Signatech Alpine Elf scores big points in Shanghai

After failing to finish on the podium for the first time since 2017 at the most recent round in Japan, the Signatech Alpine Elf team arrived in China with the goal of bouncing back as soon as possible in a season where even the smallest amount points differential could turn out to be crucial.

Under the impulsion of its trio of drivers; the Alpine 470 improved through the free-practice sessions before Thomas Laurent and Pierre Ragues got down to business in qualifying, but the team was faced with a traction control problem and went with only one set of new tyres to give themselves a better chance in the race.

After qualifying seventh in their category, the duo left André Negrão to take the green flag. The Brazilian driver put in a stellar start to move up to fourth place in the opening lap, then the top three on the following lap.

Overtaken by the n°38 Jota entry, André Negrão held on to fourth place after the first round of pit stops, but a small mistake on his out lap opened the door to two of his rivals. He managed to get more mileage from his tyre than his adversaries to move up the order before handing over to Pierre Ragues.

In sixth place when heading out, the Silver driver went on the attack, overtaking the n°29 Racing Team Nederland entry, then he narrowed the gap to the United Autosports entry. Thomas Laurent pressed on, then stayed out for a double stint during a full course yellow one hour before the end of the race.