Alpine F1 Team officially celebrates a new era today by virtually launching its first ever entry into the FIA Formula One World Championship.
This year’s car, the A521, boasts a striking blue, white and red livery, synonymous with Alpine’s motorsport pedigree and sports car heritage. The car will be powered by the Renault E-TECH 20B 1.6-litre V6 engine, designed and developed in Viry-Châtillon, marking 45 consecutive years of F1 activity for the French car manufacturer.
The A521 is an evolution of the R.S.20, which competed in the 2020 championship. In line with the regulatory changes agreed last year in response to the global pandemic, the main structural elements of the A521 are carried over from last season.
However, Alpine has developed and improved every part that has not been homologated, particularly the rear of the car where additional changes have been made as a result of aerodynamic regulations introduced by the FIA.
Luca De Meo, CEO Groupe Renault said: “It is a true joy to see the powerful, vibrant Alpine name on a Formula One car. New colours, new managing team, ambitious plans: it’s a new beginning, building on a 40-year history. We’ll combine Alpine’s values of authenticity, elegance and audacity with our in-house engineering & chassis expertise.
“That’s the beauty of racing as a works team in Formula One. We will compete against the biggest names, for spectacular car races made and followed by cheering enthusiasts. I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Alpine F1 Team’s first challenger will be handed to drivers Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso. Fernando returns to Formula One following a two-year break, taking the seat in a car directly linked to the Renault F1 Team with which he claimed his two Formula One World Drivers’ Championships in 2005 and 2006.
Esteban – who enters his second year with the team – will look to build on a strong 2020 campaign which saw the 24-year-old score his first ever podium in Formula One at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. He begins his fourth full season in the sport since making his debut in August 2016.
The team will be headed up by the new leadership trio of Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi, Executive Director Marcin Budkowski and Racing Director Davide Brivio.
Leading the technical teams at Enstone and Viry respectively will continue to be Pat Fry, Chassis Technical Director and Rémi Taffin, Engine Technical Director.
Alpine Academy driver Guanyu Zhou continues in his role as the team’s Test Driver, alongside competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for UNI-Virtuosi.
The first ever Alpine F1 Team car will make its on track debut tomorrow, 3 March 2021, with Esteban Ocon at a filming day at Silverstone Circuit, two weeks ahead of official pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.
