Alpine announce 2023 launch date and reveal name of new F1 challenger

Alpine have announced the launch date for their 2023 Formula 1 car, which will be called the A523.

The Enstone/Viry-based constructors finished fourth in the championship with their 2022 car, the A522, and will field an all-French line-up this season with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the wheel – as Fernando Alonso has departed for Aston Martin.

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This year's Alpine A523 will be launched on February 16 in London, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

Gasly, who joins from AlphaTauri, tested the A522 at Yas Marina Circuit after the 2022 season had concluded, and said at the time: "Firstly, thanks to the entire team for making me feel so welcome over the last two days and I’m feeling ready to begin this next chapter in my career.

"I’m looking forward to visiting everyone at Viry and Enstone, debriefing on this test, before working towards our objectives alongside Esteban for the 2023 season."

The team's CEO Laurent Rossi said that their P4 in the standings in 2022 was an "important" step for the constructors as they look to push on towards fighting for the championship.

"I mean, it's always better to finish P4 than P5, no doubt," said Rossi at the end of last season.

READ MORE: Alpine boss Rossi proud of team's recovery from pre-season ‘shambles’ to P4 in the standings

“At the beginning of the season, the goal was to put a new structure in place, which we did, that structure was supposed to deliver innovations, upgrades throughout the entire season, to be more competitive, which we did, which culminate, ultimately in a better position, which we are very close to be doing.

"So, it is important, not just financially but also for the momentum. We said we would try and progress every year to catch up as much as we can with the top teams. It's important not to miss the first step. Hopefully, we're going to get there."