The Alpine Endurance Team enters the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship with a clear objective: extract the maximum potential from the A424 in its final Hypercar campaign. Following an intensive winter development program, the team arrives at the season opener in Imola with encouraging signs after a productive test at MotorLand Aragón.
The postponement of the Qatar round provided valuable additional preparation time, allowing the team to refine key areas such as setup, tyre understanding and reliability.
Aragón: a decisive test for the A424
The MotorLand Aragón test marked a key step in the prototype’s development. Over multiple sessions, the team gathered valuable data under varying conditions, helping validate simulation work and identify performance gains.
Team Principal Philippe Sinault highlighted the importance of the work:
“It was an important step… we completed over 3,000 kilometres and all drivers contributed to valuable correlation work.”
This workload reflects not only the demands of the category, but also the need for precision in a championship where every detail can determine the final outcome.
Nicolas Lapierre: technical progress and team spirit
Sporting director Nicolas Lapierre expressed strong confidence in the team’s progress, emphasizing both technical improvements and driver integration.
“I am very satisfied with the progress… and how quickly our new drivers have integrated. António already plays a key role within the group,” he said.
He also underlined the team dynamic:
“The six-driver line-up is working very well together, with a strong team spirit on and off track.”
These statements reflect a structure that appears more solid and aligned than in previous seasons, something crucial to face the competitiveness of the Hypercar class.
Félix da Costa and Gounon: integration and competitive focus
Among the drivers, António Félix da Costa has quickly established himself as a key figure within the team, bringing experience and adaptability that support the A424’s development.
Jules Gounon adds further depth and consistency to the lineup, contributing to a balanced and competitive driver group.
Leadership changes and structural reinforcement
The 2026 season also brings changes in leadership, with Bruno Famin stepping down and Axel Plasse taking on expanded responsibilities, ensuring continuity within the project.
At the same time, Alpine enters the season with its strongest partner ecosystem to date, with 16 brands supporting the program.
Final season, maximum commitment
With Imola set as the season opener, Alpine faces not just another championship, but the closing chapter of its Hypercar program.
The confidence gained in testing, combined with strong internal cohesion and structural stability, suggests a focused and determined approach.
More than a farewell, this season represents a final opportunity for Alpine to firmly establish itself among endurance racing’s leading contenders.
