The competition of the 6 Hours of Monza will become a significant moment for the Signatech team and its parent brand, Alpine, as it marks the end of a 14-year collaboration. To commemorate this farewell, the two Alpine A424s have joined the historic Renault-Alpine A442B, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978, for a series of demonstration laps and a photo session with the entire team.
The immediate future of the team appears uncertain. After the agreement with Geely fell through at the last moment, the organization continues to seek a solution that allows it to remain in the top category with a new partner. Throughout its history, the A442B stood out for its glass body and achieved victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978 with Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud at the wheel.
Its successor, the A443, which also competed in that edition, dominated the early hours before retiring at the eighteenth hour. Following that victory, Renault decided to withdraw from Le Mans to focus on Formula 1.
The A424, which continues the line of Alpine prototypes after the models A450, A460, A470, and A480, has achieved a single victory in the WEC, at the 6 Hours of Fuji in 2025. The announcement of its withdrawal from the championship, made last February, is a consequence of a change in leadership within the group, with François Provost determined to modify the previous direction more aligned with the motorsport world.
Emotions in the farewell
The drivers have expressed mixed feelings about this abrupt ending, combining sadness with pride for what they have achieved over the years. Nicolas Lapierre, former driver and current sporting director, has altered the emotional atmosphere of the farewell, highlighting the importance of competing well in the last race and gratefully acknowledging the journey taken.
Lapierre states that they have no intention of competing as a private entry starting in 2027, as competition in the WEC has become too high for this type of entries.
Jules Gounon shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this program, describing his path from GT racing to the endurance world. Meanwhile, Charles Milesi recalled his four years with the team, emphasizing the emotional significance that this farewell represents.
Appreciation for the employees
Ferdinand Habsburg praised the workers of Viry-Chatillon and Bourges, who often do not receive the recognition they deserve. He emphasized that behind the success of the drivers, there are hundreds of people dedicated to the daily work and with a great passion for advancing the project.
As the doors close, the Signatech team faces the challenge of reaching an agreement with a manufacturer within the coming days. The deadline for the 2027 registration is November 23, adding pressure to an already complicated situation.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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