The Signatech-Alpine team is aiming its sights high this year, with a podium at Le Mans and the 2014 European Le Mans Series title their aims for 2014.
The team, who have Oliver Webb, Nelson Panciatici and Paul-Loup Chatin as drivers this year, returned to racing in 2013 with Alpine and instantly came back with a bang by winning the 2013 ELMS title with Panciatici and Pierre Ragues.
“Since winning the ELMS trophy, all I want to do is win more races. We are determined to defend our titles and also perform well at Le Mans. Paul-Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb are both very strong drivers,” said Panctiaici.
Chatin last season won the LMPC title in the ELMS alongside Gary Hirsch and was shown to be the revelation of the 2013 season, whilst also serving as Signatch’s ‘Junior Driver.’
“It’s another step up the ladder,” said Chatin. “Moving to Signatech-Alpine was something of a gamble, but the titles it won in 2013 are proof that the project was built on solid foundations. The objective now is to continue the upward curve. It will be up to us to match the team’s ambitions.”
But, unlike last season, a British driver will be in the Alpine A450, with Webb joining the team after finishing 15th in the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series for Fortec Racing. “This will be a new adventure for me. I like the spirit you find in endurance racing and I am also drawn by the idea of team racing,” said Webb.
“Driving for Signatech-Alpine is the ideal way for me to cut my teeth in the discipline. Alpine is part of the automobile industry’s heritage and is strongly associated with Le Mans. We have already started working together and I find the team to be extremely professional, friendly and bonded. There’s a great atmosphere and that has certainly contributed to the results it has racked up to date.”
The public will see the Alpine A450 for the first time in 2014 at the ELMS pre-season test at Paul Ricard on April 1-2.
