Alpine has taken another important step in its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) preparations after completing a successful pre-season test with its upgraded A424 Hypercar at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
Since making its debut in the championship’s top-tier Hypercar category in 2024, the A424 has already delivered several key milestones for the French manufacturer. The car secured its maiden podium finish in just its seventh race and later achieved a historic breakthrough by winning the series’ landmark 100th event at Fuji in September last year.
Now, Alpine is working to build on that success as it prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Upgraded Alpine A424 put through its paces ahead of 2026 WEC campaign
Over the winter break, the team introduced several upgrades to the race-winning prototype. The latest configuration was evaluated during a test at Portimão, where drivers Ferdinand Habsburg, Frédéric Makowiecki and newcomer Victor Martins shared driving duties.
Favourable weather conditions allowed the team to complete 1,250 kilometres of uninterrupted running, giving engineers valuable data to analyse. For Habsburg, the test marked an encouraging start to the new season’s preparations.
“It was fantastic to start working with our 2026 package,” enthused the Austrian – one of Alpine’s triumphant trio in Japan last autumn. “After our first win together, the team’s motivation is higher than ever. This test was important to build strong foundations and gain a better understanding of the car and the new Michelin tyres. The team spirit is excellent, and I can’t wait to kick things off in Qatar!”
Martins continues his WEC adaptation ahead of 2026 campaign with Alpine
The Portimão test also provided valuable track time for endurance racing newcomer Victor Martins. The young French driver previously experienced the A424 during the FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain in 2024. However, the recent session offered a deeper opportunity to familiarise himself with the car’s performance characteristics and systems.
“It was a very special moment to get back behind the wheel of the Alpine A424 and discover Portimão,” acknowledged the former FIA Formula 3 Champion. “I was impressed by the car’s aerodynamic downforce and power, and I really enjoyed seeing the precision it requires, especially under braking and corner entry.”
Martins emphasised that adapting to endurance racing remains a learning process.
“Obviously, I need a bit of time to adapt and I have a lot to learn about the different systems, but the work we did was very positive. Ferdinand and Frédéric shared their experience with me to help me to settle in quickly and get up-to-speed.”
He also highlighted the strong atmosphere within the Alpine squad.
“The team is extremely professional, with real passion and high ambitions for the project. That gives me extra motivation, and I can’t wait to continue working with them to be fully prepared for the first race in Qatar!”
Data analysis and further testing ahead
With the Portimão session complete, Alpine engineers have begun analysing the data gathered during the test. The information will play a crucial role in refining the upgraded A424 package ahead of the season opener.
Team Principal Philippe Sinault stressed the importance of the session as the team adapts to both its upgrades and the new Michelin tyres for 2026.
“The test was an important step, as it was our first full session with the upgrades on the A424 and the 2026 Michelin tyres,” reflected Team Principal, Philippe Sinault. “We focused on aerodynamics, mechanics and, above all, discovering and getting the best from the new tyres.”
He also pointed out that the test played a key role in integrating Martins into the programme.
“Particular attention was paid to Victor’s integration, with driving time allowing him to get to know the car in different conditions, including at night. Having gathered a wealth of information, we will aim to confirm our findings at Motorland Aragón.”
Final preparations before the 2026 season
Alpine’s preparations will continue with another test session at Motorland Aragón in Spain at the end of February. Following that, the team will participate in the official FIA WEC Prologue at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar on 22–23 March, just days before the season-opening ten-hour race at the same venue. Meanwhile, the French manufacturer will unveil its 2026 livery and confirm the full driver line-ups for its #35 and #36 entries during a launch event in Paris on 18 February.
According to Alpine’s Vice-President of Motorsport Bruno Famin, the early signs from testing are encouraging as the team prepares for its third Hypercar season.
“We have a good foundation upon which to refine our package and optimise our use of the different tyre compounds,” summarised the marque’s Vice-President of Motorsport, Bruno Famin. “The initial feedback is encouraging as we look ahead to our third season in the top-flight, when our goal is clear – we want to keep improving our performance level to battle consistently at the sharp end of a more competitive field than ever.”
