Philippe Sinault believes he “has done the race in LMP2”
Alpine had a disappointing 24 Hours of Le Mans due to mechanical issues, but more importantly, they were at a disadvantage due to an unfavorable BoP (Balance of Performance).
It is in 23rd place that the French team completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Far behind the Glickenhaus and Toyota, who once again dominated in the Sarthe. However, before the start, team director Philippe Sinault seemed confident, especially after the hyperpole session that allowed Alpine to set the third fastest time.
Except that in the meantime, the Balance of Performance (BoP) has been readjusted (11 kW removed) and greatly penalized the team based in Bourges, and they paid for it throughout the race. The new BoP placed us in a position we didn’t imagine. But these are the rules. We discussed it, we fought a bit, but the legislators arrived at this new definition that we found to be a bit harsh. The facts proved it. On the straight line, we were fighting with the LMP2 cars and couldn’t get out of the traffic. We ended up racing in the LMP2 class, he told our colleagues at the Berry Républicain.
Philippe Sinault puts things into perspective.
Alpine also had a stroke of bad luck during the race with gearbox issues as well as a track exit after Matthieu Vaxivière attempted to overtake a Porsche from the LMGTE AM category, which was slower than the hypercar. “The Porsche didn’t see me, I went safely on the outside like I did 200 times throughout the race,” explains Vaxiviere. “She didn’t see me, there was an LMP2 on her right, she moved, it was either I hit her or I tried to get out of the situation; in both cases, I was screwed,” commented the driver who was in the Alpine at the time of the incident.
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However, the head of Alpine wants to put things into perspective and remains satisfied with finishing the race. It is important to find the positive in this race. First of all, when you finish Le Mans, you don’t have the right to be upset. Furthermore, the team did a great job, which was rewarded with a prize. And what happened deserves to put things in their place. Le Mans remains an incredible challenge to pursue. We were not ready. The Old Lady made us understand that we need to work a little more, so we will keep working.
