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Signatech - Alpine 2013 Season
Today, at half-past eleven, Pierre Fillon, President of the ‘Automobile Club de l'Ouest’, and Carlos Tavares, Renault General Director and Chief Operating Officer, announced this year’s return of ALPINE both to Endurance racing and to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with SIGNATECH as partner.
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The rumours had been around for some weeks, so great had been the anticipation among the fans and the media alike, ever since Renault announced the renewal of the ALPINE brand in November last year. For the team run by Philippe Sinault and Didier Calmels, it is an immense honour to have been chosen for the return of this legendary marque, which has played a significant role in the history of both the Le Mans event and endurance racing in general.
The SIGNATECH team will therefore enter the # 36 ALPINE in the LMP2 category of the European Le Mans Series, as well as in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This return will undoubtedly be the event of the 2013 season, and an immensely emotional moment to share with all those who are passionate about ALPINE.
The two official ALPINE drivers will be Nelson Panciatici (a pure product of the Renault racing ladder : FR 2.0, GP2 and WSR FR 3.5) and Pierre Ragues (who has taken part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on six occasions, including three with Signatech). The name of the third driver for Le Mans will be announced shortly.
During the month of March, the official livery of the car will be announced, which will include a number of the marque’s traditional partners, including Total and Michelin.
Philippe Sinault : "It is an immensely proud moment to see my name, and that of my team, associated to that of ALPINE, a brand which has been linked with the greatest moments of endurance racing, and of the 24 Hours of le Mans. It is like being in a dream, or something out of a Michel Vaillant story. It is also an incredible challenge for us, to live up to the marque’s incredible heritage, and we will be worthy of the trust that has been placed in us by Carlos Tavares (General Director and Chief Operations Officer at Renault) and Bernard Ollivier (CEO of Automobiles Alpine and Caterham). In a difficult economic climate, this announcement is a fantastically positive sign for the automobile sector and for French motorsport… And as Jean Rédélé said to Général de Gaulle, during his visit to the Paris motor show, on being asked the purpose of the Alpine : « To raise the colours of France, my General !”
Didier Calmels : "For me, this is the summit ! After Formula One, Alpine in endurance racing… I could not dream of more in my career as a company boss, or as a fan. It brings back so many memories… my first rallies in a Berlinette, Didier Pironi, Gérard Larrousse, who was my partner in Formula One, and today this return with Philippe Sinault ... It is fantastic for us ! I am so pleased for Philippe, who was the moving force behind this project !"
Carlos Tavares : "Alpine’s return in 2013 to this legendary event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is the start of a new, long-term, adventure. The deep passion that guides us is only equalled by the frugal nature of this return, which depends on the commitment of our partners and our supporters, that I would like to thank. Stage by stage, we will aim to jointly write a new page of the history of the great French sportscar brand that is Alpine. (extract from the official Alpine press release).
PaddockTalk Perspective
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