Alpine has just launched its most powerful race car for this year’s World Endurance Championship. The Alpine A470 is an LPM2 prototype built under the new FIA regulations, which only allows four chassis constructors and one engine supplier for all competitors. The Alpine is powered by a 600hp 4-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine from Gibson Technology, while Oreca is responsible for the new chassis and bodywork.

The pressure is on the Signatech Alpine Matmut team with last year’s great results, winning drivers’ and teams’ titles as well as key races such as Le Mans and Nürburgring. Gustavo Menezes and Nicolas Lapierre will be returning to drive car No. 36, although Lapierre will also race for Toyota in LMP1-H class at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans and will be replaced by two-time Le Mans winner Romain Dumas at these two races. The lineup will be completed with Matt Rao.

The second car, No. 35, will be driven by Nelson Panciatici, Pierre Ragues and André Negrão. While the No. 35 car will not kick off its competitive debut until Spa-Francorchamps on 6 May, both cars will take part in the pre-season test at Monza on 1-2 April.