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Alpine’s secret TPC test sparks excitement ahead of A526 launch: a game-changer in F1 2026!

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 21, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Alpine’s secret TPC test sparks excitement ahead of A526 launch: a game-changer in F1 2026!

Formula One F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary - August 2, 2025 Alpine's Franco Colapinto during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Anna Szilagyi

Alpine F1 Team Shakes Up the Circuit with Secret TPC Test in Barcelona!

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, the Alpine F1 team conducted a clandestine Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session at the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this past Tuesday. This test is a precursor to the highly-anticipated launch of their new A526 car, set to debut on January 23, just days before the official pre-season test kicks off. Alpine is clearly gearing up for a resurgence after a lackluster 2025 season, where they languished at the bottom of the constructors’ standings with a mere 22 points—an astonishing 58 points behind ninth-placed Sauber, now rebranded as Audi.

As part of their strategy to turn the tide in the upcoming 2026 season, Alpine has made a pivotal switch to Mercedes power units, abandoning their previous Renault engines. This shift is expected to be a game-changer, positioning Alpine to reclaim their competitive edge. The A526, which fans are eagerly waiting to see, promises to elevate the team from their unfortunate past performance.

During the TPC test, race drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, alongside reserve driver Paul Aron, took turns behind the wheel, engaging in what is colloquially known as a ‘wake-up test’—a vital practice aimed at reacquainting drivers and staff with the adrenaline-fueled environment of F1 racing after the winter hiatus. This strategy is not new for Alpine; they adopted it successfully ahead of the 2025 season when Colapinto and Jack Doohan participated in a similar Barcelona test. Notably, even rival teams, including Ferrari, have utilized multiple TPCs to prepare for the grueling demands of a new season.

Gasly, a former Red Bull driver who captured the spotlight with a stunning victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, expressed his ambitious outlook for the upcoming season, which he believes could be the moment he truly showcases his talent. “I just care about being fast,” Gasly stated emphatically. “If we’ve got a good car, I do believe [2026] could be the first time I get a car to really show my talent and my skills.” His determination to succeed is palpable, as he plans to intensify his efforts during the winter to ensure he extracts every possible advantage.

As the countdown to the A526’s launch continues, excitement mounts around how the new regulations will impact racing dynamics. Gasly remains optimistic, stating, “I’m at the stage of my career where I just want to win and I’ll do anything I can do to make it happen.” His commitment is a clear signal that Alpine is not just looking to participate in the 2026 season, but to dominate it.

With the pre-season test set for January 26-30, where teams will be limited to three days of running, all eyes will be on Alpine as they aim to transform their fortunes. Will the switch to Mercedes power propel them back into the competitive fray? Fans and experts alike are anxiously awaiting answers as the F1 world gears up for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead!

Stay tuned for exclusive insights and developments from the F1 paddock—this is just the beginning!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-football-seasonAlpine F1 Teamfranco-colapinto-2Paul AronPierre Gasly
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