Audi LMP1 Discussion

[chernaudi]

So, like Toyota, Audi have run around 300kw all season so far?

I wonder if that has something to do with trying for more reliability from their hybrid system or simulating the power limits for LM?

[J Jay]

There's nothing explicit in the article, but running at ~80% of the motor's max output when they could run at 85% seems to me to have been done for the sake of reliability. Having the diesel engine to "fall back" on may have also factored into not pushing the hybrid to its limits.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by TF110

Yeah, the #8 has a u-shaped dip that's more pronounced.

I think this is a simple issue with angles. They aren't allwoed to produce multiple bodykits..

The only reason for doing so would be finding which kit is better at LM during the test day.

[chernaudi]

Teams still have option on what they can change, but they can't make up an entirely new kit on a whim.

[chernaudi]

There was this from the LM preview at DSC:

"As with the other factory teams there’s a whiff of unreliability about the 2016 effort though, for reasons we’re not going to go into here, that impression is less valid for the Audi effort than for the others!"

Any hints as to what that means, or will DSC reveal more on Monday or Tuesday?

[ederss7]

I had the same doubt when I read that.

[chernaudi]

Either the guys at DSC/RLM know more about how the R18 has progressed in testing than we do/know something that we don't, or something's influenced what they're saying there, because Audi have had the most problems in testing and such until recently (around Spa time frame).

[TF110]

Is that what his comment meant? I thought he was saying Audi are the least concerned but he doesn't feel the same or believe the same.

[chernaudi]

I'm guessing that it can be taken two ways, either Audi are still having issues, or DSC have gotten the impression that they've overcome the most serious problems.

As mentioned, we'll probably find out more today or tomorrow.

[sssssssss]

lucas di grassi says that ALL their endurance tests were successful (among other things):
http://fr.motorsport.com/lemans/news...e-mans-744712/

they also had the least reliability issues in spa, which led to them winning the race.

[chernaudi]

Graham from DSC replied to my FB comment that Audi probably have had a better time with reliability in testing than we think currently.

[TF110]

No one else had any issues in testing. Porsche and Toyota's issues came as a total surprise to them. So we see that testing can show one thing but racing show something different.

[sssssssss]

that's for sure. but so far audi have had the least surprises of that kind in race situations as well, so i suppose that's what that quote was referring to.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by TF110

No one else had any issues in testing. Porsche and Toyota's issues came as a total surprise to them. So we see that testing can show one thing but racing show something different.

Despite what the social media reports, do you really think no one had issues during testing?

Odds are all 3 did. They never typically disclose any testing issues.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Articus

Despite what the social media reports, do you really think no one had issues during testing?

Odds are all 3 did. They never typically disclose any testing issues.

Issues like engine and/or hybrid failures, no (aside from what was reported about Audi's issues).

[Creep89]

Yesterday I read an article on Motorsport-Total about the reliability of the Audi R18. Jarvis was quite pessimistic about the reliability, while Di Grassi has a more positive opinion.

[sssssssss]

audi drivers commenting on the car not being properly balanced aerodynamically?

[ederss7]

Originally Posted by Creep89

Yesterday I read an article on Motorsport-Total about the reliability of the Audi R18. Jarvis was quite pessimistic about the reliability, while Di Grassi has a more positive opinion.

Can you translate their quotes, please? Google translation doesn't make any sense.
This article? http://www.motorsport-total.com/wec/...-16061408.html

[chernaudi]

Ollie says that his early test weren't entirely trouble free, while Lucas seems to be happy with the way the car has progressed since the earlier tests.

Also, Graham from DSC has said that Audi haven't had nearly as much trouble in testing as some have made that out to be. Whether it's been down to Audi Sport progress or that Porsche and Toyota have had more issues than they've openly admitted to, or both, I don't know.

[Creep89]

Driving over a curb apparently breaks the car.

[sssssssss]

we're on wed in le mans week and audi are still having problems with both cars, even in practice. i'd say that's definitely not the way to win this race. porsche and toyota seem fairly ok with their program.

[bentley speed 8]

This year's R18 is as reliable as it is good looking.

[Artur]

I gotta agree that this is very disapointing and no matter the times they do on QLF, Audi will not be favourites for the race.

[Creep89]

@audisport: UPDATE on Audi #8: after hitting a kerb the front drivetrain didn't work anymore. We try hard to drive again in qualifying #WEC #LeMans24

Damn I predict both Audis out of the race by midnight.

[sssssssss]

i got used now with the looks of the car, i think it's quite an imposing, "sharky" look, like a mechanical monster waiting to take a bite at the opposition. it also seems to have the speed, i expect them to be really quick... but then again, really quick out of contention in the race as well, as their lack of reliability gradually starts to look ridiculous. i'm plain disappointed that they really came to le mans this unprepared, i truly didn't expect this. i don't think they'll be out of the race, but i'm quite sure they'll be out of contention.