The Alpine Endurance Team has stepped up preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season following a productive test session at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal.
Driver Ferdinand Habsburg highlighted the team’s growing confidence after the successful outing, stating that motivation within the squad is now “higher than ever”.
Alpine building on Hypercar milestones for 2026 WEC campaign
Since introducing the Alpine A424 in the championship’s flagship Hypercar class in 2024, Alpine has steadily strengthened its performance. The programme achieved an early milestone by securing its first podium finish with the car in just its seventh race.
Furthermore, the team celebrated a historic victory at Fuji Speedway during the championship’s landmark 100th event last September. That breakthrough result provided a significant boost for the French manufacturer as it continues to develop its Hypercar project.
During the recent test in Portugal, Habsburg shared driving duties with experienced teammate Frédéric Makowiecki and newcomer Victor Martins. The trio completed approximately 1,250 kilometres of uninterrupted running in dry conditions, allowing the team to evaluate upgrades introduced during the winter off-season.
Habsburg expressed his enthusiasm after the session.
“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 endurance racing adaptation
For Martins, the Portimão test provided valuable track time as he continues to adjust to endurance racing. The young French driver first experienced the A424 during the 2024 Rookie Test in Bahrain, but the recent session offered further opportunities to explore the car’s capabilities.
The former FIA Formula 3 Championship title winner focused on learning the car’s behaviour and refining his driving approach in Hypercar machinery.
“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.
“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.
“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!”
Focus at Alpine turns to the 2026 WEC season opener
Following the encouraging test results, Alpine will now analyse the data collected during the Portimão session as it continues refining the A424 package for the new campaign.
The team aims to build on its recent progress and challenge consistently at the front when the new FIA World Endurance Championship season begins in Qatar.
