Renault has made arrangements to transfer its Viry-Chatillon engine manufacturing facility to the Belgian firm Dumarey Group.
As stated formally, the Dumarey Group, which focuses on the development and engineering of powertrains and components for mass-market vehicles, is set to take charge of the French location.
An acquisition offer has already been presented to Alpine Racing. Both entities are now thoroughly reviewing the complete organization along with its financial details, aiming to expedite the process of moving ahead.
This transaction will enable Dumarey Group to obtain Alpine Racing SAS, situated in Viry-Chatillon, which includes “the teams and both the tangible and intangible assets required for site operations.”
Positioned in the southern outskirts of Paris, Viry served as the base for Renault’s Formula 1 engine program for a considerable period and was regarded as a vital center for motorsport within France.
However, Renault ceased its internal engine division at the close of last year, opting instead for a customer agreement with Mercedes for Alpine, putting at risk the livelihood of numerous workers at Viry.
Furthermore, Alpine is set to withdraw from the World Endurance Championship at the year’s end, having utilized Viry for the maintenance and assembly of the Mecachrome-made engines that power its A424 LMDhs.
#35 Alpine Endurance Team Alpine A424: Antonio Felix Da Costa, Ferdinand Habsburg, Charles Milesi
Photo by: FIA WEC / DPPI
WEC Outlook
The transaction may also affect Alpine’s Hypercar initiative, with its factory associate Signatech eager to operate the A424 under a different brand in the year 2027.
After last month’s Fuji 6 Hours, Signatech seemed ready to finalize an agreement with the Chinese company Geely; however, it appears that negotiations between the two parties have stalled.
The cut-off date for registration in the 2027 season is November 25; the required formal paperwork must be completed by then to guarantee a position within the Hypercar category. For several weeks, team leader Philippe Sinault has asserted that all necessary arrangements involving engineers, mechanics, and other resources are in place to ensure the A424 program continues in the championship for the upcoming year.
Of course, establishing a new team also requires securing the appropriate drivers (considering, for example, the exit of Antonio Felix da Costa) and confirming the involvement of those currently associated with the program.
In its announcement, the Dumarey Group emphasized that it aims to broaden its ventures into motorsport, stating that the arrangement “presents opportunities to utilize Renault’s Formula 1 engine knowledge for racing teams in the future.”
Axel Plasse, VP Alpine Tech, commented: “This transaction signifies a robust and coherent opportunity to secure and enhance the expertise of the Viry-Châtillon site. It unveils new opportunities for the workforce and the engineering sector. This advancement acknowledges the site’s deep-rooted motorsport proficiency, particularly in Formula 1.”
We want to hear from you!
Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.
Take our survey
– The Autosport.com Team
