The Alpine A110 Rally is poised to enter into the FIA World Rally Championship Japan, representing a cultural homage with its unique dragon-inspired livery.
Since its launch in 2020, the Alpine A110 Rally has swiftly risen through the ranks, amassing a range of accolades including two FIA R-GT Cups, three FFSA French Two-Wheel Drive Rally Championships, and a Spanish Tarmac Rally Cup. Its impressive track record encompasses 46 outright victories and 162 podium finishes. The upcoming WRC Japan event stands as a milestone, marking the Alpine A110 Rally's first foray beyond European soil.
In the world of rallying, the Alpine A110 has become synonymous with innovation and performance. Its entry into the 2024 Rally Japan, also known as the FORUM8 Rally Japan 2024, signals the climax of the 2024 World Rally Championship circuit.
Set to take place from November 21 to 24, this event is staged on the challenging tarmac surfaces of Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, encompassing 21 special stages that stretch over a competitive distance of 302.59 kilometers. The excitement culminates at the Toyota Stadium, anchoring the rally within a location steeped in automotive history.
The team behind this monumental effort, Chazel Technologie Course, enters the Alpine A110 Rally with Belgian driver Armand Fumal and French co-driver Jules Escartefigue. This pairing has already demonstrated their mettle by clinching victories in the R-GT class at the Central European Rally over the past two years and securing a third-place finish in the 2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo.
But taking center stage is the Alpine A110 Rally's distinctive Japanese-inspired dragon livery. This design not only looks amazing, but serves as a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Japan, with a mission to foster deeper community ties. The event will see Alpine actively engaging with both press and enthusiasts, including a display of the A110 at the Toyota Stadium service park.
In anticipation of the event, Armand Fumal shared his expectations via a press release sent to Newsweek Sports:
"After Monte Carlo and Central Europe, Japan completes the tarmac journey of the WRC calendar. The Alpine A110 Rally is unique. It catches the eye everywhere and stands out from its competitors. There is a genuine buzz around the car in the service parks and on the stages.
"We expect that to be the case again this week, where there will be a crowd of real enthusiasts. We were keen to honour Japanese culture, so we've chosen to boast a livery and racing suits reflecting it. I want to thank all our partners who made this project possible and the job Louis Chazel has done over the last year with WRC Promoter and Alpine Japan.
"From a racing point of view, we'll do our best to shine in the two-wheel drive category!"
Louis Chazel, the team manager of Chazel Technologie Course, expressed his anticipation for this groundbreaking event:
"It's an honour for us to take the Alpine A110 Rally to Japan for the first time. We're all aware of the public's enthusiasm for the brand so this participation will be a highlight for us all. Armand, Jules, and I know this adventure poses challenges, particularly with the often changeable and tricky weather conditions.
"Still, we look forward to this unique experience and to show what the A110 can do on these roads."
Nathan Matsuzaki, Alpine Cars Territory Manager, elaborated on the cultural resonance of this event:
"We want to warmly thank Chazel Technologie Course for its involvement with Armand Fumal and Jules Escartefigue, as their presence at the event will provide a unique and authentic Alpine experience to Japanese customers and journalists.
"The Berlinette's rally exploits in the 1970s resonate strongly in Japan too, so to see its modern reincarnation racing on Japanese roads will be a great moment for all of the brand's Japanese fans."
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