24h Le Mans
Alpine Endurance Team has begun the 2026 season by testing a new setup of the A424 Hypercar at Portimão. Over and above the initial miles put on the clock, these tests will provide an essential yardstick to gauge the development of a package optimised for an ambitious campaign – especially with an eye to the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans (10-14 June 2026).
The Alpine Endurance Team has kicked off the 2026 season with a test session at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve – the first outing of the 2026-spec A424. The test focused on exploring the new technical upgrades and Michelin’s new tyres for 2026. Over 1,250 km of useful data will be processed ahead of the next sessions scheduled at Motorland Aragón and the FIA World Endurance Championship prologue.
While the team’s media release is coy with details of the changes made to the A424, Alpine has targeted improvements to the aerodynamics, mechanical components and tyre use. This work is a natural part of the move to progress and adapt the French hypercar after its first two seasons in the top class of endurance.
“These tests were an important step as it was our first full session with the new package, with our upgrades on the A424 and the Michelin Pilot Sport Endurance tyres,” said Philippe Sinault. According to the Alpine Endurance Team Principal, the information gathered will set the guidelines for the next stage of development with a view to what promises to be a particularly competitive 2026 season.
One of the key points in pre-season will be how the team and the car adapt to the new Michelin Pilot Sport Endurance 2026 tyres. Portimão offered perfect conditions to investigate optimum use of the new, improved tyre on a dry track.
Ferdinand Habsburg, Frédéric Makowiecki and Victor Martins shared driving duties during the test. “These tests were very productive, and we worked hard to collect good information, including tyre data,” said Makowiecki. “The analysis begins now to identify new ideas to optimise our package.”
Although Alpine Endurance Team gave few technical details away, the drivers’ declarations hinted to the importance afforded to the car’s aerodynamics. Martins, who discovered the 2026-spec car in Portugal, said: “I was particularly impressed by the car’s aerodynamic downforce and power. I really enjoyed seeing the precision it requires, especially under braking and at corner entries.”
The feedback highlights the changes that will allow the A424 to better exploit its aerodynamic qualities – an essential factor in being competitive at the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, where the balance between peak speed and downforce is crucial.
The team’s engineers will now analyse the data gathered during the test. Bruno Famin, Alpine Vice President of Motorsport, pointed out: “We have a good foundation on which to refine our package and optimise our use of the different tyre compounds. The first feedbacks are encouraging as we look ahead to our third season in the top-flight category. Our goal is clear: we want to keep improving our performance level to consistently battle at the sharp end of a more competitive field than ever.”
With the opening round of the 2026 FIA WEC season, the Qatar 1812 Km, appearing rapidly on the horizon, the A424’s preparations continue apace. The Portimão tests have allowed Alpine Endurance Team to develop aerodynamic improvements, trial new tyres and integrate a package designed to boost performance. An important step in gearing up for an ambitious season with sights firmly set on a solid performance at the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans and full-season consistency.
