Seasoned endurance racing driver Fred Makowiecki has officially joined the Alpine Hypercar lineup for the 2025 FIA WEC season.
The announcement, made on November 28, 2024, signifies a new chapter for both Makowiecki and Alpine as they aim to enhance their competitiveness in the prestigious Hypercar category.
The French driver transitions to Alpine Hypercar lineup after an impressive eleven-year career with Porsche, where he established himself as a formidable force in the sport.
Fred Makowiecki’s move comes on the heels of a successful season with Porsche Penske Motorsport, where he secured four podium finishes and concluded the year fifth in the overall standings.
The Frenchman, known affectionately as “Mako,” brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in endurance racing, having achieved four podium finishes last season while competing with Porsche Penske Motorsport.
His experience in the Hypercar class, combined with a rich background in GT racing, positions him as a valuable addition to the Alpine Hypercar lineup as the team aims to improve upon its fourth-place finish in the Manufacturers’ Championship during their inaugural season with the A424 prototype
“I am extremely proud as a French driver,“ Fred Makowiecki said. “It’s something special to represent a French manufacturer in the 2025 FIA WEC 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 the Alpine Hypercar lineup 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!”
Also confirmed in the Alpine Hypercar lineup for 2025 FIA WEC is Jules Gounon, who served as the team’s reserve driver last year and will now take on a full-time role for the upcoming season.
Gounon had previously participated in several races, achieving notable results including a fourth-place finish in Bahrain. His promotion reflects Alpine’s commitment to nurturing talent within the team while maintaining continuity with experienced drivers.
“I’m going into the 2025 FIA WEC season in a very positive frame of mind,“ Jules Gounon said. “It will be my first full campaign as part of the Alpine Hypercar lineup, having been a reserve driver in 2024.
“I was able to contest four races, but I’m genuinely happy to become a full-time driver thanks to Alpine’s confidence. It’s a close-knit team.
“There is close collaboration among everyone and excellent understanding between all the drivers, which allows the whole team to work well and move forward together.”
Alongside Fred Makowiecki and Jules Gounon, the team will retain Charles Milesi, Paul-Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Mick Schumacher for the 2025 campaign.
Alpine’s strategic decision to maintain five drivers from the previous season underscores their focus on stability and collaboration.
“It is with great pleasure to announce the Alpine Hypercar lineup which will defend the team’s colours in next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship,“ Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsports, said.
“We have selected talented drivers who are not only fast but also have an exemplary analytical capacity and mindset. We are well acquainted with Charles Milesi, Paul-Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg and Mick Schumacher, all fully committed to the project.
“Our reserve driver, Jules Gounon, will become a full time driver after preparing for this role over the past year. As for Fred Makowiecki, his experience, feedback, and race craft will all be assets that will bolster our progress.
“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 FIA WEC season.”
The Alpine Endurance Team made a huge leap during their inaugural season with the A424 prototype which culminated to a fourth-place finish in the Manufacturers’ Championship.
Their performance was highlighted by a series of strong finishes towards the end of the 2024 season, including their first podium at Fuji.
As preparations for the 2025 FIA WEC season ramp up, Alpine looks to refine their strategies and boost car performance ahead of the season opener in Qatar on February 28.
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