Full Breakdown
Alpine Secures Historic Victory at the 6 Hours of Fuji
9/29/2025, 9:02:29 PM
Alpine's Milestone Win
Alpine Endurance Team achieved a significant milestone by winning the 6 Hours of Fuji, marking their first victory with the A424 LMDh car and the 100th race in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The #35 car, driven by Charles Milesi, Paul-Loup Chatin, and Ferdinand Habsburg, started from ninth on the 18-car Hypercar grid. The race was characterized by multiple safety car interventions and Full Course Yellows, which played a crucial role in the outcome.
Strategic Mastery
The victory was largely attributed to Alpine's strategic decisions during the race. After initially falling back due to penalties for contact with the #8 Toyota GR010 and a pit-stop infringement, the team capitalized on a safety car period that allowed them to gain positions. A pivotal moment occurred during the final pit stops when Milesi opted to change only two tires instead of four, allowing him to leap from third to first. This strategic gamble paid off, as he built a lead of nearly eight seconds over the second-placed #93 Peugeot 9X8, driven by Mikkel Jensen, who finished just 7.6 seconds behind.
Competitors and Challenges
Alpine's win came amidst fierce competition. The #93 Peugeot and the #6 Porsche 963, driven by reigning world champion Kévin Estre, were strong contenders throughout the race. The Porsche team faced a setback with a five-second penalty for a pit stop infringement, which ultimately hindered their chances of victory. Ferrari, despite leading the championship standings, struggled significantly, with their entries finishing in 11th and 13th places, far from the podium.
Official Statements & Responses
Philippe Sinault, Alpine's Team Principal, expressed his elation, stating, “We knew it was going to be difficult to overtake on track, so we decided to do it differently than the others on tyre strategy. It was perfect, we got in front, had a faster warm-up and managed the gap.” The emotional victory was a testament to the team's resilience after a challenging season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebration, the race highlighted the challenges faced by other teams, particularly Ferrari, which was expected to perform better. Giuliano Salvi, Ferrari’s race and test team manager, expressed frustration over penalties that affected their race, indicating a need for internal review regarding track limits.
What's Next for Alpine
Looking ahead, Alpine aims to maintain momentum as they prepare for the season finale in Bahrain from November 6-8. The team will analyze data from the Fuji race to refine their strategies and performance. This victory not only boosts Alpine's confidence but also positions them as serious contenders in the championship, with the potential for increased sponsorship and fan engagement.
Conclusion
Alpine's triumph at the 6 Hours of Fuji represents a turning point in their endurance racing journey. With a solid foundation now established, the team is poised to build on this success and continue competing at a high level in the World Endurance Championship.
