Alpine's A424 Soars in Portimão Test Run!
0The Alpine Endurance Team is ramping up its preparations for the 2024 Hypercar programme with a significant test session at Portimão this week. This session marked the first time two Alpine A424s were tested together, alongside the team's six recently announced official drivers. The A424, which underwent windtunnel testing in the USA in November, is nearing the end of its homologation process, currently being finalized at the FIA’s facilities in Valleiry, France.
During the two-day test session, the team achieved substantial progress, covering over 3,000 kilometers without encountering any major technical issues. Car #35 covered 1,443 km, while car #36 added 1,562 km. This successful run indicates a smooth progression in the development phase of the program.
A key highlight of the session was the integration of all six drivers into the 2024 line-up. Their presence allowed for extensive work on various aspects of race management, including adjustments to the cockpit, refining refuelling processes, streamlining driver changes, and optimizing pitlane and garage procedures. Such comprehensive teamwork is crucial for endurance racing, where efficiency and coordination can significantly impact race outcomes.
The testing also focused on refining the homologated aerodynamic package of the A424. The team alternated between short and long runs for each driver, aiming to enhance car and engine setups. This approach not only improved the performance of individual systems but also their interaction, particularly in areas like energy and fuel management. Such meticulous tuning is essential for endurance racing, where managing resources over long distances is as important as raw speed.
An additional area of focus was tyre management. The team continued its collaboration with Michelin, evaluating various tyre compounds. Tyre performance can greatly influence a car's handling and efficiency, especially over long stints in endurance races. This evaluation is vital for developing strategies that maximize tyre performance throughout a race.
Overall, this test session at Portimão represents a significant step forward for the Alpine Endurance Team as it gears up for its ambitious 2024 Hypercar programme. The comprehensive testing and development conducted over these two days lay a solid foundation for future success in the highly competitive world of endurance racing.
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