Renault ceases R.S.01 Sports Trophy after two Seasons

This weekend will see the end of the road for the Renault Sports Trophy Series, Renault having pulled the plug on the Pro-Am race series featuring the Renault R.S.01 one make racer.

Despite rave reviews for the NISMO turbo V6 engined, carbon tubbed cars it seems that the level of demand from teams has not been sufficient to see the Series move into a third season.

Instead the cars will be made available for a number of other racing Series in ‘GT3’ spec, effectively making the cars rather slower with steel rather than carbon brakes and with an aero ‘brake across the rear wing supports (see below).

R.S.01s are currently racing in VdeV, 24H Series, and the Blancpain Sports Series. 50 cars were built and fewer than half are regularly raced with grids in the ELMS supporting Sports Trophy in the mid teens this season.

There is no news as yet of any proposed replacement.

Alpine confirms return to LMP2 in FIA WEC

Media reports in France have confirmed what DSC reported back at the Mexico WEC round, that Alpine will return to the FIA WEC with an LMP2 effort, again entrusting Philippe Sinault’s currently championship-leading Signatech squad with the programme.

That though has caused some controversy as it seems to have required a substantial shift in interpretation of the regulations for the new look LMP2 which initially prohibited a mainstream automotive OEM from badging either the car or the Gibson engine.

The ACO though has now confirmed that this is allowable.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Signatech effort can field a second car for 2017 with the DC Racing effort known to be in discussions with other potential teams.

No immediate plans for Alpine GT3 or GTE car

Alpine CEO Michael van der Sande recently spoke to ‘Alpine Planet’ about the potential for a GT racing programme for the soon to return marque.

He counted out though any early potential for a car aimed either at GT3 or indeed GTE/ GTLM.

“For sure, it is technically possible to create a GT car but for the time being, we are focusing on small berlinettas as it is the strength of Alpine.

“Our know-how is in producing light weight agile cars with small powerful engines capable of performances comparable to more powerful competitors. So, in summary, we would know how to build a powerful GT but it is not our focus currently.”