Category Archives: Motorsport

Motorsport

Alpine Unleashes Rally-Ready A290: An Electric Hot Hatch Built for the Stages

Alpine has unveiled a competition-spec evolution of its upcoming A290 electric hot hatch — the A290 Rallye — purpose-built to take on the rigors of stage rallying and set to debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Based on the retro-inspired Renault 5 platform, the A290 Rallye takes the standard EV’s playful urban spirit and transforms it into a hardcore rally contender. Priced from €59,990 (around £52,000 excluding VAT), this motorsport-ready machine is more than just a visual makeover — it’s a comprehensive performance overhaul.

Gone is the everyday usability of the road-going model. In its place: a stripped-out cabin, bucket seats, a full roll cage, and essential rally controls. This weight-saving approach is paired with a host of mechanical upgrades aimed at turning the front-wheel-drive A290 into a serious rally weapon.

Under the skin, the A290 Rallye retains its 217 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, but power delivery has been refined with a limited-slip differential, new reduction gearing, and updated control software for optimal traction across loose surfaces.

To heighten the sensory spectacle for fans lining the stages, Alpine has also fitted an external speaker — a novel solution for the otherwise near-silent electric drivetrain. The result: instant torque meets audible drama.

Braking performance has received special attention, with the front discs increased to 350mm (up from 320mm) and paired with six-piston calipers. Interestingly, the rear discs are slightly smaller than the standard model’s, now measuring 280mm, further fine-tuning the car’s braking balance for stage driving. A hydraulic handbrake has been added as well — a must-have for tight hairpins and aggressive cornering.

The A290 Rallye rides on rugged ALP Racing Suspension dampers, tailored to absorb the punishment of gravel and tarmac alike. Completing the setup are 18-inch Evo Corse wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires, ensuring maximum grip and durability.

Alpine’s ambitions for the A290 Rallye go beyond a one-off showpiece. The brand plans to launch a one-make rally series, offering factory support and charging infrastructure to participating teams — a bold move that signals Alpine’s commitment to carving out a future for electric motorsport.

As the A290 Rallye prepares to tackle the famous Goodwood hillclimb, it does so as a symbol of Alpine’s electric reinvention — combining heritage, innovation, and raw rally DNA in one fiercely compact package.

Source: Alpine

Motorsport

Ferrari 499P Ready for São Paulo Showdown

A legendary venue steeped in motorsport heritage, São Paulo’s Interlagos circuit is gearing up to host the fifth round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Returning to Brazil, Ferrari will once again unleash the 499P Hypercars, aiming to capitalize on the valuable data and insights gained during last year’s visit to this unique and technically demanding track.

Miguel Molina, part of the driving trio behind the No. 50 Ferrari 499P alongside Antonio Fuoco and Nicklas Nielsen, emphasized the importance of experience at this particular venue. “We return to Interlagos for the second time with our 499Ps, and the experience gained last year will be useful for this race,” noted the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.

At just 4.309 kilometers in length and comprising 15 corners—ten of which are left-handers—Interlagos stands out as the shortest circuit on the WEC calendar. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with complexity. The track’s iconic and compact layout, especially in sectors two and three, demands not only mechanical grip and car balance but also precise traffic management—critical in multi-class endurance racing.

“The main straight is one of the few areas where overtaking is relatively straightforward,” explained Molina. The stretch launches cars into the legendary “Senna S,” a complex combination of corners that immediately challenges braking stability and throttle control. This section leads into Turn 3, a high-speed corner taken flat-out, which flows into a secondary straight—another prime opportunity to overtake, particularly under hard braking into Turn 4.

Sector two introduces a new rhythm altogether. “Turn 5 is one of the fastest on the circuit but also extremely slippery,” Molina said. “It requires absolute concentration to maintain the right line.” From there, the track becomes more technical and slower-paced. Cornering becomes more intricate, and the margin for error shrinks. Managing tire wear and braking efficiency is key, especially through Turn 8, the slowest corner of the circuit, which ironically offers a strategic overtaking spot—particularly when lapping GT traffic.

The final sector presents a different challenge altogether. Drivers must navigate a sequence of bends leading into the famous uphill run to the finish line. “It’s vital to approach the uphill run to the finish as cleanly as possible,” Molina added. “Choosing the perfect line is essential to avoid losing valuable tenths and to complete the lap with a strong reference time.”

As Ferrari prepares for another showdown in São Paulo, the focus is on precision, patience, and performance. With minimal overtaking zones and high demands on car control, Interlagos promises to deliver another strategic and thrilling chapter in the 2025 WEC season.

Source: Ferrari

Motorsport

Maserati MCXtrema Honors Racing Heritage at the 24 Hours of Spa

The Trident has returned in full force. Maserati, the iconic Italian marque with racing in its blood, made a commanding presence at the legendary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, marking a symbolic moment in its countdown to a century of motorsport history. With deep ties to Spa-Francorchamps and a legacy built on passion, performance, and prestige, Maserati’s appearance this year was far more than ceremonial—it was a triumphant statement.

A Celebration of Legends Past

At the heart of the week’s festivities stood the MCXtrema, Maserati’s wild, track-only creation, wearing a bespoke livery that echoed the past while charging into the future. Serving as the official Leading Car for the 2025 edition of the race, the MCXtrema paid tribute to a golden moment: the 20th anniversary of the MC12’s unforgettable 2005 victory at Spa, achieved in unpredictable weather by the legendary Vitaphone Racing Team trio—Michael Bartels, Timo Scheider, and Eric van de Poele.

That win, followed by further triumphs in 2006 and 2008, cemented the MC12’s place in motorsport history and elevated Maserati to near-mythic status in GT racing. Today, the MCXtrema honors that heritage—not merely through its aggressive silhouette and raw power, but through a symbolic blue and black livery adorned with a bold Trident, the names of Maserati’s icons, and the circuits where the brand left its mark.

Leading the traditional parade of GT cars through the city of Spa, the MCXtrema, driven by none other than multiple world champion Andrea Bertolini, was more than just a showpiece—it was a roaring reminder of Maserati’s enduring presence and relevance in top-tier motorsport.

Back on Track in the GT2 Arena

While the MCXtrema ruled the streets, Maserati’s GT2 program returned to the grid for Round 3 of the GT2 European Series by Pirelli. The #7 DINAMIC Motorsport GT2, piloted by Roberto Pampanini and Mauro Calamia (Pro-Am class), and the #1 LP Racing GT2 with Philippe Prette (Am class), showcased the marque’s competitive ambitions in modern GT racing.

Their participation signifies more than just points on a leaderboard—it reflects Maserati’s strategic and spirited return to racing, with eyes set on victories that will carry the brand into its centennial year in 2026.

A Complete Support Role – Maserati Takes Over Spa

Beyond the grid, Maserati provided a full fleet of support vehicles for the 24-hour spectacle. From Safety Cars to Medical Cars, the Italian brand’s modern range was everywhere. The line-up featured the MCXtrema, the GT2 Stradale, and the MC20, along with two versions of the Grecale SUV—one packing the fire-breathing 530-hp Nettuno V6 in the Trofeo trim, the other showcasing Maserati’s all-electric future with the Grecale Folgore.

This collaboration with SRO Motorsports Group represents more than logistics—it’s a fusion of motorsport tradition and the technological evolution of one of Italy’s most storied manufacturers.

A Road to 100 Years of Racing Excellence

Speaking from the paddock, Maria Conti, Head of Maserati Corse, reflected on the brand’s dual mission. “Celebrating the MC12’s historic victory with the MCXtrema is not only about honoring the past,” she said. “It’s also about embracing our next chapter. With every lap, every car, and every celebration, we’re writing the story that leads to our 100th year in motorsport.”

That story began nearly a century ago in 1926, when the Maserati Tipo 26 claimed class victory at the Targa Florio with Alfieri Maserati at the wheel. Today, the Trident’s journey continues—electrified, globalized, and forever driven by passion.

A Future Anchored in Heritage

As the engines cooled and the champagne flowed at Spa, one truth stood clear: Maserati’s past may be glorious, but its future is electric—figuratively and literally. The brand’s modern range, from the GranTurismo Folgore to the GT2 Stradale, reflects a new vision rooted in old values: performance, elegance, and Italian soul.

As the 2026 centenary approaches, and with Spa once again echoing the sound of Maserati engines, the legend rolls on.

Source: Maserati

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Maserati MCXtrema Honors Racing Heritage at the 24 Hours of Spa