Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition

[wewantourdarbyback]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

Why on earth would a plank on a hinge be of any use whatsoever in real racing - One thing sportscar racing doesn't have is an overtaking problem.

Depends what would be allowed. A lot of top end hypercars now rely on a lot of moving aero and it would be attractive to certain manufacturers to be able to develop them on the track.

If it were a tech advance that is just used in general it could be a good thing for the cars and manufacturers.

If it were just a slotted DRS nonsense used at a specified time and condition that helps no one and isn't needed then you'd be completely right.

[wewantourdarbyback]

Originally Posted by Chiana

I think adding any more complexity to those fuel flow hybrid cars is just going to increase the likelihood of drivers fiercely paying attention to their steering wheel buttons and other telemetry while their cars are crashing into Ferraris

Doesn't have to involve them looking at the steering wheel though. Propery systems would be car controlled, not driver.

[TRuss]

Active doesn't involve the driver. That's what makes it active.

[MyNameIsNigel]

Here are some more news about the "balance of driver's weight" (BoDW) thanks to motorsport-total.com to be introduced starting from next year. Ballast will be imposed if the average weight of the drivers of each car is below 80 kg. Motorsport-total.com illustrate the impact as follows taking the example of the last race at Interlagos:

Die LMP1-H-Ausgleichsgewichte am Beispiel Brasilien 2014 (Gewicht in kg):
Audi #1: Tom Kristensen (72) / Loic Duval (70) / Lucas di Grassi (75) - Ballast: 8 kg
Audi #2: Andre Lotterer (74) / Marcel Fässler (78) / Benoit Treluyer (68) - Ballast: 7 kg
Toyota #7: Alex Wurz (79) / Stephane Sarrazin (69) / Mike Conway (64) - Ballast: 9 kg
Toyota #8: Sebastien Buemi (68) / Anthony Davidson (56) - Ballast: 18 kg
Porsche #14: Marc Lieb (74) / Romain Dumas (62) / Neel Jani (62) - Ballast: 14 kg
Porsche #20: Mark Webber (75) / Brendon Hartley (67) / Timo Bernhard (60) - Ballast: 13 kg

Interesting comparison...

[Mike E]

GTE, LMP2, LMP1?
I would love to hear a Lambo V10 in the back of an LMP2.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/l...e-lmp1-effort/

[Simmi]

EDIT: Mike E beat me to it.

Okay S365 went for the clicks a bit with the headline I think. Let's see whether it happens.

The LMP2 angle is quite interesting. That must be the marque Dagys was rumouring back in October.

[Mike E]

Tripping over each other here.

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Okay S365 went for the clicks a bit with the headline.

Lambo looking at LMP1 long-term. Apparently.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/l...e-lmp1-effort/

What would be the interest for Audi (the owner of Lamborghini...) to leave LMP1 and free the path for a Lamborghini LMP1 programme ? I would not understand the logic behind such a move.

[Gingers4Justice]

Not sure what an LMP1 Lambo would prove. Making road-going prototypes is pretty much all they do and they certainly don't have much of an interest in efficiency.

They could get JLOC to run it for them.

[Giba]

Lambo LMP2 sounds intriguing but if F1 is out of the question for Lambo because VW isn't interested then wouldn't the same apply to the idea of Audi entering F1?

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Okay S365 went for the clicks a bit with the headline I think. Let's see whether it happens.

How is "Targeting Return to Le Mans, Evaluating LMP1 effort" in any conflict with direct quote "We have to look at LMP1" from mr Sanna? I've seen a lot worse there and on DSC as well - and don't even mention the over hyping tweets you seem to get in increasing amounts for MWM.

Anyway this is rather mouthwatering prospect, even if there's not much substance behind yet.. And the possibility that we could have real Lamborghini engine (assuming it wouldn't be just another useless rebadging deal) in LMP2 next year is rather exciting. Any team that picks that one, I'm supporting at LM next year

It is another sign of Audi perhaps exiting though.

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

What would be the interest for Audi (the owner of Lamborghini...) to leave LMP1 and free the path for a Lamborghini LMP1 programme ? I would not understand the logic behind such a move.

F1 obviously? Two VAG brands in one category is easier to handle than three.

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

They could get JLOC to run it for them.

The ultimate dream

[gustavobamba]

For me the other brands of VW group are begining to "fight " for the position that Audi can leave open , who knows? !?!?

Lambo in LMP1???? That would be interesting to say the least!!!!

[Speed-King]

Is there even a Lambo engine that fits the P2 regs such as they are?

There smalles block should be the V10 from the Gallardo, that's 5.2 liters... so they are .2 liters over the displacement max and have two cylinders too many.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

Not sure what an LMP1 Lambo would prove. Making road-going prototypes is pretty much all they do and they certainly don't have much of an interest in efficiency.

They could get JLOC to run it for them.

You remember that new Lamborghini concept car with the hybrid powertrain, the Asterion? V10 from the Huracan with 3 electric motors- http://www.lamborghini.com/en/models...pecifications/ This proves they are interested in efficiency. The concept was produced just to show that.

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by Chiana

It is another sign of Audi perhaps exiting though.

F1 obviously? Two VAG brands in one category is easier to handle than three.

So Audi would leave to F1 but however still be indirectly involved in LMP1 through Lambo, a fully-owned subsidiary ?

I don't quite get the logic. Audi would still be fighting against Porsche, not directly anymore, but indirectly through Lamborghini. How can this make more sense than the current situation from Audi's or VW's perspective ?

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by Chiana

How is "Targeting Return to Le Mans, Evaluating LMP1 effort" in any conflict with direct quote "We have to look at LMP1" from mr Sanna?

Yep fair point on reflection. Sounds good doesn't it.

[Mr Pink]

I'm very intrigued by what the VW group has planned the next few years.

Oh and I know the chances of a screaming V12 is very small in any of the classes but please! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go6kxyKSDZ0

[chernaudi]

Biggest conspiracy theory I can think of is Audi Sport using this as a cover for using gasoline engine technology due to Audi feeling that the current EOT BOP formula favors gasoline engine.

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

Here are some more news about the "balance of driver's weight" (BoDW) thanks to motorsport-total.com to be introduced starting from next year. Ballast will be imposed if the average weight of the drivers of each car is below 80 kg. Motorsport-total.com illustrate the impact as follows taking the example of the last race at Interlagos:


Interesting comparison...

Now I know that there will be many of you that are all for this, but I don't like it.

Here are three reasons:
1) This is supposed to be a team sport. The composition of the team should be factor in the result of the game. We don't make a football team that has a height advantage run on their knees, or disallow the ball to be kicked (by the taller team) over 1,5m in order to "disallow" the advantage. Why do this in our sport?
2) This seems to me to be another example of the rabid fervor that regulators have to produce regulation at a drop of a hat. One of the reasons that the WEC is becoming popular is because of the comparatively fewer regulations currently enforced. Have they not learned anything?
3) Why 80 kg? Is it because Marcel Fassler weighs 78kg? It is a completely random number that in nothing corresponds to the weight of most professional drivers. Why not 75kg or 70kg?

And here is an extra reason:

4)Today the drivers; tomorrow the cars. Then the engines, etc. etc, etc, until we are all winners.

[TF110]

Afaik, its just a rumor right now, not an actual rule change.

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by TF110

Afaik, its just a rumor right now, not an actual rule change.

Isn't this the rumour thread ?

There's no smoke without fire. There are consistent reports confirming that this change will be incorporated in the Sporting Regulations for next year.

[Spyderman]

@ TF110 - Good! Let it stay that way.

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

Isn't this the rumour thread ?

There's no smoke without fire. There are consistent reports confirming that this change will be incorporated in the Sporting Regulations for next year.

Too bad.
It seems we have started down the wrong path.....again.

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Is there even a Lambo engine that fits the P2 regs such as they are?

There smalles block should be the V10 from the Gallardo, that's 5.2 liters... so they are .2 liters over the displacement max and have two cylinders too many.

Arrgghh. Forgot about the 8 cylinder limit. Would this just be a re-badged Audi DTM V8, or something? I want a V10!

[JorritVD]

Looks like Algarve Pro Racing Team bought TDS's Ligier. Nothing about a possible programm. Let's see if Nicky Catsburg will drive the car

Btw, Catsburg drove for TDS in Blancpain Endurance Series with a Z4, but also is a drive instructor for AlgarvePRT

will look good in our colours but unfortunately not time before the first test with our new car on 17/18 December

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Algar...897?fref=photo