Alpine A450 Makes Competition Debut at Silverstone This Weekend

AlpineAlpineFrance, 1955 > 199414 models
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returns to racing for the first time since 1978 at the European Le Mans Series race this Saturday at Silverstone. The Signatech-Alpine team has named the car the A450 to mark the brand's 50th anniversary since its first entry at Le Mans. 

The team has committed to race in all five rounds of the ELMS this season and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the ELMS season, Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues will drive the car for the ELMS season, and Tristan Gommendy will join for Le Mans. 

“Alpine’s return to motor racing marks the beginning of a new adventure for this legendary brand. Although our focus is very much on the future, with the development of a new car which is due to reach the market in 2016, we have not forgotten Alpine’s extraordinary heritage," said RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares.

The car appears to have good prospects this season. The car is mostly carried over from last year's Oreca 03-NissanOreca Oreca 03 NissanFrance, 2011 > present2 photos
that can in fourth in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year. Panciatici also set the fastest time at the ELMS test at Paul Ricard.

"We have done some very good work in recent weeks and we are ready for the start of the season. I know that Alpine has the potential to succeed and my aim is to win the car’s maiden race," said Panciatici.

The Signatech-Alpine will be racing against eight other cars in the ELMS LMP2 class and with 25 total entrants in the race. The race begins at 3:00pm on Saturday, April 13, and will be a three-hour endurance race that ends at 6:00pm. 

The World Endurance Challenge cars will take to the track on Sunday for a six-hour race from noon to 6:00pm.