Kappa Sponsors BWT Alpine F1 Racing Team
In the world of motorsport, Formula 1® (F1®) stands at the pinnacle of high-speed racing, captivating audiences with its blend of cutting-edge technology, incredible talent, and adrenaline-pumping action. One team that has left an indelible mark on this prestigious sport is BWT Alpine F1® Team, formerly the Renault F1® team.
The Birth of Alpine
The story of Alpine began in 1955 when Jean Rédélé, a talented French engineer and sports car enthusiast, founded Société des Automobiles Alpine. Named after the French Alps, the brand aimed to create lightweight, agile, and high-performance cars that could conquer challenging mountain roads and race tracks.
"I CHOSE THE NAME ALPINE FOR MY COMPANY, BECAUSE THIS ADJECTIVE REPRESENTS FOR ME THE PLEASURE OF DRIVING ON MOUNTAIN ROADS. IT WAS BY CRUISING THE ALPS WITH MY 4CV THAT I HAD THE MOST FUN. THIS EXCITING DRIVING, IT WAS NECESSARY THAT MY CUSTOMERS FOUND IT AT THE WHEEL OF THE CAR THAT I WANTED TO BUILD. ALPINE IS A NAME THAT SOUNDS GOOD, IT'S ALSO A SYMBOL."
- JEAN RÉDÉLÉ, ALPINE FOUNDER
Early Success in Rallying
Alpine quickly gained recognition in the world of motorsport, particularly in rallying. In the 1960s and 1970s, the brand's iconic models like the A110 and A310 became synonymous with rally success. Alpine clinched several victories in the Monte Carlo Rally, the World Rally Championship, and other prestigious events, establishing its dominance on both tarmac and gravel.
Renault-Alpine Collaboration
In 1973, Alpine forged a close partnership with Renault, a car manufacturer with a rich history of producing a wide range of cars from commercial to Formula 1 racing vehicles. This partnership led to the development of iconic vehicles like the Renault 5 Turbo and the Alpine GTA/A610, which showcased Renault's engineering prowess and Alpine's unmistakable DNA.
In 2017, Renault announced the revival of the Alpine brand, heralding a new chapter in its storied history. The brand was reintroduced to the world as a dedicated performance division, combining Renault's technical expertise with Alpine's sporting heritage. This rebirth marked the beginning of a new era for Alpine, poised to make a profound impact on the global motorsport scene.
Alpine Formula 1
In 2021, Alpine expanded its horizons by entering the Formula 1 World Championship. Building upon the Renault F1 Team's foundation, Alpine injected its distinctive identity into the team. The unmistakable Alpine blue livery, adorned with the French flag, set the stage for their Formula 1 adventure.
Alpine F1 Drivers: A Star-Studded Lineup
Today, Alpine Formula 1 boasts a formidable lineup of talented drivers. With the promising Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, Alpine possesses a blend of expertise and youthful energy. Together, they aim to push the boundaries and secure podium finishes in the face of fierce competition.
Technological Innovation
Alpine's foray into Formula 1 showcases the brand's commitment to innovation and performance. In 2022, Alpine began using the newest Renault Engine -the Renault E-Tech RE22. The team harnesses the latest advancements in aerodynamics, hybrid power units, and data analytics to optimize their car's speed and reliability. Alpine's relentless pursuit of excellence propels them towards the forefront of Formula 1, where every fraction of a second counts.
Kappa x Alpine
A few weeks after the announcement of its re-entry into the world of motorsport and more particularly Formula 1, BWT Alpine F1 Team announced a multi-year partnership with leading italian sportswear brand, Kappa, as it’s official team apparel sponsor.
“We are very pleased to announce that we will be the new official partner and equipment supplier of Alpine F1 Team,” said Davide Piccolo, CEO Kappa Europe. “Alpine and Kappa both have a strong heritage and are proud to be iconic brands that share the same fighting and forward-looking spirit. Thanks to this partnership, Kappa opens a new chapter in the prestigious world of Formula 1 and more globally of motorsport. We are now looking forward to unveiling the new collections to fans of this historic F1 team.”
Kappa has entered into an exciting new partnership, stepping in as the Official Partner of the Alpine F1 Team. This collaboration goes beyond the race track, encompassing not only the drivers off-track but also the entire technical and operational squads throughout the partnership's duration. This comprehensive agreement extends its reach to cover the Alpine Esport Team and the Alpine Academy as well. Kappa is set to be their official lifestyle partner, providing all of their travel wear kits to the team.
Specifically for this partnership, Kappa implements several textile pieces for the team attire including fanwear products, footwear, and accessories under the Alpine F1 Team license. With a global network of partners and licensees, Kappa aims to make these collections accessible to fans worldwide.
For this first collaboration, Kappa, and Alpine F1 Team have united their efforts to design products seamlessly to merge the brands' culture, elegance and cutting edge technology, while still paying homage to the rich history and identity of the team.