The Alpine A450 Heads to Practice for Le Mans

Signatech is sending two its AlpineAlpineFrance, 1955 > 199414 models
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A450Alpine A450France, 2013 > 20134 photos
cars to the Le Mans Test Day on Sunday, June 9, to prepare for the brand's Le Mans return for the first time since 1978. Tristan Gommendy, Nelson Panciatici, and Pierre Ragues will drive the cars with Paul-Loup Chatin as reserve driver. Renault's Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares will be on hand at the track during the test. 

The A450 has raced in two rounds of the European Le Mans Series so far this season. It finished fourth overall in the first round at SIlverstone and second overall at the second round at Imola. 

“We will try to make full use of the time we have available before the race, starting with Sunday’s run when we will test our new ‘Le Mans’ aero package and Michelin tires. We will also use our first appearance at Le Mans in the colors of Alpine to match the car to the famous circuit’s specific features," said Signatech-Alpine Team Principal Philippe Sinault.

The main drivers of the team all have Le Mans experience. Gommendy has raced in the 24-hour race three times with an eighth place finish in class in 2010. Panciatici took fourth in class last year, and Ragues has raced in the 24-race six times with a fourth in class last year and third in class in 2008. Chatin does not have Le Mans experience.

This year is the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 22 and 23.