EXTENSIVE WORK FOR ALPINE ENDURANCE TEAM AHEAD OF THE 2025 SEASON-OPENER

The FIA WEC started its 2025 season with the Prologue at the Lusail International Circuit, where the first round of the calendar will take place this Friday, 28 February.

Alpine Endurance Team used the two days of testing to prepare for the first challenge of its second campaign in the premier Hypercar category. Priority one for Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg and Paul-Loup Chatin in the #35 Alpine A424 and Frédéric Makowiecki, Jules Gounon and Mick Schumacher in the #36 was to make systems checks and gather as much data as possible.

On Friday, Ferdinand Habsburg and Frédéric Makowiecki were the first to take to the track in the A424s. Both thoroughly examined the 5,418-metre track before being relayed by their teammates. The team thus collected crucial data on the evolution of track conditions and the different Michelin tyre compounds, and even more so during the second evening session.

The work continued on Saturday despite a prolonged interruption to repair a rail damaged by an LMGT3. When they resumed, the crews also upped the tempo to make their first foray into the top ten. The pace picked up at sunset, the same time qualifying will occur and when Mick Schumacher and Charles Milesi lowered the A424s' benchmark times.

After 684 laps, covering more than 3700 kilometres, the engineers and drivers began to analyse the information gathered while the mechanics set about a complete service of the two cars. Les Bleus will be back on track on Wednesday to fine-tune their preparations until Thursday qualifying. The first race of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season will start at 2 pm local time on Friday for a distance of 1,812km (or a maximum of ten hours).

Head to www.fiawec.com for live coverage of the Qatar 1812km.

Quotes

Charles Milesi

"We have taken a step forward, even if the hierarchy is difficult to read because of the different tyre compounds used. We could do all the tests we wanted to explore several set-up options. Although we are starting from a good base, we won't have much time to make adjustments, as the sessions will follow each other quickly starting Wednesday. The race should come down to strategy. We will also have to stay on the track as we have seen a few cars come off with the gravel. Therefore, we must be alert to seize every opportunity that will arise."

Ferdinand Habsburg

"It was nice to start our second season. We feel more confident about aspects such as tyre warm-up and degradation, but I think there is definitely still some optimisation needed. Everybody has used the winter well and is pushing a lot, so we'll need to make sure we are on top of everything. We all have the same motivation within the team, but we remain humble in the face of the competition."

Paul-Loup Chatin

"The Prologue was a positive one, confirming all the efforts and work done since the start of the adventure a year and a half ago. We can see our progress, but also that of the competition. That's the best thing about competing in Hypercar at such a high level. We have gathered a lot of data and have three days to analyse everything and perfect our package. We can be satisfied, but the hardest part is yet to come, and we must give it our all."

Frédéric Makowiecki

"The Prologue was quite interesting. We were able to carry out our test plan and, above all, understand our needs on this track. We confirmed some directions taken, and we came out of these tests with fewer questions than when we arrived, which is always positive, as is the reliability seen over the two days. We now need to summarise what we have learnt for next week. We’ll need to be strong to avoid the hazards during the ten-hour race, and it won't be easy."

Jules Gounon

"Our crew had a lot to learn, but I am coming away from the Prologue upbeat and with a nice feeling. The team did a good job with the balance, and we are heading in the right direction. I have also made great progress and feel good in the car. We have tried many tyre combinations, which will be an important factor throughout the season. We must make the right decisions at the right times, especially during the race, which wide temperature swings will influence."

Mick Schumacher

"These two busy days were positive as we got a lot of laps done and I think we are now understanding the car better and better. There are always some things to fine-tune, but I think we are now getting into a good rhythm to do it pretty quickly. Having a season of experience behind me also makes a huge difference, so I am ready for it and happy to get started!”

Nicolas Lapierre, Sporting Director Alpine Endurance Team

"The Prologue was enriching. We racked up a lot of laps to try out a range of tyres and set-up configurations at a good pace, especially over the long stints. Our six drivers made no mistakes, and we were more comfortable with each session. We look forward to next week. Every tenth of a second will count in this extremely tight field, and the smallest detail can make the difference."

Philippe Sinault, Team Principal Alpine Endurance Team

"We had a busy but essential programme for this Prologue, where we finally met up with our competitors again. It allowed us to get the team back up to speed on an operational level while getting some answers to our questions. We identified some important areas for improvement, particularly the tyres. Everything went well, as we had no major issues and could work calmly and establish a good foundation ahead of this first race of the year. We have two days to analyse everything and learn the right lessons for this long ten-hour race, where strategy will be paramount."

Prologue – Losail 2025

1. BMW M Team WRT #20 1m38.971s

7. Alpine Endurance Team #36 1m39.505s

13. Alpine Endurance Team #35 1m40.422s

In Numbers

Alpine Endurance Team #35

Session 1: 16th in 1m43.784s (67 laps)

Session 2: 14th in 1m41.515s (107 laps)

Session 3: 12th in 1m41.704s (66 laps)

Session 4: 12th in 1m40.422s (95 laps)

Laps: 335 (Charles Milesi: 127; Ferdinand Habsburg: 105; Paul-Loup Chatin: 103)

Alpine Endurance Team #36

Session 1: 11th in 1m43.462s (61 laps)

Session 2: 13th in 1m41.433s (100 laps)

Session 3: 9th in 1’m41.413s (81 laps)

Session 4: 7th in 1m39.505s (107 laps)

Laps: 349 (Frédéric Makowiecki: 109; Jules Gounon: 110; Mick Schumacher: 130)

Qatar 1812 kilometres – Timetable (CET)

Wednesday 26 February

9:30-11:00: Free Practice 1

14:50-16:20: Free Practice 2

Thursday 27 February

10:00-11:00: Free Practice 3

15:40-15:52: Hypercar Qualifying

16:00-16:10: Hypercar Hyperpole

Friday 28 February

12:00-22:00: Qatar 1812km