Time is running out in a very real way for the Alpine Hypercar project, but the team behind the effort refuses to surrender just yet. According to Motorsport.com Italia, discussions are actively ongoing to secure a buyer and safeguard a 2027 FIA WEC entry, even after a planned takeover by Geely Group Motorsport collapsed in early October.
Following the abrupt end of talks with the Chinese automotive giant—which had been underway since the summer and were expected to be finalized after the 6 hours of Fuji in September—team principal Philippe Sinault has made it clear that backup options do exist. The squad has held discussions with other manufacturers since Alpine's withdrawal announcement in February, and interest has also arrived from the Dumarey Group. But the calendar is a brutal adversary right now, with the entry deadline for the next world championship season set for the end of November.
"Stiamo ancora lottando. Abbiamo tempo fino alla fine di questo mese per trovare una soluzione," Sinault told Motorsport.com, noting that he will dedicate every single second to finding a way forward. While an alternative path involving a return to LMP2 remains possible, or even a delayed comeback in 2028, the absolute priority for the squad remains the Hypercar category. Still, missing a season brings severe hurdles regarding the retention of engineering talent and drivers.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere back at Viry-Châtillon is tense. Following the final race at Monza where the #36 Alpine A424 driven by Jules Gounon, Frederic Makowiecki, and Victor Martins secured a podium finish, employees at the facility made their voices heard regarding the direction taken by Renault Group CEO François Provost to end the WEC LMDh adventure. Workers issued an official statement feeling betrayed by the parent company after years of investment, questioning why research and development centers are seemingly being sidelined in favor of outsourcing technologies to foreign collaborators.
Sinault noted that while the Belgian Dumarey Group has been linked to the Viry engine facility, those discussions do not include Signatech's operations. For now, the focus is entirely on the remaining days of November, hoping for a miracle that keeps the Alpine A424 on the grid where the team believes it belongs.
