Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition

[Matt]

Originally Posted by GT3.14

Indeed, the Alpine news was the road (concept) car. And it is a pretty thing.

I really like that.

Now time for a GT3 and GTE variant!

[Pandamasque]

Not going to happen. This car will probably fit within the wheelbase of the Ford GT. Could make a good GT4 though for the N24.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Pandamasque

Not going to happen. This car will probably fit within the wheelbase of the Ford GT. Could make a good GT4 though for the N24.

I was thinking the same thing. Good GT4 size.

[Victor_RO]

In slightly sportscar-related news, the HPD ARX-04 will be making a return this year.

AT PIKES PEAK.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

In slightly sportscar-related news, the HPD ARX-04 will be making a return this year.

AT PIKES PEAK.

Not as cool as the minivan they took there!

[Rodger Davies]

Pity they didn't say anything about it coming back to sportscars though, I hope they haven't given up on it yet (although would understand if they had, with the ACO's stupidity).

[Rcz]

What's wrong with it, besides being a bit overweight? I thought it was pretty fast at Daytona. Weight shouldn't be a problem in TUSC since they have to add 40 kg to it anyway.

[Articus]

The Aero doesn't work.

[Articus]

Why why does Renault continue to play games with the F1 program. This is the perfect exit opportunity and straight to Le Mans.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Articus

Why why does Renault continue to play games with the F1 program. This is the perfect exit opportunity and straight to Le Mans.

Forgetting the alliance with Nissan? I don't see it happening now.

[Deleted]

Renault wouldn't have to enter as Renault and throw in conflicting messages with Nissan, they could simply use Alpine. Bin the useless fake rebadging effort in LMP2 and hand Signatech (or their replacement) resources for LMP1 campaign. Even being "best of the rest" ie beating Rebellions and co would suffice for something more minor as Alpine

[Rcz]

Originally Posted by Articus

The Aero doesn't work.

What exactly? Not stable, too much over steer, under steer?

[Rodger Davies]

I wish Renault and Nissan could take a leaf out of the Audi and Porsche example. The competition between these two is what is driving this championship at the moment, and all credit to VW for seeing that and allowing it.

They've introduced an inter-brand respectful rivalry that is bringing in attention from that wider world that love a Hamilton v Rosberg-esque drama.

[Mal]

I know this is just talk - but according to Lotus an F1 car could win Le Mans:

http://www.thisisf1.com/2015/06/17/l...d-win-le-mans/

[Pontlieue]

Originally Posted by Mal

I know this is just talk - but according to Lotus an F1 car could win Le Mans:

http://www.thisisf1.com/2015/06/17/l...d-win-le-mans/

I don't think so. F1 cars are barely faster than Le Mans prototypes. Also, the engines would need to last over 5000 km, which no F1 engine does at the moment. Even the Mercedes not. Also, I think LMP1 cars currently use less fuel than F1 cars, so if F1 would need to comply with the same fuel flow restrictions, it would slow them down even further.

[isynge]

Originally Posted by Mal

I know this is just talk - but according to Lotus an F1 car could win Le Mans:

http://www.thisisf1.com/2015/06/17/l...d-win-le-mans/

We've had DFVs and Matra V12s winning, admittedly in the dim and distant past, so engine-wise why not? I guess they might need some headlights on the chassis though. I can't help thinking it might be a bit more complicated than that though - sure there's the notional longevity in the engines and gearboxes but I suspect come nightfall the niggles would start to creep on in.

More interesting though that it's a topic for discussion at all. It's not that long ago that the attitude of Lewis Hamilton towards Le Mans was so prevalent that something like this simply wouldn't crop up.

So I'd say to 'Lotus', come and have a go. Bring your F1 engine, and your chassis expertise, and the reusable parts that will last 24 hours. Slap two seats and enclosed wheels onto it and run it as an LMP1. I think we'd probably welcome you.

[BTCC 318d]

I, for one would LOVE to see an exhibition race as a warm up event.
Imagine it, a 2016 1/2 hour special - using 1 year old cars for all. Hulk and webber in this years spec 919, nakajima and buemi in the yotas, lotterer and di grassi in audis, and heidfeld in the rebellion - vs anyone who dares turn up from f1.
Only caveat is the f1 boys would have to run their tyre stops as per the lmp chaps. I think the race would be closer than you think!

[Deleted]

Even if the F1 components have to last longer nowadays, that doesn't mean they could endure the stress of constantly running for 24 hours (let alone 6 hours...) plus the lead up sessions for that. On top of enhanced engines, electronics, gearboxes, brakes, and so on, they would also require headlights and proper non-entertainment tires suited for multi stinting. Also more durable bodywork, even the slightest of contacts with traffic would break their day way more easily than of opposition.

I know it's only half serious what's he's suggesting anyway, and the organizers are never going to agree with anything here, but FIA should organize shared exhibition race for voluntary F1, LMP1 and GT500 cars. In December so out of harms way, and in neutral circuit without much recent telemetry. Like Estoril or something.

Btw I made this thread few years ago
http://forums.autosport.com/topic/19...gp2-p1-and-p2/

[isynge]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Even if the F1 components have to last longer nowadays, that doesn't mean they could endure the stress of constantly running for 24 hours (let alone 6 hours...) plus the lead up sessions for that. On top of enhanced engines, electronics, gearboxes, brakes, and so on, they would also require headlights and proper non-entertainment tires suited for multi stinting. Also more durable bodywork, even the slightest of contacts with traffic would break their day way more easily than of opposition.

I know it's only half serious what's he's suggesting anyway, and the organizers are never going to agree with anything here, but FIA should organize shared exhibition race for voluntary F1, LMP1 and GT500 cars. In December so out of harms way, and in neutral circuit without much recent telemetry. Like Estoril or something.

Btw I made this thread few years ago
http://forums.autosport.com/topic/19...gp2-p1-and-p2/

It's a hallmark of a series on the up when people start suggesting a head to head race with it and F1, and sadly, charismatic as they sound, they almost never happen (Race of Two Worlds on the old Monza banking between F1 and really old school IndyCars is the last one I can think of), but it is a lovely idea isn't it?

[Aysedasi]

The last thing I want to see at Le Mans is an F1 car......

[Deleted]

Don't worry it will never ever happen.

[isynge]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

The last thing I want to see at Le Mans is an F1 car......

I know exactly what you say, but in an attempt to wean myself into the long period where realistically I'm not going to be looking at sportscar racing I've stuck Keyser's "Speed Merchants" on, where the commonality around 3 litre engines made them essentially F1 cars with two seats - albeit a lot easier in the era of spaceframe chassis - and it made for something wonderful.

Going back to my 2c on the issue, if an F1 team, let's call them Toleman, feel like they've got a package that could win Le Mans, build it so it's compliant with LMP1 rules, show up in June, and prove it, and if they can do it with F1 components then chapeau to them.

Gratifyingly I think the WEC and Le Mans are in one of those periods when they can cheerfully appropriate Audi's hashtag and say fine - bring what you think you can win with along and we'll see what happens.

Happily #welcomechallenges

[deggis]

These pointless, naive and extremely hypothetical comparisons or race scenarios pop up on forums all the time, but to see an engineer talk about it... amazing, I guess.

I can only hope it was some annoying journo milking for an answer.

[Bentley03]

Apologies if this has already been picked up and reported previously, but this was news to me....

According to Daily Sportscar, it seems there is a strong link between the proposed SARD 2016 LMP1 programme and Greaves Motorsport exploring the possibility of a 2016 LMP1 programme:

DSC Link

[Akrapovic]

Respected F1 correspondent Kevin Eason thinks that, given formula one’s current problems, Chester’s idea could be an ideal opportunity for the sport.

“Instead of a driver (Hulkenberg) getting a day off to compete at Le Mans, give a team the funds and the time to develop a formula one car to compete at Le Mans,” he wrote in the Times.

“Prove that F1 is still the greatest of them all.”

Sounds more like they're a bit upset that someone could consider Le Mans more fun than F1. This talk is more of a status thing than a technical thing. "Don't look at that fantastic shiny product! Look at ours! It's still the best! Honest! We can do that too, we just choose not to!"