Pierre Ragues has today been confirmed as one of the drivers to spearhead the return of the Alpine brand to the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013, as the historic Renault brand joins forces with Signatech LMP2 squad.

The partnership, which was announced today at Le Mans, will also see Pierre take part in all five events on the European Le Mans Series calendar, beginning with Silverstone in April.

Alpine’s association with Signatech will see an LMP2 Alpine chassis with Nissan power this season, as well as running on Michelin tyres.

The team conducted a two day test at Magny-Cours earlier this week to begin preparations for the season opening Silverstone race which takes place in less than six weeks from now. A further pre-season test will be held at Circuit Paul Ricard on 26-27 March.

For Pierre, the partnership will mark his seventh year involved in endurance racing, and alongside his team-mate from 2012, Nelson Panciatici, the Frenchman will be looking to make a positive impression in both ELMS and Le Mans 24 Hours.

Alpine was last involved in endurance racing 35 years ago and has a long history of motorsport competition. Alpine has taken part eleven times previously in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1963 and 1978 with 55 factory cars. The Alpine brand tasted glory at the legendary event in 1978 thanks to the Alpine A442B prototype driven by Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Didier Pironi.

Pierre Ragues commented: “I am honoured to be part of the return of this legendary French manufacturer brand to endurance racing. I am equally humbled to have been selected, alongside Nelson, to be racing under the Alpine name in the European Le Mans Series and prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours event this season. The partnership between Alpine and Signatech in LMP2 promises to be a very exciting one and I can’t wait to race our #36 car at Silverstone in just over one month’s time. I am grateful to Alpine and Signatech for their faith in my capabilities for such a high-profile championship campaign and, thanks also to my partners Group Auto Union, I am really looking forward to being competitive and successful in the full season-long ELMS championship, as well as Le Mans itself.”