Signatech-Alpine entered two Alpine A450s for the pre-Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day in order to prepare for the 90th anniversary edition of the famous French race (June 22-23, 2013).
- Conditions were damp for the first six hours running before both Alpine A450s were able to switch to Michelin slick tyres for the remaining two hours.
- In the hands of Nelson Panciatici, the N36 Alpine A450 posted the second-fastest lap of the day in the LMP2 class (3m39.642s), at an average speed of 223.4kph. Paul-Loup Chatin put the N37 Alpine A450 in third position (3m40.907s).
- The N36 Alpine A450s next public appearance will be Scrutineering and Document Checks in the centre of Le Mans (Place de la Rpublique) at 5pm on Sunday, June 16.
Although the Alpine A450 had covered several thousand kilometres in testing prior to this weekends action at Le Mans (scene of the Renault Alpine A442Bs memorable win on June 11, 1978), this was the Signatech-Alpine teams first chance to run the car at the home of the worlds most famous 24-hour motor race.
Track conditions were damp for the majority of the day, but the two Alpine A450s succeeded in completing a combined total of 133 laps (equivalent to 1,812.657km), and the team was able to evaluate different types of tyre as it continued its build-up to the big day.
Today gave us a chance to validate our new, Le Mans-type aerodynamic set-up, even though the weather was far from ideal, reported Signatech-Alpines Team Principal Philippe Sinault. The Alpine A450 is nicely balanced and the drivers found it easy to drive. They feel confident and we seem to be competitive. The conditions were a little frustrating and we will now need to fine-tune the rest of our test programme. A big bravo to our four drivers who handled their mission perfectly in spite of the difficulties. They all appeared at the top of the LMP2 class during the day.
Nelson Panciatici was accredited with the fastest time in the LMP2 class for much of the day before ending the session in second place: We were able to try two types of tyre when the track was dry. Our main objective wasnt to go as fast as possible, so ending up second is a very promising result. The Alpine A450 is a well sorted car and I think we will see some very fast times in qualifying!
We succeeded in finding a good set-up for all the weather conditions we encountered today, noted Pierre Ragues. We managed to use our tyres well and everything came together nicely. I felt very comfortable in the car but I didnt take any risks. I tried to find a rhythm that I will be able to keep up during the race itself.
Tristan Gommendy was also won over by the performance of the Alpine A450: Its been a positive day for the team. We are getting a better grasp of how we can make the most of our Michelin tyres and the cars overall balance is very good. I cant wait to try it and get a feel for its potential in the dry.
Rookie Paul-Loup Chatin was forced to cover 10 laps in order to be eligible for the Le Mans 24 Hours should his services be required. He completed that mission successfully during the mornings session and was then able to focus solely on testing work: I wasnt set any performance-related objectives during the morning. Then, in the afternoon, I was able to push a little harder. I managed to explore the cars potential a bit more despite the number of cars that were on the track. The team has done a first class job and I feel really comfortable behind the wheel of the Alpine A450.
Today (Monday), Signatech-Alpine will pay a visit to Renaults Le Mans-ACI factory. Then, at 5pm on Sunday, June 12, the N36 Alpine A450 will be in Le Mans city centre for Technical Scrutineering and Document Checks.
Sundays fastest times
N36 Alpine A450 Morning (damp track): Pierre Ragues, 4m0.391sAfternoon (dry track): Nelson Panciatici, 3m39.642s
N37 Alpine A450 Morning (damp track): Tristan Gommendy, 4m3.174sAfternoon (dry track): Paul-Loup Chatin, 3m40.907s
