Geely eyes Alpine asset buyout for 2027 WEC Hypercar entry

Key takeaways

• Hypercar expansion: Chinese automotive giant Geely is in advanced talks to acquire Alpine’s World Endurance Championship assets ahead of a planned 2027 Hypercar entry.
• Redesigned prototype: Geely aims to take over and redesign the Alpine A424 LMDh platform, which would require a new FIA/ACO homologation process.
• Key partners: The project is garnering interest from Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco and Horse Powertrains, with operational partner Signatech expected to remain in charge.

The FIA World Endurance Championship continues to attract major manufacturer interest, with Chinese automotive group Geely emerging as the frontrunner to take over Alpine’s Hypercar footprint for the 2027 season. With McLaren and Ford already preparing for upcoming entries, Geely’s arrival would further expand the top-class grid.

According to a report from Dailysportscar, Geely is negotiating with Alpine to purchase the French manufacturer’s program assets, which will become available following Alpine’s previously announced exit from WEC at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.

Under the proposed plan, Geely would acquire the current Alpine A424 LMDh chassis, redesign key elements, and submit the prototype for a new FIA/ACO homologation cycle. While certain intellectual property details remain under negotiation, both parties have reportedly reached broad agreement on several core aspects of the transfer.

Saudi Arabian energy titan Aramco and Horse Powertrains—a joint venture specializing in low-emission combustion engines and hybrid systems—have also shown strong interest in supporting the Chinese manufacturer’s endurance endeavor.

French squad Signatech, which currently manages Alpine’s operational program in WEC, is expected to stay on as the trackside team for Geely in 2027. However, the precise involvement of Alpine’s facility in Viry-Châtillon and the overall corporate management structure remain to be finalized.

Geely has also begun preliminary discussions with Alpine’s current driver roster to maintain continuity behind the wheel, though any brand transition is expected to trigger movement across the driver market.

Should the project receive final approval, Geely would become the first Chinese manufacturer to commit to a full-season top-class WEC campaign. The group is reportedly viewing 2027 as the entry point for a long-term commitment, with a focus on the upcoming 2030 technical regulation update.

Following the 6 Hours of São Paulo—won by the #15 BMW of Kevin Magnussen, Raffaele Marciello, and Dries Vanthoor—the World Endurance Championship resumes on September 6 with Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Session schedule: Lone Star Le Mans 2026 (COTA)

Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States

• United States (Eastern Time / ET)
  • Broadcaster: Max / MotorTrend
  • Free Practice 3: Saturday, September 5 – 12:00 ET
  • Qualifying & Hyperpole: Saturday, September 5 – 16:00 ET
  • Lone Star Le Mans (Race): Sunday, September 6 – 14:00 ET

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. When will Alpine officially exit the WEC Hypercar class?

Alpine previously confirmed that it will end its factory involvement in the WEC Hypercar class at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

2. Will Geely build a completely new car for 2027?

No. Geely plans to purchase the existing Alpine A424 LMDh assets and redesign the chassis and bodywork before submitting it for a fresh homologation.

3. Who will operate the team if Geely enters in 2027?

Signatech, the long-time operational partner behind Alpine’s endurance efforts, is set to continue managing trackside operations for Geely.