Alpine Endurance Team has accelerated its preparations for the forthcoming FIA World Endurance Championship campaign over the course of a productive test day at Portimão in Portugal – with Ferdinand Habsburg describing the French outfit’s motivation as ‘higher than ever’.
Alpine has achieved a number of milestones since debuting its A424 in FIA WEC’s flagship Hypercar category in 2024, securing the maiden podium finish for the car in just its seventh start and claiming victory in the series’ landmark 100th event at Fuji last September.
The race-winning prototype has benefitted from several upgrades over the winter off-season, and was recently put through its paces in the hands of Habsburg, fellow incumbent Frédéric Makowiecki and new recruit Victor Martins around the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, with fully dry weather allowing for the completion of 1,250 trouble-free kilometres.
“It was fantastic to start working with our 2026 package,” enthused the Austrian – one of Alpine’s triumphant trio in Japan last autumn. “After our first win together, the team’s motivation is higher than ever. This test was important to build strong foundations and gain a better understanding of the car and the new Michelin tyres. The team spirit is excellent, and I can’t wait to kick things off in Qatar!”
For endurance racing rookie Martins, the on-track running was particularly useful as the young Frenchman increasingly acclimatises to his new surroundings, having originally sampled the A424 during the 2024 end-of-season Rookie Test in Bahrain.
“It was a very special moment to get back behind the wheel of the Alpine A424 and discover Portimão,” acknowledged the former FIA Formula 3 Champion. “I was impressed by the car’s aerodynamic downforce and power, and I really enjoyed seeing the precision it requires, especially under braking and corner entry.
“Obviously, I need a bit of time to adapt and I have a lot to learn about the different systems, but the work we did was very positive. Ferdinand and Frédéric shared their experience with me to help me to settle in quickly and get up-to-speed.
“The team is extremely professional, with real passion and high ambitions for the project. That gives me extra motivation, and I can’t wait to continue working with them to be fully prepared for the first race in Qatar!”
All of the data collected is now being painstakingly analysed ahead of Alpine’s next test at the end of February at Motorland Aragón in Spain, followed by the official FIA WEC Prologue at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar on 22-23 March, a handful of days before the ten-hour curtain-raising contest at the same track.
“The test was an important step, as it was our first full session with the upgrades on the A424 and the 2026 Michelin tyres,” reflected Team Principal, Philippe Sinault. “We focused on aerodynamics, mechanics and, above all, discovering and getting the best from the new tyres. Particular attention was paid to Victor’s integration, with driving time allowing him to get to know the car in different conditions, including at night. Having gathered a wealth of information, we will aim to confirm our findings at Motorland Aragón.”
In the meantime, Alpine will unveil its new livery and the precise composition of its #35 and #36 driving crews during a launch ceremony in Paris on 18 February, as Les Bleus ramp up their preparations for the fast-approaching campaign.
“We have a good foundation upon which to refine our package and optimise our use of the different tyre compounds,” summarised the marque’s Vice-President of Motorsport, Bruno Famin. “The initial feedback is encouraging as we look ahead to our third season in the top-flight, when our goal is clear – we want to keep improving our performance level to battle consistently at the sharp end of a more competitive field than ever.”
Following the Qatar 1812km on 28 March, the quest for honours will continue with races at Imola (19 April), Spa-Francorchamps (9 May), Le Mans (13-14 June), Interlagos (12 July), COTA (6 September) and Fuji (27 September), prior to concluding with the traditional eight-hour season finale in Bahrain on 7 November.
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