A huge legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans retires after winning 5 times in the LMP2 category.

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Nicolas Lapierre, an iconic driver in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), has decided to hang up his helmet after more than 15 years of racing competition.

Four-time winner at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, he has chosen to leave the category following an amazing podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji in Japan, last month. If you are a fan of him, do not worry, he is staying in the Endurance world.

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Nicolas Lapierre’s legendary career in WEC

Nicolas Lapierre, a French driver, has made his mark in the history of the World Endurance Championship with his impressive record. He started his career in the WEC in the early 2000s, quickly showing his talent. He excelled in LMP2, the second-fastest category in endurance racing, notably at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which he won four times. Lapierre shone in endurance racing but not only: he also claimed victories in other series, including the famous Macau Grand Prix in 2003 (for those who don’t know what it is, it’s like the current FIA Formula 3, single seater category).

Nicolas Lapierre is leaving the WEC
Nicolas Lapierre is leaving the WEC

Lapierre leaves the WEC as a hero

Ending a career with a podium finish is a dream for any racing driver, and Lapierre achieved that during his last race in Fuji, Japan, last September. This year he was part of the Alpine Endurance Team lineup. After finishing third at the 6 Hours of Fuji, he announced that it was the time for him to turn the page. “It was incredible to finish on the podium, a true tribute to all these years of passion,” he shared while celebrating with his teammates Mick Schumacher and Matthieu Vaxivière. This final race was a blend of strategy, penalty management, and impressive performances, demonstrating that even at the end of his career, Lapierre knew how to fight like a devil.

Leaving endurance to return even stronger

Although Lapierre is retiring as a driver, he is not leaving the paddocks for good because he will remain with the Alpine Endurance Team as sporting director. The former French driver will actually hold two positions, as he has also become the team principal of Cool Racing, a team involved in LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). His expertise and endurance experience will be invaluable assets for his new team. He also emphasized the importance of his support network, thanking those who have stood by him throughout his career. Next year, he will be replaced by Jules Gounon, a reserve driver for the Alpine Endurance Team.

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This article explores the retirement of Nicolas Lapierre, a legendary French figure in endurance racing, after a legendary career in the World Endurance Championship. From his early successes in LMP2 to his final podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji, Lapierre leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements in motorsport. While stepping down as a driver, he embarks on a new journey as team principal for Cool Racing in the ELMS, and sporting director for Alpine Endurance Team.

Images: Alpine Endurance Team

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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