Nicolas Lapierre has been named as Sporting Director of Alpine Endurance Team, as Jules Gounon takes his place at #36 for Bahrain.
- Alpine Endurance Team strengthens its management organisation with the creation of the Sporting Director role to support Team Principal Philippe Sinault.
- Nicolas Lapierre will take on the role of Sporting Director for Alpine Endurance Team to improve the overall performance of the drivers and the team.
- His vast driving experience and extensive endurance racing knowledge will make him a valuable asset for Alpine Endurance Team.
- This nomination will formally take effect from 1 January 2025, but Nicolas Lapierre will use the 2024 season finale in Bahrain to familiarise himself with his new role.
- As a result, Jules Gounon will complete the Alpine Endurance Team lineup for the last race of the season.
- Nicolas Lapierre’s professional racing career ended with a magnificent podium finish at Fuji, the first for the A424 and the start of a new era for Alpine Endurance Team.
Nicolas Lapierre: “Alpine has always shown a tremendous amount of confidence in me, not least by giving me the chance to develop the A424 and then start this first season behind the wheel. After expressing the wish to end my career as a professional driver, I am delighted to confirm that I am continuing the adventure with the team, but this time on the other side of the pit wall. I’ll try to bring all my experience to our drivers and be the link with our technical teams. Endurance racing is on a great trajectory, and I believe in the Alpine project. We must continue our relentless efforts to reach the next levels together.”
Philippe Sinault, Team Principal Alpine Endurance Team: “I am thrilled that Nicolas has been appointed Sporting Director of Alpine Endurance Team. We have been discussing this prospect together for several months now. Apart from our mutual desire, it represents a logical and natural continuation of the prosperous collaboration we have shared over the last few years, particularly under the Alpine colours. We’ve grown up together and won many races and several titles! We know each other exceptionally well, and there is mutual trust. I want to thank Nicolas for accepting, and I’m looking forward to seeing him contribute to the team’s development in his new role.”
Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsports: “Right from the outset of the A424 programme, Nicolas has been one of the key actors. He was the first to drive the car and contributed significantly to its development. The podium finish at Fuji is a magnificent reward for the work the whole team and him have done. Nicolas Lapierre is part of the Alpine family. In addition to his proven qualities as a driver and human being, he has gained a wealth of experience outside the car in recent years.
“Together with Philippe, it was clear to us that Nicolas could naturally bring a great deal to the team through his Sporting Director role, and we are genuinely delighted that Nicolas has accepted. He will provide a significant contribution to the team, which will be able to take another step forward.”
Here’s news on Nicolas Lapierre retirement
[Note: The story is as per press release]