Alpine F1 Team officially heralded its new era by virtually launching its first-ever entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. 2021 competitor, the A521, boasts a striking livery of blue, white and red which is synonymous with Alpine’s heritage and pedigree in motorsport. The car will be powered by the Renault E-Tech 20B 1.6L V6 engine power unit, designed and developed in Viry-Châtillon, marking 45 years of unbroken 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 in response to the global pandemic, the main structural elements of the A521 are a carry-over from last season. However, we have developed and improved every part that has not been homologated, especially the back of the car where additional changes to the Aerodynamic regulations were imposed by the FIA.
Luca De Meo, CEO Groupe Renault: “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 1. 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.”
The team will be spearheaded 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 with Esteban Ocon at a filming day at Silverstone Circuit, two weeks ahead of official pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Laurent Rossi: “Today we are proud to present Alpine F1 Team’s first-ever Formula 1 car that will compete in the 2021 championship. This is an important milestone for Alpine, as it positions itself as the brand at the forefront of Groupe Renault’s innovation. Alpine naturally finds its place in the high standards, prestige and performance of Formula 1 and we’re eagerly anticipating the debut of the A521 piloted by our drivers, two-time Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. This year our objective is clear, to continue the momentum that was garnered last year and fight for podiums. Our long-term vision is to see the Alpine name on the top step of the podium in Formula 1. Motorsports is in our DNA and now is the time for Alpine colours to race and compete in the pinnacle of motor racing in Formula 1.”
