Endurance racing. Once again, the Frenchman wasted no time in impressing observers by winning two races in the Le Mans Series. In 2012, he won the first edition of the European Le Mans Series. A regular in the LMP2 et the European Championship, he took part in his first full FIA WEC season in 2017. A two-time winner in the LMP2 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he is aiming to reach the very top with Signatech Alpine Matmut.

In brief

2017 FIA WEC – LMP2 13^th2016 European Le Mans Series – LMP2 2^nd2015 European Le Mans Series – LMP2 2^nd2014 European Le Mans Series – LMP2 8^th2013 European Le Mans Series – LMP2 2^nd2012 European Le Mans Series – LMP2 1^st2011 Le Mans Series – LMP2 4^th2010 Eurocup Mégane Trophy – 2^nd2009 Eurocup Mégane Trophy – 5^th

Alpine A470 – Technical specifications

CHASSIS

Structure Carbon fibre & honeycomb body shell
Bodywork Carbon/kevlar
Suspension Double wishbone with pushrods, PKM shock absorbers
Steering Electric power-assisted
Length 4,745mm
Width 1,895mm
Height 1,045mm
Front track 1,570mm
Rear track 1,550mm
Wheel base 3,005mm
Weight 930kg

ENGINE

Type Gibson GK-428
Configuration Normally-aspirated V8 at 90°
Capacity 4,200cc
Maximum power 603hp
Maximum rpm 9,000rpm
Lubrication Dry sump/multi-stage oil pump
ECU Cosworth

GEARBOX

Brand Xtrac
Type Magnesium housing, transversally-mounted
Gearshift Steering-wheel mounted paddles
Gears 6 + reverse

WHEELS

Tyres Dunlop 30-68/R18 (front) and 31-71/R18 (rear)
Front wheel rims 12.5″x18″
Rear wheel rims 13″x18″

BRAKES

Discs Ventilated carbon
Callipers Six-piston one-piece

SAFETY

Harness Six-point safety harness adapted to Hans® system
Fuel tank 75-litre safety rubber tank with built-in reserve system

Source. Alpine

Comments

comments

Charles Côté Motorsports are the ultimate connection between man and machine. My passion has become my job. As chief editor of RNW, I look forwards to sharing my love of racing with you.