Electric A290 GTS proves pedigree in FIA Bridgestone ecoRally Cup debut
Alpine’s electric future shifted into high gear last weekend at the inaugural ecoRally Scotland, where the brand celebrated a standout performance in the 2025 FIA Bridgestone ecoRally Cup. Demonstrating the dynamic capabilities of its first all-electric hot hatch, the Alpine A290 GTS, the marque secured the Category 2 Manufacturer Trophy alongside two podium finishes in the Category Two International Class.
Against the breathtaking backdrop of Tayside and the Highlands, three works-supported A290 entries took on the demanding regularity rally stages across 26–27 July, showcasing Alpine’s signature agility, motorsport DNA and energy efficiency in real-world conditions.
A Winning Start for Alpine
Leading the charge for Alpine were veteran French rally duo Emmanuel ‘Manu’ Guigou and Emilien Le Borgne, who claimed first place in the Category Two International Class. A ten-time French Rally Champion, Guigou is no stranger to success behind the wheel of an Alpine. His commanding performance at the wheel of the nimble A290 underscored the vehicle’s potential in electric motorsport, as well as its impressive ability to adapt to the demands of regularity rallying.
Joining them on the podium were Scottish rally driver Ashleigh Morris and co-driver Craig Parry, whose debut partnership delivered a remarkable third-place finish overall in their Alpine UK-supported A290. Having met just 24 hours prior to the start of the event, the pair quickly found rhythm and confidence in the car – despite Morris’s limited prior experience with EVs.
“It was a very different experience for me, and a cost-effective way to get involved in motorsport,” Morris reflected. “The A290 was the perfect car for Scottish roads – very twisty and narrow in places. I was very grateful to have such a nimble vehicle. The turning circle was ideal for some of the tight hairpins, which meant I could get round them without losing any time.”
Parry echoed the sentiment: “The car suits this sort of rally well. As a 6ft5 navigator you want something comfortable to spend long hours in that’s also going to hold you in place when it gets twisty!”
Everyday Excellence on the World Stage
Completing Alpine’s trio was Steven and Kaye Berry, a husband-and-wife team tackling their first-ever regularity rally. The Kirkcaldy-based freelance journalist and his wife finished the event successfully, gaining valuable insight into electric rallying while highlighting the A290’s everyday usability in competitive environments.
The ecoRally Scotland formed Round Eight of the FIA Bridgestone ecoRally Cup, a global series celebrating electric and hybrid vehicles where efficiency, precision and teamwork trump outright speed. All participating vehicles must remain in showroom-standard condition, reinforcing the real-world relevance and integrity of the A290’s performance.
The rally featured 21 fully electric vehicles navigating a variety of timed stages, checkpoint challenges and speed tests that spanned scenic Scottish landmarks – including Knockhill Racing Circuit and the iconic Queen’s View in Pitlochry.
Setting the Pace for an Electric Future
Nicola Burnside, Managing Director of Alpine UK, praised the team’s efforts:
“This result proves how Alpine’s motorsport-honed attributes of lightness and agility are just as relevant in today’s electrified world as they’ve always been. The A290 showed its strengths on Scotland’s challenging roads, combining dynamic performance with real-world efficiency. To secure the Manufacturer Trophy and two podiums on debut is a fantastic achievement and underlines the potential of Alpine in electric motorsport.”
Following its recent accolade as Best Fun EV at the 2025 Autocar Awards, the Alpine A290 continues to define a new era for the brand – one where motorsport heritage and sustainability go hand in hand.
The Alpine A290 is available now at Alpine retailers nationwide.
