Alpine joined the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship this season with their A424 car as the series attracts more manufacturers.
After not competing in the class last season, the French team moved into the category with a Hypercar for the first time in the WEC.
Alpine suffered during the opening phases of the season as they lacked raw speed over a race distance and had mechanical failures.
Neither car finished at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which cost the team valuable points. The double retirement was softened as their rivals in the championship, BMW, didn’t finish, either.
Alpine were pleased with their season after finishing fourth in the standings, usurping the German manufacturer by just six points.
Many manufacturers are competing in the Hypercar class, which is much more competitive than the LMP1 era.
Bruno Famin explained to the WEC’s YouTube channel why Alpine need to capitalise on the series being so competitive.
Bruno Famin feels Alpine must capitalise on WEC’s ‘golden age’ as it’s a ‘good platform’
The Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship is now very hard-fought, with nine manufacturers being evenly matched.
Toyota were the clear favourite during the LMP1 era when just five cars competed. The Japanese manufacturers were the only ones that had the benefit of hybrid.
The competition was very different throughout this year. Ferrari won at Le Mans both times in the last two years, while Porsche won the Drivers’ Championship this season.
Famin explained that due to the WEC’s improved competition, Alpine needs to compete at the front as the depth in the Hypercar class is an opportunity to build their brand.
He said: “I think the WEC is enjoying an absolutely incredible golden age. Nine major manufacturers competing together in the same championship, it’s almost unprecedented. So for Alpine, going head-to-head with brands like Porsche, Ferrari and others, it’s a really good platform.”
Alpine need to be much more consistent to challenge for a WEC title
Alpine lacked a lot of speed, particularly in the opening stages of the season. The No. 36 car didn’t break into the top 10 in the opening four rounds.
The difficult start cost them many points, although they did improve. Alpine took third place at the 6 Hours of Fuji and Mick Schumacher, with his good pace during his stint, was integral to the success.
The calendar remains settled for next season, which should help Alpine as they will return to tracks they already know.
Toyota and Porsche are much more experienced in challenging for titles, but Alpine ended the season strongly in Bahrain with fourth place for the No. 35 car.