Porsche LMP1 return for 2014 confirmed!

[porman]

You never know when it comes to the ACO. I, along with many here hope this is not the case. That is, Porsche waiting till 2015.

If anything, I would love to see Audi, Porsche, and Toyota compete.

[lms]

Originally Posted by Salamus

Isn't Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship the ACO's show? Why does the FIA get a say in the regulations? I thought the FIA's duty was to "advertise" the WEC, while the ACO basically run the show.

someone on this board mentioned that the aco were creating the regs with the fia since many years, so its not just the aco whos writing the regs.

[AGD]

Originally Posted by lms

someone on this board mentioned that the aco were creating the regs with the fia since many years, so its not just the aco whos writing the regs.

The million dollar question: who creates the ACO regulations? The ACO? The FIA? Or the P1 manufacturers? I'd bet that it's the manufacturers and the manufacturers can't quite agree on a set of rules. One could say that it's the ACO's fault for letting the manufacturers write the rules essentially. Well, that's assuming that there is a problem with the new regulations. It's pure speculation at this point and I'd say the Porsche 2015 rumor is pure speculation too unless Hindy really does know something that we don't. Porsche seems to be revving up their program towards a 2014 go at things, but odd things happen especially when the ACO is involved. Or should I say not involved. Ah, hell, it's both isn't it?!

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by AGD

but odd things happen especially when the ACO is involved. Or should I say not involved. Ah, hell, it's both isn't it?!

Odd things in motorsport happen with any kind or identity of governing body.

[AGD]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

Odd things in motorsport happen with any kind or identity of governing body.

It depends. NASCAR rules with an iron fist. They aren't going to get bullied by manufacturers. I don't think the manufacturers have as much pull with the IRL either as compared to sports car racing. That leads to a bit more predictability because you know where the series stands on certain issues. This is not to say that things are totally certain, but things seem more chaotic in European manufacturer-centric racing.

[Salamus]

It depends. NASCAR rules with an iron fist. They aren't going to get bullied by manufacturers. I don't think the manufacturers have as much pull with the IRL either as compared to sports car racing. That leads to a bit more predictability because you know where the series stands on certain issues. This is not to say that things are totally certain, but things seem more chaotic in European manufacturer-centric racing.

NASCAR and Indy are very much different from sports car racing. NASCAR listens to suggestions made by manufacturers (example: trying to make the cars more road relevant) but NASCAR decides the size of the engines, what fuel is used, what tires, etc. Indycar is basically a spec series, and once again, the manufacturers only care about the engine regs.
However, in sports car racing, there are so many different technologies on the same track that it is near impossible to provide a perfect solution. The ACO lets manufacturers decide the rules because those manufacturers are ultimately the ones investing in their respect programs. They build everything from the chassis to the engine and everything in between.
Chevrolet or Ford don't build NASCAR cars, the teams (like Hendrick and Roush do that). Same applies to Indycar.
Manufacturers are what keep sports car racing alive, and unfortunately, they have to have their way. Now, with Audi, Toyota, Porsche, and possibly Nissan and Peugeot in for 2014, deciding on a set of regulations will be a nightmare. This time I believe it is the duty of the ACO to release a confirmed set of rules before the end of this season in order for manufacturers and privaters to start preparing.

[AGD]

Originally Posted by Salamus

NASCAR and Indy are very much different from sports car racing. NASCAR listens to suggestions made by manufacturers (example: trying to make the cars more road relevant) but NASCAR decides the size of the engines, what fuel is used, what tires, etc. Indycar is basically a spec series, and once again, the manufacturers only care about the engine regs.

Although this is more or less true, even Indycar/USAC/CART in the past dictated the terms and not the manufacturers in most cases. Of course, things were a bit more confined even in CART than in sports cars in terms of engine type and fuels, but there were still different engine designs and technologies. Manufacturers were involved with the chassis as well. Ferrari built their own Indycar chassis (but never ran it), Porsche had March build them a bespoke chassis, and I believe Alfa's Marches were bespoke as well. Manufacturers generally did not get involved in chassis construction in CART/USAC, but they always could have if they wanted to.

I think the difference is the source of money. In American racing, money is primarily funneled from private sponsors to private teams. Manufacturers are involved in the mix as well, but it's a real "team" effort so to speak. In European racing, it seems to be more of a manufacturer-only focus. I'm not so sure if that's the right way. Manufacturers do dominate in sports car racing on both sides of the pond, but I'm not so sure if that's the way things should be. The new regs are supposed to be quite wide open. Why all the fuss? That is assuming there is a fuss that is. Perhaps a few cheapskate manufacturers are wanting cost controls and others do not?

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Salamus

Isn't Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship the ACO's show? Why does the FIA get a say in the regulations? I thought the FIA's duty was to "advertise" the WEC, while the ACO basically run the show.

Not sure what is FIA's exact role in the meetings other than some representative(s) being there, but according to this ACO "will be responsible for the sporting, technical, marketing and communications operations" and ACO is also the promoter.

I also see it as a plus that FIA just seems to be more transparent and objective. FIA may be French, but not as French as ACO.

I wouldn't be surprised if the new regulations do get postponed, considering the relationship between the ACO and FIA.

WEC itself is a proof that the relationship must be better than ever.

[gustavobamba]

Hello dear friends of the forum, I would like to propose to you an idea.

Let's talk to all the contacts we have for designers and others can draw what they think will be the new Porsche LMP1 2014.

People present their designs with a link and at the end of each month the people of the forum vote for best design.

What do you think of the idea ... :-)

[Pandamasque]

Originally Posted by gustavobamba

Hello dear friends of the forum, I would like to propose to you an idea.

Let's talk to all the contacts we have for designers and others can draw what they think will be the new Porsche LMP1 2014.

People present their designs with a link and at the end of each month the people of the forum vote for best design.

What do you think of the idea ... :-)

I don't know much about 2014 rules yet, so I've decided to design a Porsche to the current LMP1 rules. It may not look too aerodynamic, but unlike many current cars it has good visibility, so although not from pole it may still win.

[arakis]

Originally Posted by Pandamasque

I don't know much about 2014 rules yet, so I've decided to design a Porsche to the current LMP1 rules. It may not look too aerodynamic, but unlike many current cars it has good visibility, so although not from pole it may still win.

Awsome....

[gustavobamba]

Originally Posted by Pandamasque

I don't know much about 2014 rules yet, so I've decided to design a Porsche to the current LMP1 rules. It may not look too aerodynamic, but unlike many current cars it has good visibility, so although not from pole it may still win.

You kill me with that...

[alexkiller8]

for sure produces less drag than AMR-one....

[Pandamasque]

This being Porsche, the updates come quickly. Now with even less drag - the Evo version

[Richard Casto]

Upright seating position should help with the visibility issues in some of the newer LMP1 cars. I think they should be able to see over the front fenders just fine!

Richard