2018 PRESS KIT FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP “Vying for the title just until the final race of last season, the Signatech Alpine Matmut team fully participated in the renewal of the LMP2 category in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The level of performance and the demands had never been as great and we expect the 2018 season to be just as competitive. To aim for the highest step of the podium, we can count on our knowledge of the Alpine A470, driven by a trio of experienced and fast drivers and supported by a technical team whose motivation knows no limits. It is blue blood that runs through our veins!”

Philippe Sinault Signatech Alpine Matmut Team Principal CONTENTS

02 Alpine A470 01 2018 Programme 03 Signatech Alpine Matmut

04 No.36 crew 05 Key points of the FIA WEC

06 Alpine in Endurance 01

2018 PROGRAMME

In 2018, Alpine will begin the sixth season of its contemporary programme in Endurance. Entered under the banner of the Signatech Alpine Matmut team, the Alpine A470 will race with the number 36 on the entry list of the FIA WEC World Championship in the LMP2 category.

Seven teams are entered in this category for the entire season. The opposition will once again be fierce at the 24-Hours of Le Mans as 20 cars are expected to participate.

World Champions in 2016 and third in 2017, the factory Alpine team obviously figures among the candidates for the win.

The 2018 team is composed of: . He ticks all the requisite boxes for an Endurance driver; fast, easy on the tyres and fuel, skilful with set-up and a strong sense of team spirit. André Negrão. One of the revelations of the 2017 season, while he was an Endurance newcomer. In addition to his will to win, he also brings his Brazilian love of life to the team. . A solid driver, fast and reliable, who has seven years of Endurance experience and who is living the dream of many French racers: to represent the Alpine colours.

This crew has been formed in compliance with the regulations, which require at least one «Silver» category driver in each LMP2 car. ALPINE A470

In 2017, the LMP2 category has undergone a major powertrain and on aerodynamics. Obtained following 02 transformation, with the application of new technical extensive work using CFD (Computational Fluid regulations and a generation of cars with substantially Dynamics), the contours of the A470 reveal a level of improved performance. refinement never previously attained on cars in the LMP2 category. Homologated by the FIA, the of the Alpine A470 is powered by a 600bhp V8 engine, which has been The performance gain was spectacular, to the order of provided by and is identical for all four seconds per lap on the Shanghai circuit and ten competitors in the category. seconds on the 24-Hours of Le Mans circuit, with a top speed increasing from 310 to 336kph. The monocoque design and some mechanical components – such as the gearbox – are derived from Like the previous seasons, the Alpine A470 will be shod the Alpine A460, the 2016 World Champion car. ’s on . work focused in particular on integrating the new TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

CHASSIS Structure...... Carbon fibre & honeycomb body shell Bodywork...... Carbon/kevlar Suspension...... Double wishbone with pushrods, PKM shock absorbers Steering...... Electric power-assisted Length...... 4,745mm Width...... 1,895mm Height...... 1,045mm Front track...... 1,570mm Rear track...... 1,550mm Wheel base...... 3,005mm Weight...... 930kg

ENGINE Type...... Gibson GK-428 Configuration...... Normally-aspirated V8 at 90° Capacity...... 4,200cc Maximum power...... 603bhp Maximum engine speed...... 9,000rpm Lubrication...... Dry sump/multi-stage oil pump Electronic control unit......

GEARBOX Brand...... Xtrac Type...... Magnesium housing, transversally-mounted Gearshift...... Steering-wheel mounted paddles Gears...... 6 + reverse

WHEELS Tyres...... Dunlop 30-68/R18 (front) and 31-71/R18 (rear) Front wheel rims...... 12.5»x18» Rear wheel rims...... 13»x18»

BRAKES Discs...... Ventilated carbon Callipers...... Six-piston one-piece

SAFETY Harness...... Six-point safety harness adapted to Hans® system Fuel tank...... 75-litre safety rubber tank with built-in reserve system 03

SIGNATECH ALPINE MATMUT

Founded in 1990 when it was known as Signature, the Signature Group has been supplying Alpine with technical, sporting and logistics support for its Endurance racing programme since 2013. This partnership was recently expanded to the conception and marketing of the Cups and GT4, as well as the organisation of the Alpine Europa Cup.

The history of the Signature Group was initially tied to Formula 3, in which it won several national and international titles and through which it made key contributions to the careers of some notable drivers, including Benoit Tréluyer, Loïc Duval, Nicolas Lapierre, and . A substantial shift was made in 2009, when the team first competed in the .

Based in Bourges, in the heart of France, the Signature Group employs around forty people in four departments: Racing, Engineering, Events Management and Classics.

Two workshops, covering a total surface area of 2,500m2, are dedicated to designing, building and running racing cars. The facilities include a design office equipped with 3D Solidworks CAD solution, a bodywork/ composite fibre department and a mechanical parts production workshop. An Ellip6 simulator is used for driver training and to devise technical simulation programmes.

Signatech’s competitive record includes 19 titles, 84 race wins, 54 pole positions, 498 podium finishes and 53 lap records, acquired in single-seater racing and Endurance.

MANAGEMENT Team Principal Philippe Sinault Technical Director Lionel Chevalier Race engineer for no.36 Thomas Tribotté

04 SIGNATECH ALPINE MATMUT NO.36

NICOLAS LAPIERRE ANDRÉ NEGRÃO PIERRE THIRIET

Born on 2 April 1984 Born on 17 June 1992 Born on 20 April 1989 in Thonon-les-Bains (France) in Sao Paulo (Brazil) in Épinal (France)

FIA driver category: Gold FIA driver category: Platinum FIA driver category: Silver

nicolaslapierre.com andrenegrao.com  /NicolasLapierreOfficiel  /AndreNegrao.Racer  @Nico_Lapierre  @NegraoAndre  @pierre_thiriet  @nico_lapierre  @anegrao  @pierre_thiriet

Nicolas began his career in single-seater racing, winning the Like his more famous predecessors, André Negrão crossed the Following his debut in the Eurocup Mégane Trophy, Pierre 2003 Macao F3 GP with the as part of the F3 Atlantic to acquire experience racing in Europe. He has taken Thiriet headed towards Endurance in his third season in Euroseries. He switched to Endurance in 2008 and enjoyed his part in more than 150 races in Formula 2.0, FR3.5 and motor racing. With the TDS team, he quickly became one of first victories with Team Oreca Matmut. In 2012, he finished third GP2 since making his debut in 2008. He never lost interest the most prominent drivers in the ELMS, with a title in 2012 in the FIA WEC with . During the three seasons he spent in the American continent, however, since he was runner and three runner-up places in 2013, 2015 and 2016. After six with the Japanese manufacturer, he won six outright World up in the Brazilian F3 championship in 2010 and 2012 and seasons in Europe, he joined the ranks of the FIA WEC in 2017. Championship races. After coming first in the LMP2 category at seventh in the Indy Lights in 2016. In 2017, he turned towards With the G-Drive team, he took his first LMP2 victory at Spa- the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015, he joined Signatech-Alpine for Endurance in joining Signatech Alpine Matmut. Teamed with Francorchamps. Pierre has raced in the 24-Hours of Le Mans the 2016 campaign. At the end of a dream-like season, during Panciatici and Ragues, he finished fourth overall in his first seven times, twice finishing second in LMP2. which he secured four race wins – including the 24 Hours of Le 24-Hours of Le Mans. He continued his season with Lapierre Mans – he claimed the LMP2 Drivers’ and Teams’ titles. In 2017, and Menezes. Together, the trio took five consecutive podium his season was split between LMP1 with Toyota and LMP2 with results, including a win and stayed in contention for the title Signatech Alpine Matmut. He was one of the principal architects just until the final race. of the comeback of the Blues in the second half of the season. COMPETITIVE RECORD COMPETITIVE RECORD COMPETITIVE RECORD 2017 FIA WEC 12th (6th in LMP2) 2017 FIA WEC 10th (5th in LMP2) 2017 FIA WEC 22th (13th in LMP2) 2016 FIA WEC 9th (1st in LMP2) 2016 Indy Lights 7th 2016 ELMS 2nd in LMP2 2015 FIA WEC 16th (5th in LMP2) 2015 GP2 20th 2015 ELMS 2nd in LMP2 2014 FIA WEC 6th 2014 GP2 12th 2014 ELMS 8th in LMP2 2013 FIA WEC 4th 2013 FR 3.5 10th 2013 ELMS 2nd in LMP2 2012 FIA WEC 3rd 2012 F3 Brazil 2nd 2012 ELMS 1st in LMP2 2006 A1 GP 1st (Team France) 2010 F3 Brazil 2nd 2011 Le Mans Series 4th in LMP2

2003 Macau F3 GP 1st 2010 Mégane Trophy 2nd 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2009 Mégane Trophy 5th 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2017 4th (3rd in LMP2) 2017 Ret. 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2016 5th (1st in LMP2) 2017 Ret. 2015 9th (1st in LMP2) 2016 Ret. 2014 3rd 2015 Ret. 2013 4th 2014 6th (2nd in LMP2) 2012 Ret. 2013 Ret. 2011 5th 2012 8th (2nd in LMP2) 2010 Ret. 2011 Ret. 2009 5th 2007 16th (9th in GT1) KEY POINTS OF THE FIA WEC

The FIA WEC competitors are split into four For the six hour races, qualifying is held during a 20 05 categories: the prototypes in LMP1 and LMP2 – the minute session, during which two nominated drivers set latter being the category in which the Alpine A470s times, including a «Silver» category driver. compete – and the GTs in LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am. The time recorded is the average of the fastest lap times of the two drivers. The LMP2s ( 2) are racing cars with no minimum production required. Despite their Points are awarded to competitors classified at the similar looks to the LMP1s, the LMP2s don’t feature end of a race: 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points for hybrid or electric propulsion system. Competitors must the top ten, then 0.5 points for competitors finishing use one of the four chassis homologated by the FIA. lower down the order. A bonus point is awarded for pole position (best lap time outright) in each category. The engines used in LMP2 are identical for all the Double points are awarded for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. competitors. They all use a Gibson GK428 V8 engine. This scale is assigned a coefficient of 1.5 for the 24 The ECU, supplied by Cosworth, is also standardised. Hours of Le Mans.

Private testing is limited to five days per car in LMP2. A driver must spend at least 1hr 15min on track in order to score points. Maximum driving time is set at The LMP2 race numbers are white against a blue 3hrs 30min per driver (for the six hour races). If the background. ambient temperature is higher than 32°C, the maximum consecutive driving time is limited to 80 minutes. Each crew competing in LMP2 must include at least one Silver or Bronze category driver. Driver classification The FIA World Endurance Championship Drivers’ title is defined by the FIA according to past results. is restricted to LMP1 and LMP2 drivers (combined standings for both LMP categories). Each driver has a licence issued with a capital of 12 points. In the case of a penalty sanctioning on-track At the end of the season, the best LMP2 drivers and behaviour, the race stewards may order a deduction of teams win FIA Endurance Trophies. points. A driver who loses all their points is suspended for the next race.

During a pit stop, the changing of tyre the cleaning 2018 CALENDAR of the and bodywork are now allowed while the car is being refuelled. 5 May Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps 3 June 24 Hours of Le Mans Test Day The use of slick tyres is limited for six hour races: three sets for free practice and four for qualifying and 16-17 June 24 Hours of Le Mans the race. There is no imposed tyre manufacturer. 19 August 6 Hours of Silverstone 14 October 17 November 6 Hours of Shanghai ALPINE IN ENDURANCE

In order to support the development of its brand, VICTORY AT LE MANS! 06 Alpine has always put its faith in racing. Whether in rallying, single-seater racing or endurance. At the In 1973, Renault took over control of Alpine. The A440 24 Hours of Le Mans, the greatest moment is still was therefore presented under the name “Renault unquestionably the overall victory of the A442B of Alpine”. The aims of the programme were clear: Alpine and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, exactly 40 must win the newly-created European Two-Litre Sports years ago! Car Championship before developing a car capable of winning at Le Mans. The Renault Alpine A440 was refined, becoming the A441. It amassed a series of race “THE FASTEST LITRE OF PETROL wins and claimed the European title with Alain Serpaggi IN THE WORLD” in 1974. A new 1996cc turbo engine, developing some 490bhp, was then installed in the chassis and the car In 1962, Jean Rédélé began development of the Alpine was renamed the A442. M63 with the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his sights. None of the three cars entered in 1963 made it to the end, but Following the creation of the entity, the performances of these prototypes – powered by a significant resources were deployed to take part in the little 996cc engine – were impressive. World Championship for Makes in 1976. The only A442 competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans secured pole 1963 - ALPINE M63 1964 - ALPINE M64 The adventure continued with a strategy based on position before retiring during the race. “ingenious economy”. Opting to focus on aerodynamic performance and reduced capacity, Alpine went Counting on the experience acquired, Renault Sport after the “Index of Thermal Efficiency” and “Index of decided to concentrate exclusively on Le Mans. Success Performance” trophies. In these categories, the brand finally arrived in 1978. Four cars were entered, with the won several times at Le Mans. At the other circuits, it Alpine A442B driven by Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Didier scored a host of class wins before its first outright win Pironi winning the race! Having achieved its goals, was claimed by Mauro and Lucien Bianchi in the M65 at Renault switched its involvement to Formula 1. the 500 kilometres of Nürburgring in 1965. 1965 - ALPINE M65 1966 - ALPINE A210 ALPINE STRIKES BACK! The of the Alpine A210 marked a turning point. Whilst appearing similar to the M65, this model finished Thirty-five years later, Alpine returned to racing in order by convincing Renault to invest in the development of to support the brand’s renaissance. The new Alpine a three-litre V8 engine capable of targeting outright A450 beat its rivals to claim two consecutive titles victory... Although the first attempts of the ‘big’ A211 and in the (2013-2014) and an A220 met with disappointment, the project continued LMP2 podium finish at the 2014 24 Hours of Mans (7th and developed. overall). 2015 witnessed the arrival of the Signatech- Alpine team in the FIA WEC, coming first in the LMP2 category in Shanghai and finishing fourth overall in the 1968 - ALPINE A220 1975 - ALPINE A441 championship.

In 2016, the team entered two new closed-cockpit A460 prototypes. The no.36 Signatech-Alpine had an exceptional season. The crew of Lapierre, Menezes and Richelmi won at Spa-Francorchamps, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring and in Austin. With one race still to go, Alpine won the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles!

In 2017, Signatech Alpine Matmut placed the new Alpine 1978 - ALPINE A442 B 2015 - ALPINE A450B A470 of Panciatici / Ragues / Negrão fourth overall in the 24-Hours of Lemans and on the LMP2 podium. The rest of the season was marked by a remarkable run of five consecutive podium finishes, which included a win in Austin, to finish third in the championship.

2016 - ALPINE A460 2017 - ALPINE A470 24 HOURS OF LE MANS RESULTS

1963 1976 Sté des M63 50 Boyer/Verrier 227 L Renault Sport A442 19 Jabouille/Tambay/Dolhem 160 L PP FL Sté des Automobiles Alpine M63 49 Frescobaldi/Richard 63 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine M63 48 Rosinski/Heins 50 L 1977 Renault Sport A442 8 Laffite/Depailler 289 L 1964 Renault Sport A442 9 Jabouille/Bell NC PP Sté des Automobiles Alpine M64 46 De Lageneste/Morrogh 17th C E Renault Sport A442 7 Tambay/Jaussaud 158 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine M63B 59 Masson/Zeccoli 20th Sté des Automobiles Alpine M64 47 Bianchi/Vinatier NC (230 L) 1978 Renault Sport A442B 2 Pironi/Jaussaud 1st Sté des Automobiles Alpine M64 54 Grandsire/Vidal 133 L Renault Sport A442A 4 Fréquelin/Ragnotti/Dolhem/Jabouille 4th FL 1965 Renault Sport A443 1 Jabouille/Depailler 279 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine M65 47 De Lageneste/Vinatier 196 L Renault Sport A442A 3 Bell/Jarier 162 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine M64 55 Hanrioud/Cheinisse 196 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine M63B 61 Bouharde/Monneret 187 L 2013 Signatech-Alpine A450 36 Gommendy/Panciatici/Ragues 14th (8th in LMP2) Sté des Automobiles Alpine M64 51 Masson/Verrier 148 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine M64 50 Revson/Vidal 116 L 2014 Sté des Automobiles Alpine M65 46 Bianchi/Grandsire 32 L Signatech-Alpine A450b 36 Chatin/Panciatici/Webb 7th (3rd in LMP2)

1966 2015 Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 62 Grandsire/Cella 9th C Signatech-Alpine A450b 36 Capillaire/Chatin/Panciatici 110 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 45 Verrier/Bouharde 12th Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 46 Vinatier/Bianchi 13th 2016 Signatech-Alpine A460 36 Lapierre / Menezes / Richelmi 5th (1st in LMP2) Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 47 Jansson/Toivonen 217 L Baxi DC Racing Alpine A460 35 Panciatici / Tung / Cheng 234 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 55 de Cortanze/Hanrioud 118 L E Ecurie Savin–Calberson A210 44 Cheinisse/De Lageneste 11th 2017 Signatech Alpine Matmut A470 35 Panciatici / Ragues / Negrão 4th (3rd in LMP2) 1967 Signatech Alpine Matmut A470 36 Dumas / Menezes / Rao 10th (8th in LMP2) Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 46 Grandsire/Rosinski 9th C Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 45 Vinatier/Bianchi 13th C Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 47 Bouharde/Andruet 219 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 58 Vidal/Cella 67 L

1968 Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220 30 de Cortanze/Vinatier 8th Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 52 Thérier/Tramont 10th C P Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 55 Nicolas/Andruet 14th E Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220 29 Guichet/Jabouille 185 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 56 Marnat/Gerbault 71 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220 28 Grandsire/Larrousse 59 L

1969 Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 50 Serpaggi/Ethuin 12th C P Sté des Automobiles Alpine A210 45 Wollek/Killy 242 L Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220/69 29 Depailler/Jabouille 209 L L: laps C: category win Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220/68 31 Thérier/Nicolas 160 L E: Energy Effi ciency Award Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220/69 28 de Cortanze/Vinatier 133 L P: Performance Award PP: pole position Sté des Automobiles Alpine A220/69 30 Grandsire/Andruet 48 L FL: fastest lap PRESS CONTACT

Christophe Deville Renault Group Communication Manager Tel: +33 (0)6 72 84 63 24 Email: [email protected] alpinecars.com signatech-alpine.com media.group.renault.com

 @Alpine_Cars @SignatechAlpine

 @alpinesportscars @SignatureRace

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