Renault Alpine Returning to Le Mans After 35 Years
For the first time in 35 years, Renault will be competing in the European Le Mans Series this year with its Alpine brand.
With Alpine’s first new production car expected to hit the market in 2016, Renault is hoping to drum up interest through racing in the mean time, including an entry at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In the past, Alpine competed in the world famous 24-hour endurance race 11 times between 1963 to 1978, running a total of 55 factory cars. In total, the Alpine brand collected seven class wins, and an outright victory in 1978 with the Alpine A442B prototype.
For this return to Le Mans, Alpine has teamed up with Signatech and the team will enter with an Alpine LM P2 prototype powered by a 500 hp Nissan engine for the five rounds of the European Le Mans Series.
“Alpine’s return to the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013 marks the beginning of a new adventure which is set to last,” said Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer Renault. “The passion that drives us is matched only by the humility and careful attention paid to costs that epitomise this comeback which itself has been made possible thanks to the involvement of our partners and supporters who I would like to thank formally here. 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.”
GALLERY: Renault Alpine Returns to Le Mans Series
Discuss this story at RenaultZEForum.com
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
The Renault engine was originally called "the tea pot" and no one thought it could beat the V*s. I saw it win in 1978 against a fierce Martini Porsche team. This is wonderful that at last they are returning to excitement!