Following the recent announcement (on March 8) of its entry for both the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours and this year’s European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Signatech-Alpine has today previewed the endurance racing prototype that will defend Alpine’s colours this season at L’Atelier Renault in Paris, France.

Société des Automobiles Alpine-Caterham’s CEO Bernard Ollivier and Philippe Sinault, Signatech-Alpine Team Principal, lifted the veil to reveal a blue and orange livery which recalls the colours sported by the Alpines which raced at Le Mans some five decades ago.

“Since the announcement of Alpine’s revival on November 5 last year, we have been moving forward step by step,” said Bernard Ollivier. “The unveiling of this splendid car marks the beginning of another phase. It will turn a wheel for the first time very soon, and its maiden race will follow shortly afterwards. The news of our endurance racing programme received a very positive welcome, not only from diehard Alpine enthusiasts, but also from the world of motor racing in general. We can hardly wait to see our brand’s colours in action!”

Alpine’s return to endurance racing after an absence of 35 years will play a part in the brand’s re-emergence ahead of the launch of the first car to be designed by Société des Automobiles Alpine-Caterham, which is planned for 2016.

Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues, the two drivers who will share the car at every round of the ELMS, will be joined for the Le Mans 24 Hours by Tristan Gommendy.

The N°36 Alpine is scheduled to make its first track appearance at the official ELMS test days at Paul Ricard, France, on March 26-27.

N°36 ALPINE-NISSAN – TECHNICAL DATA:

Chassis: Alpine
Engine: Nissan V8 (type VK45)
Maximum power: 500hp
Fuel and lubricants: Total
Transmission: Six-speed sequential X-Trac gearbox
Steering: Hydraulic, power steering
Brakes: Brembo carbon brakes
Tyres: Michelin
Length: 4,610mm
Wheelbase: 2,870mm
Width: 1,995mm
Weight: 900kg
Top speed: 330kph

Source: Renault

Tags: Bernard Ollivier, blue, ELMS, European Le Mans Series, graphic design, Le Mans 24 Hours, livery design, L’Atelier Renault, Nelson Panciatici, N°36 Alpine, orange, Philippe Sinault, Pierre Ragues, racing, racing livery, Renault, Signatech-Alpine, Société des Automobiles Alpine-Caterham, Tristan Gommendy