Signatech Alpine Evaluating Asian LMS Program

Photo: John Dagys

The Asian Le Mans Series has continued to gain traction, with one of Europe’s leading prototype squads evaluating an expansion to the championship. (En Français)

Signatech Alpine team principal Philippe Sinault has revealed that its Alpine A450b Nissan, fresh off LMP2 class victory in last weekend’s FIA WEC round in Shanghai, could find a permanent home in Asia for the 2016/2017 season.

“To run in a second championship in 2016 is one of the considerations,” Sinault told Endurance-Info. “It works primarily for FIA WEC, where the plan is to run a new car, which will be [badged] Alpine.

“In parallel, the Asian Le Mans Series is a path to pursue the career of the Alpine A450b. The platform makes sense for Alpine. We should know more by the end of November.”

The French squad, which is planning a return to the WEC, is understood to have purchased an Oreca 05 chassis, which like its current car, will be rebadged to an Alpine model for next year.

Both Nelson Panciatici and Paul Loup Chatin are expected to return to the program in 2016.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John