Esteban Ocon will drive the Alpine 110S in WRC opener in Monte Carlo, as McLaren collaborates with fashion company, R H U D E.
In line with Groupe Renault’s push to expand its brand, Alpine, in motor racing world, F1 driver Ocon will make his WRC debut this weekend in Rallye Monte Carlo driving the 110S model. He last drove that car during the Eifel GP at Nordschleife.
Ocon will drive a blue-liveried #31 Alpine 110S in two opening special stages. He will also be driving during the morning shakedown in the official VIP course car on Thursday morning. “Monte-Carlo for the first time,” said the Frenchman.
“It’s a legendary event, a jewel in the calendar of motorsport and I know how special being part of it will be. I’m looking forward to driving the beautiful Alpine A110S. I had my first taste of the A110 in October with three laps of the Nordschleife.
“It was great that day; very comfortable and agile to drive. It’s born for this kind of challenge with the tight hairpins and mountain passes. Rallying has actually always been a dream for me, so driving the A110S in Monte-Carlo is a brilliant way to begin the year.”
While Ocon gets a limited run, Alpine is entering in the RGT class with Cedric Robert, Emmanuel Guigou, Philippe Baffoun, Pierre Ragues and Raphael Astier – all driving the 110S model. The manufacturer also has drivers entering with Renault Clio car.
Staying with F1 related news, McLaren announced a collaboration with luxury fashion brand, R H U D E, based out of Los Angeles in America. The partnership will see the company produce exclusive summer collection throughout the 2021 season.
The collection aims to reimagine powerful stories and iconography of McLaren’s F1 history. It also wishes to pay homage to founder and racing legend, Bruce McLaren. Its first collection will feature in the 2021 Paris Fashion Week.
Rhuigi Villasenor, Founder & Creative Director, R H U D E said: “My team and I at R H U D E couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration with McLaren — it’s a dream project. This collection will pay homage to Bruce McLaren and the iconic history of the McLaren F1 team. Inspired by the iconic paddock fashion worn by Formula 1 legends throughout history, the R H U D E x McLaren collaboration will reimagine the sport and modern luxury into an innovative and progressive collection.”
Ben Priest, Senior Vice President, Partnership Development – Americas, McLaren Racing, added: “McLaren Racing’s collaboration with R H U D E is an exciting step as we continue to engage a global fanbase. R H U D E has a finger on the pulse of culture & lifestyle in America, and we’re delighted to collaborate with Rhuigi as he draws inspiration from our iconic brand history and reimagines trackside style for this set of collections.”
New McLaren signing Daniel Ricciardo has already started the promotion work with R H U D E in America after the Australian posted photos on his social media. Here’s a video from the company showing its collection: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPU0Afjmkr/
Here’s Andreas Seidl on McLaren integrating with Mercedes
Here’s news on McLaren having Formula E option
Here’s news on McLaren Papaya Laurels scheme
Here’s Alpine announcing Davide Brivio
Here’s interim F1 livery of Alpine
