For the first time since the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June, the FIA World Endurance Championship returns to the Old Continent to launch its European tour. It will see it visit Imola and Spa-Francorchamps before returning to the Sarthe.

 

 

Inaugurated in 1953, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has hosted the FIA WEC since 2024. This extremely popular 4,909-metre circuit presents competitors with specific challenges. One of the few anticlockwise tracks on the calendar, Imola features heavy braking zones that test the drivers' bravery and merciless kerbs on the cars. Mistakes can be costly on this fast and narrow layout, where traffic management is crucial during the race.

 

 

The A-arrow brand has already excelled in Emilia-Romagna, notably with European Le Mans Series podium finishes in 2013 and 2014. During the 2024 edition, run in treacherous weather conditions, a chaotic start compromised the Alpine Endurance Team's efforts before they gained valuable experience just until the chequered flag.

 

 

Since the season kicked off in Losail in late February, the team has resumed its in-depth preparation for the upcoming races. After the tests immediately following the Qatar 1812 km, the A424s completed two days of testing at Imola and a 24-hour simulation at Motorland Aragón.

 

 

These tests also allowed Ferdinand Habsburg to do his first laps at Imola behind the wheel of the Hypercar after having to miss the event last year. The Austrian will team with Paul-Loup Chatin and Charles Milesi in the #35 Alpine. In the sister #36 car, Jules Gounon will return to the scene of his debut prototype race a year ago while continuing his collaboration with Mick Schumacher and Frédéric Makowiecki, who was on the podium in the 2024 edition. Together, the two crews will seek to optimise the settings of the A424 and its use of tyres to continue progressing in the highly competitive Hypercar category.

 

 

After the drivers' presentation on Thursday evening in Imola's Piazza Matteotti, the action will begin Friday with two 90-minute free practice sessions. Saturday will feature a one-hour session preceding qualifying and the Hyperpole before the French team tackles the 6 Hours of Imola, which starts Sunday at 1:00 pm.

 

 

Philippe Sinault, Team Principal Alpine Endurance Team
"Imola is a demanding and unique circuit compared to the others on the calendar. This track did not particularly favour us last year. This week is, therefore, an important event as we are returning better prepared, better equipped, and with the determination to confirm and consolidate the progress we have made over the past year. The tests provided us with many answers, particularly regarding one of the specific features of Imola: incorporating some kerbs as an integral part of the racing line. We are approaching this weekend, of course, with the desire to meet our level of performance, which we were unable to do in Qatar, but also to continue to progress in our performance development and execution."

 

 

6 Hours of Imola – Timetable (CEST)


Friday 18 April
11:15-12:45: Free Practice 1
16:00-17:30: Free Practice 2


Saturday 19 April
10:40-11:40: Free Practice 3
15:10-15:22: Hypercar Qualifying
15:30-15:40: Hypercar Hyperpole


Sunday 20 April
13:00-19:00: 6 Hours of Imola