French carmaker Alpine has announced its plans to take on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later this year in an A110 GT4 Evo.
The legendary time attack held in the United States is one of the country’s longest running motorsport events and has seen drivers such as New Zealander Rod Millen tackle the mountain’s 19.93km climb in search of the fastest time.
Today, we hear of a new competitor in the form of Alpine which will enter the event for the first time ever.
The carmaker will make use of a modified A110 GT4 Evo which features a suite of new aerodynamic components to help keep it stuck to the ground.
Engine modifications have also taken place while the car will retain its usual two-wheel drive layout and compete in the Time Attack 1 category.
Alpine has chosen experienced Pikes Peak driver Raphaël Astier to steer its maiden run up the course. The company is in good hands too considering he won the 2022 FIA R-GT Cup in an A110 Rally and has previously set a Pikes Peak record in his third time attending the event.
“Pikes Peak is a legendary race that I have always dreamed about, and I am thrilled to return there for the fifth time in my career,” said Raphaël Astier.
“It is an honour to be part of this adventure initiated by Alpine and Signatech after two years of competition with the Alpine A110 Rally. I am extremely proud to be the driver chosen for this programme and I look forward to bringing all my experience and knowledge to the brand’s first-ever Pikes Peak participation.
“While winning the overall classification is not the target, I am confident our A110 GT4 Evo will perform well in its class, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve in this first attempt!”
Alpine will make its Pikes Peak International Hill Climb debut on 25 June, 2023.
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