Frederic Makowiecki, a long-timer at Porsche, has joined the Alpine Endurance Team for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign.
Alpine has confirmed their six drivers for their second FIA WEC season with their A424 Hypercar package.
The Frenchman ended his long partnership with Porsche at the 8 Hours of Bahrain season finale, now entering his 12th WEC season.
Mick Schumacher has also chosen to continue his sportscar efforts with Alpine after departing his reserve role at Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team.
Their reserve driver last year, Jules Gounon, will compete in a full-time season after his four race outings in the 2024 campaign.
Five drivers will effectively continue from last year with Makowiecki joining the squad for the first time.
“I am extremely proud as a French driver,” said Makowiecki.
“It’s something special to represent a French manufacturer in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the possibility of aiming for an overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially as Alpine has a vibrant motorsport history.
“I truly liked the team’s approach and development.
“Alpine improved and excelled in its first season against very tough competition.
“I’m joining humbly, but I want to contribute to the team significantly.
“Doing everything better than everyone else will be crucial if we are to get over the final hurdles, and I’m already looking forward to Qatar.”
Makowiecki will take on his third WEC season driving a prototype sportscar package, with his years beforehand driven in GTE Pro competition.
Schumacher as a key asset
Schumacher conducted his first ever season in sportscar racing last year and showcased himself as one of the fastest drivers.
At the penultimate Fuji Speedway round, Schumacher played a significant part in earning Alpine’s first podium finish.
His F1 dream remains alive albeit further away as he can now fully focus on his sportscar efforts.
He said: “We had a great first year together, and I am determined to help ensure that the performance of the program is even better in the second year.
“We have defined a few points where we want to attack, so I’m really looking forward to my second endurance season.”
Bruno Famin, Vice-president of Alpine Motorsports, said: “Each [driver] brings a unique potential, with a single ambition: to improve the team and the A424 as much as possible.
“We have built a strong, close-knit group to build on the foundations of our first campaign, and the commitment of our drivers, coupled with their talent, will allow us to rise to the challenges that await us in the 2025 season.”
Alpine will confirm which drivers will be allocated to which of their two A424s when the 2025 season approaches.
READ MORE: WEC releases 2025 provisional entry list featuring newcomers
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