Alpine A424 testing continues
Alpine has completed its third track test with the A424, this time at Jerez. The car ran in a new blue livery and was driven by Alpine regulars Charles Milesi, André Negrão and Nicolas Lapierre, as well as newcomer Mick Schumacher.
During the three days of running in Spain, the car completed more than 1,200 km in changeable conditions as the team continued to work on the car’s aero, onboard systems and tyre wear and performance ahead of its wind tunnel tests and homologation.
Next up for the team is a return to Motorland Aragon next month for day and night endurance testing, before the team heads to Portimao for its final planned 2023 track test.
“Overall, we are satisfied with our tests in Jerez,” said Philippe Sinault, Alpine Endurance Team Principal. “Despite the ever-changing weather conditions, we found the right running windows to optimise track time and keep improving the car.
“We made significant progress, particularly in aerodynamics, onboard systems, headlight settings and other essential lighting for night runs. These tests were also crucial for the teams, who have to learn to work together, and we were able to put in a little more practice in what were sometimes extremely challenging conditions over these three days.
“This is another step towards the forthcoming challenges, particularly in terms of regulations. The pressure is mounting by the minute, but we’re moving forward calmly, well aware of the road we still have to travel.”
Isotta Fraschini tests at Imola
The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH Competizione was out testing at Imola for the first time last week. The car was driven by regulars Jean Karl Vernay and Marco Bonanomi, who put the car through its paces in wet and dry conditions.
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Gulf 12 Livery
Tsunami RT has revealed a stunning new livery for its Gulf 12 Hours-bound Porsche.
How’s this for a livery? @Tsunami_RT have sent us a sneak peak of their livery for the 2023 Gulf 12 Hours. #Gulf12Hours – // pic.twitter.com/D3MEQGLtOx
— Gulf 12 Hours (@gulf12hours) October 29, 2023
Owega and Seppänen crowned ADAC GT champions
While DSC was on event in Portimao the 2023 ADAC GT Masters season came to close at Hockenheim. There, Mercedes duo Salman Owega and Elias Seppänen celebrated a title win with their team Landgraf Motorsport after finishing third in the final race of the season.
Their title win is significant, as 18-year-old Owega and 19-year-old Seppänen are the youngest title-winning duo in the history of the ADAC’s GT series. Landgraf Motorsport also became the first team in the history of the ADAC GT Masters to successfully defend the Drivers title.
Hubert Haupt’s HRT outfit also won the Team Championship with a 1-2 finish in the season finale.
Unfortunately, in some ways, the 2023 GT Masters campaign was one to forget for the ADAC in terms of entry numbers and interest. ADAC’s recent takeover of DTM caused a substantial drop in grid sizes for GT Masters this year. In order for GT Masters to survive and thrive in the future a major re-think is required.
Part of ADAC’s solution has already been revealed, as a new ‘Road to DTM’ initiative has been launched.
This new programme will enable the ADAC to help young drivers climb the ladder through ADAC GT4 Germany and GT Masters going forward, with the hope of attracting a greater number of aspirant drivers to DTM’s feeder series.
Going forward the most successful youngster from the ADAC GT Masters will receive a starting spot in the DTM 2025. Meanwhile, the best young driver from the ADAC GT4 Germany will be rewarded with a seat in the ADAC GT Masters 2025.
Introducing the 499P Modificata & 296 Challenge
Ferrari has released a pair of videos introducing the new 499P Modificata track day only hypercar and its 296 Challenge, which were formally revealed last weekend at Mugello.
Imgges courtesy of Alpine and ADAC
