Alpine will enter three A290 GTS models in the next round of the FIA EcoRally Cup. The first leg begins in Dundee, Scotland, on Saturday July 26 and concludes in Tayside after the second leg on Sunday, July 27.
Round eight of the series, this 500 kilometre (310 mile) event will see Alpine UK works cars driven by local rally driver Ashleigh Morris and Kirkaldy-based freelance journalist Steven Berry. They’ll be co-driven by Craig Parry and Kaye Berry respectively.
Alpine will also enter a third car piloted by ten-time French Rally Champion Emmanuel ‘Manu’ Guigou and his co-driver Emilien Le Borgne.
The French pairing have previously tasted success with Alpine, courtesy of its A110 in local championships and the FIA R-GT World Cup.
EcoRally Explained
EcoRally is an FIA-organised series for electric and hybrid vehicles. Unlike regular rallying or rallycross with their focus on getting from point-to-point quickly, EcoRally competitors are scored on both speed and energy efficiency.
Teams must use their cars in standard, unmodified form. This stock configuration means the vehicles are identical to how they’d be when purchased from the showroom.
Competitors are required to record all check points within given times and complete ‘regularity tests’ checking their average speed along the route. Points are awarded for precision navigating, problem solving – and teamwork.
A290 GTS Specifications
With its 54kWh battery, the Alpine A290 GTS has a WLTP range of 226 miles and an energy efficiency of 3.8 miles per-kilowatt hour.
Given it’s won accolades including Car of The Year 2025 and Fun EV 2025, Alpine believes it’s the ideal car for the Scottish leg of the EcoRally Cup.
Alpine was born as a competition brand focused on the attributes of lightness and agility, and EcoRally Scotland should be the perfect opportunity for our crews to enjoy the attributes of the A290, while also showcasing just how efficient and fun electric motoring can be.
Nicola Burnside, Alpine UK managing director, emphasized the brand’s competition heritage.
Motorsport Heritage Continues
Ian Smith, technical director of Motorsport UK, believes Alpine’s participation in the 2025 EcoRally Cup represents the next stage of the French carmaker’s motorsport heritage. Since Alpine was founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955, it’s taken wins in the World Rally Championship, sports car racing, and Formula 1.
“Alpine has such a rich motorsport heritage and an association with Scotland, with a fleet of A110s based at Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre at Knockhill, where the Eco Rally will undertake a key section on the first day of the event,” Smith noted.
“We look forward to Eco Rally Scotland becoming the foundation of the next phase of Alpine’s rallying history.”
The event marks Alpine’s commitment to electric motorsport as the automotive industry transitions toward electrification.
