Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition

[isynge]

Originally Posted by CTD

Hyundai?

Appreciating this is proper speculation, it is worth thinking about Hyundai's refusal to allow Austech to homologate the Genesis as a GTE / GT3 car. I immediately thought that was an indication that Hyundai explicitly did not want to be associated with a sportscar programme, but another interpretation is that they don't want a dilution of how people see Hyundai motorsport activity, especially if there's some degree of interest in ACO style racing.

Not going to hold my breath on this one, and suspect the real answer is Porsche, but who wouldn't appreciate the arrival of an extra factory?

[Simmi]

Jani was being rumoured for Porsche before GG said anything so I think it's Porsche.

Hoping and praying for a fourth manufacturer but with Hyundai canning U.S racing programmes to join the WRC I don't think they are realistic.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by isynge

Appreciating this is proper speculation, it is worth thinking about Hyundai's refusal to allow Austech to homologate the Genesis as a GTE / GT3 car. I immediately thought that was an indication that Hyundai explicitly did not want to be associated with a sportscar programme, but another interpretation is that they don't want a dilution of how people see Hyundai motorsport activity, especially if there's some degree of interest in ACO style racing.

Not going to hold my breath on this one, and suspect the real answer is Porsche, but who wouldn't appreciate the arrival of an extra factory?

I had the same thoughts on Hyundai, that they may be working on a GT3 of their own.

[Spyderman]

I suspect it may be Porsche as there is a BMW Sauber link in his past.

[CTD]

Just to clarify:
I just mentioned Hyundai, because of the old MulsanneCorner news about a Hyundai IP-adress had looked at Mike's site quite often, and based on that, a lot of rumors appeared about a Hyundai LMP .

I have NO believe in Hyundai LM program. I actually think Peugeot will be at Le Mans before Hyundai.

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by CTD

Sorry DP.

DPs... will be at Le Mans before either Hyundai or Peugeot...

[TF110]

Lotterer was racing for Toyota in SGT before he went to Audi in LM/WEC. So a big switch isn't unthinkable. Loic Duval also ran in SuperGT and is now with Audi.

[TF110]

Kobayashi signed on for AF Corse?

"It is understood by AUTOSPORT that 26-year-old Kobayashi has already signed or is close to signing to join Gianmaria Bruni, Giancarlo Fisichella and Andrea Bertolini on Ferrari's roster of factory sportscar drivers."

[somebodysb2]

Originally Posted by TF110

Lotterer was racing for Toyota in SGT before he went to Audi in LM/WEC. So a big switch isn't unthinkable. Loic Duval also ran in SuperGT and is now with Audi.

I think he does FNippon with a toyota-engined car as well

[Starfish Primer]

"It is understood by AUTOSPORT that 26-year-old Kobayashi has already signed or is close to signing to join Gianmaria Bruni, Giancarlo Fisichella and Andrea Bertolini on Ferrari's roster of factory sportscar drivers."

Is Olivier Beretta out of Ferrari works or just from the AF Corse team?

[Duff_44]

Originally Posted by Starfish Primer

Is Olivier Beretta out of Ferrari works or just from the AF Corse team?

I have no concrete info on this, but I think the other 3 mentioned are WEC-committed (as would be Kobayashi), and Beretta is going to be running ALMS with Risi.

[rich07]

Originally Posted by Starfish Primer

Is Olivier Beretta out of Ferrari works or just from the AF Corse team?

I think he's still a works Ferrari team just not with AF Corse this year-could be for one or two races but not fulltime WEC like he was last year. It looks like Risi ALMS is his main concern this year.

[somebodysb2]

Originally Posted by rich07

I think he's still a works Ferrari team just not with AF Corse this year-could be for one or two races but not fulltime WEC like he was last year. It looks like Risi ALMS is his main concern this year.

He's a Ferrari factory driver and teams just purchase his services for their programme. Same deal with Matt Griffin.

[Gingers4Justice]

I once had two 60-something, dull next-door neighbours who were very grumpy whenever I used to kick my footballs over the fence. They both drove Hyundais. For me, Hyundai isn't a manufacturer which would get my pulse rate going anyway. I'd much rather see Pecarolo or WR return.

[Simmi]

I'd rather see Hyundai enter with Pescarolo running things.

Dreaming aside, I don't think sportscar racing is in a position to turn away any manufacturer interest. I don't see why any fan would want to either. I don't care who it is. Improve your brand and reputation through racing.

[Pandamasque]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I once had two 60-something, dull next-door neighbours who were very grumpy whenever I used to kick my footballs over the fence. They both drove Hyundais. For me, Hyundai isn't a manufacturer which would get my pulse rate going anyway. I'd much rather see Pecarolo or WR return.

+1 Besides their cars would definitely have the most over the top in your face fugly styling. With all the beer at Le Mans imagine all the vomiting... yuck.

[NaBUru38]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I once had two 60-something, dull next-door neighbours who were very grumpy whenever I used to kick my footballs over the fence. They both drove Hyundais. For me, Hyundai isn't a manufacturer which would get my pulse rate going anyway. I'd much rather see Pecarolo or WR return.

How about these models?





Moreover: they pulled out of all of those. Perhaps they are planning a Daytona and Sebring attack in 2014?

[joeb]

I love that pikes peak car, so many great LMP and early 90's prototype cues!

[Breitling24]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I once had two 60-something, dull next-door neighbours who were very grumpy whenever I used to kick my footballs over the fence. They both drove Hyundais. For me, Hyundai isn't a manufacturer which would get my pulse rate going anyway. I'd much rather see Pecarolo or WR return.

Maybe if you had been a better footballer, they wouldn't have been so grumpy, no matter what they drove.

[lms]

looks like dome is building lmp1/2 cars for 2014. reveal in three months
http://www.endurance-info.com/versio...nce-15933.html

[Victor_RO]

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...-taking-shape/

Common GT rules coming and being shaped by (and for the benefit of) all parties involved in GT racing (FIA, ACO, Ratel, GrandALMS and the manufacturers)? Yes please.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

How about these models?





Moreover: they pulled out of all of those. Perhaps they are planning a Daytona and Sebring attack in 2014?

I think I would have remembered those if they were parked on the neighbours' drive!

No doubt Hyundai have dabbled with the fast and furious world of motorsport a few times, but still, for me and many others sporting pedigree is not what springs to mind when you hear the word "Hyundai".

[broadrun96]

So because they haven't been known to you as a sporting manufacturer they are now doomed to only make econoboxes and boring family cars?? And people wonder why I am getting burned out with the attitude of a lot of sports car people; 'we found this sport first and we know it better so let us make the rules.' Sorry but NO fan of anything is in a position to decide XXX can't or shouldn't be allowed in because they haven't been there before. This sport isn't and probably won't ever be big enough to turn anyway ANY interest, especially from a group like Hyundai who have been quietly building fast cars for whatever interested them. And to say they have dabbled in the fast and furious world is just utter uninformed BS, Pike's Peak which they have run multiple times is not a proper hillclimb-type event?? Through Kia they have run in the Koni challenge (ST class) the last few years with the Forte Koup and believe won an event in their class in 2011. But then actually looking at a manufacturer's history would be so difficult over just panning any involvement by them with just a dismissive wave.

[Acid09]

First photo of a 50% Lotus T128 wind tunnel model in 2014 LMP1 spec:

http://www.motorsport-total.com/wec/..._13021803.html

The article is heavily stressing that Lotus is working towards LMP1 in 2014, LMP2 this year seems to be a mere preparation exercise. They want to start testing the 2014 car as soon as possible.

LMP1 looking awesome for 2014: Audi, Toyota, Porsche, Lotus, HPD, Oak...good stuff

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

So because they haven't been known to you as a sporting manufacturer they are now doomed to only make econoboxes and boring family cars?? And people wonder why I am getting burned out with the attitude of a lot of sports car people; 'we found this sport first and we know it better so let us make the rules.' Sorry but NO fan of anything is in a position to decide XXX can't or shouldn't be allowed in because they haven't been there before. This sport isn't and probably won't ever be big enough to turn anyway ANY interest, especially from a group like Hyundai who have been quietly building fast cars for whatever interested them. And to say they have dabbled in the fast and furious world is just utter uninformed BS, Pike's Peak which they have run multiple times is not a proper hillclimb-type event?? Through Kia they have run in the Koni challenge (ST class) the last few years with the Forte Koup and believe won an event in their class in 2011. But then actually looking at a manufacturer's history would be so difficult over just panning any involvement by them with just a dismissive wave.

You've put an awful lot of words in to my mouth (or words onto my keyboard) that I've not said. All I've said it, I wouldn't be excited about Hyundai coming to Le Mans. Am I not allowed to say this?

It's completely and utterly fair to say Hyundia does not have the sporting pedigree of, say, Ferrari. And it's not a classic name. But I've never said I'd reject them. I'm not in the ACO, how could I? I'm fully aware that Hyundai has a motorsport presence, but so does pretty much every manufacturer that size and Hyundai's is hardly a glowing one.

It just won't get me excited. Personally speaking, I'd much rather watch a race of privateers or no prototypes at all than have Opel and Hyundai at the front of the field, for example, with Porsches, Ferraris and Astons in the secondary class.

I agree a fan can't decide who or what races (apart from voting with their feet and wallet), but every fan surely has the right to express an opinion.