Following Test Day, Alpine Endurance Team has focused on analysing the data collected on Sunday before returning to the track for the first official free practice sessions. From Wednesday onwards, the team began its programme aimed at fine-tuning the Alpine A424's setup whilst continuing to check the various systems and mechanical components.
The end of FP1 was marked by a minor off for Frédéric Makowiecki coming out of the Esses de la Forêt. The mechanics' quick response and efficiency enabled the French team to field both of their Hypercars in qualifying practice. Ferdinand Habsburg (#35) and Frédéric Makowiecki (#36) were tasked with the session, in which only the top 15 drivers advanced to Hyperpole 1. Aggressive and focused, the Austrian stood out with the best time of 3m23.135s whilst his team-mate finished tenth.
At dusk, Alpine Endurance Team completed its first night session of the week in FP2. The six drivers continued their thorough preparation whilst gradually getting to grips with driving in the dark, particularly Victor Martins, who was driving in these conditions at Le Mans for the first time.
On Thursday afternoon, the FP3 session was spent studying long stints and analysing the Michelin tyres ahead of a qualifying simulation. A few hours later, Charles Milesi and Jules Gounon took to the track again for Hyperpole 1. Jules Gounon saw his final attempt compromised by a rival, but was able to provide a slipstream for Charles Milesi, who put the #35 car atop the table with a time of 3m23.018s. In 13th place, Jules Gounon missed out on Hyperpole 2 by just 0.131s.
In accordance with this year's new regulations, the third member of each crew qualified for Hyperpole 2 took to the track. Shod with soft tyres, António Félix da Costa completed his first two laps in 3m25.083s and 3m23.854s before finishing his session in 3m23.620s to lift the #35 car to third place on the grid.
The day ended with the last free practice session, during which the two crews fine-tuned and validated their final adjustments ahead of the race. This Friday, the drivers will be in the city centre of Le Mans for the traditional parade. The next track session will take place at midday on Saturday for the warm-up, ahead of the start of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at 4:00 pm.
Crew #35
António Félix da Costa
āWe definitely can fight from third on the grid. This week, we've focused on our race pace, which, as always, will be crucial, no matter the conditions. It's always incredible to take part in a Hypercar session at Le Mans, with just ten cars on track. I was lacking a bit of preparation as it had been a few years since I'd last been here in a Hypercar, so I'm pleased with this result, and I think the race will be really fun to watch.ā
Charles Milesi
āThe practice sessions allowed us to move forward despite some challenging conditions at times. We completed our programme and validated key aspects regarding the tyres, giving us a clearer picture for our race strategy. Qualifying also went well, and third place is a positive result for the entire team. Now, all our focus is on the race, where it will be crucial to keep avoiding mistakes and perfecting every detail. We know it will be a very close battle, but I'm sure we have the pace to be in contention if we put in a clean race.ā
Ferdinand Habsburg
āI had a brilliant time in qualifying and enjoyed every moment. Le Mans has a special magic about it. From my first run, I thought it was incredible. The team helped me prepare for qualifying in the best possible conditions and with a good setup. Finishing top of the timesheets in a session where everyone gave their all was really satisfying. We then continued our preparations for the race by evaluating several options and fine-tuning the car's balance on used tyres. I knew Charles and António would do an excellent job, and our focus is now on this weekend.ā
Crew #36
Frédéric Makowiecki
āWe had some ground to make up after the puncture and my small mistake at the end of Free Practice 1. The team did an excellent job of getting us back on track, and we achieved our first target: qualifying for Hyperpole 1. We just missed out on Hyperpole 2, but we know that qualifying is of only relative importance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We're heading in the right direction; we've clearly improved, and there's still room for improvement. I'm therefore confident that we'll have a strong package for the race.ā
Jules Gounon
āThe team did an excellent job, particularly after Free Practice 1, so well done to everyone for their quick response, which enabled us to reach Hyperpole 1. For my part, I'm a bit frustrated as I was held up in traffic during my final attempt, but that's all part of the game. I tried to help the sister car by giving it a slipstream on both straights to maximise our chances of getting an Alpine A424 into Hyperpole 2. We succeeded, and I'm delighted. We're now focusing on what comes next, and we'll try to have a good race from 13th on the grid.ā
Victor Martins
āDriving at night at Le Mans is an incredible experience. I really enjoyed it right from my first few laps and quickly felt comfortable. The track remains demanding, with plenty of challenges, particularly in sections where visibility varies widely. You have to remain constantly focused and anticipate well. Between the slow zones, yellow flags and the various light sources on the track, it's never easy to take everything in at once, and you have to adapt constantly. We'll be starting from 13th place, but we've got a long race ahead of us. Everything is still to play for, and I feel ready.ā
Management
Nicolas Lapierre, Sporting Director Alpine Endurance Team
āThe team has done a good job, and we are pleased with our performance. We are a little disappointed for the #36 car, which narrowly missed out on Hyperpole 2. Tiny details can make all the difference in such a tight field, and the traffic on Jules's final lap prevented him from improving his time. Despite this, there are many positives. We have a solid pace, the drivers have been flawless, and we've proved our potential by finishing top of the timesheets in two of the three qualifying sessions. We are in the fight. Most importantly, we've also completed our programme without making any mistakes. The gaps are extremely narrow, and we're expecting an incredibly intense and close battle all weekend long.ā
Philippe Sinault, Team Principal Alpine Endurance Team
āThe start of the week has been satisfying. The qualifying format introduced this year is particularly interesting, as it includes all three drivers from each crew. It was a tricky task for António, who isn't used to driving in qualifying on soft tyres, but he did very well. Jules was just over a tenth of a second short of making it into Hyperpole 2. That's frustrating, especially as Victor wasn't able to show what he can do, but the main thing is elsewhere. Third on the grid is a great position, and we have a competitive race car and drivers who are just as competitive, as demonstrated by two fastest times across the three sessions. All that remains now is to fine-tune the final details before the start on Saturday afternoon.ā
Axel Plasse, VP Alpine Tech
āWe can be reasonably happy with our performance in qualifying. The car showed its potential again and confirmed a steady improvement since the Test Day last Sunday. There is also a very positive momentum within the team. Everyone is united in this close-knit team, working towards the same goal, with a great mindset to achieve something good in the race.ā
CLASSIFICATIONS
Free Practice 1
5. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m26.078s (34 laps)
12. Alpine Endurance Team #36 3m26.749s (38 laps)
Qualifying practice
1. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m23.135s (8 laps)
10. Alpine Endurance Team #36 3m23.960s (8 laps)
Free Practice 2
4. Alpine Endurance Team #36 3m26.417s (29 laps)
13. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m27.545s (28 laps)
Free Practice 3
2. Alpine Endurance Team #36 3m23.725s (41 laps)
7. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m24.287s (40 laps)
Hyperpole 1
1. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m23.018s (6 laps)
13. Alpine Endurance Team #36 3m24.122s (6 laps)
Hyperpole 2
3. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m23.620s (5 laps)
Free Practice 4
5. Alpine Endurance Team #35 3m27.335s (14 laps)
12. Alpine Endurance Team #36 3m28.462s (14 laps)
Timetable (CEST)
Friday 12 June
16:00-19:00: Drivers' parade Le Mans city centre
Saturday 13 June
12:00-12:15: Warm-up
16:00: Start of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Sunday 14 June
16:00: Finish of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
