More defections from 997 GT3 RSR to F430 GT
Discussion
Yet another team in the ALMS is abandoning the 997 GT3 RSR for the Ferrari F430 GT:
http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID...
Tafel is jumping ship and buying two F430s. After the absolute mauling the Porsches got in 2007, I can't say I'm surprised. Did Weissach totally take their eye off the ball because they were focusing on the RS Spyder? Will this be the kick in the arse they need to get back on a level with Maranello? Here's hoping they do - I can't stand seeing those Italian cocks on top.
http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID...
Tafel is jumping ship and buying two F430s. After the absolute mauling the Porsches got in 2007, I can't say I'm surprised. Did Weissach totally take their eye off the ball because they were focusing on the RS Spyder? Will this be the kick in the arse they need to get back on a level with Maranello? Here's hoping they do - I can't stand seeing those Italian cocks on top.
Edited by Dr JonboyG on Thursday 6th December 03:58
Dr JonboyG said:
True. I spent an evening getting quite drunk with the Tafel crew at Mid Ohio this summer, and they said that Porsche has been doing bugger all development on the 997; it was entirely up to teams to move things along. No wonder they got outclassed by Ferrari.
Unfortunately this is the Wiedenking business model.Also, let's not forget that having the engine in the back is inherently less good.
flemke said:
Dr JonboyG said:
True. I spent an evening getting quite drunk with the Tafel crew at Mid Ohio this summer, and they said that Porsche has been doing bugger all development on the 997; it was entirely up to teams to move things along. No wonder they got outclassed by Ferrari.
Unfortunately this is the Wiedenking business model.Also, let's not forget that having the engine in the back is inherently less good.
Dr JonboyG said:
flemke said:
Dr JonboyG said:
True. I spent an evening getting quite drunk with the Tafel crew at Mid Ohio this summer, and they said that Porsche has been doing bugger all development on the 997; it was entirely up to teams to move things along. No wonder they got outclassed by Ferrari.
Unfortunately this is the Wiedenking business model.Also, let's not forget that having the engine in the back is inherently less good.
In this case, however, I don't how much even Olaf can do. It's not as if he has not had any conversations with Weissach about how to make their car faster.
Dr JonboyG said:
flemke said:
Dr JonboyG said:
True. I spent an evening getting quite drunk with the Tafel crew at Mid Ohio this summer, and they said that Porsche has been doing bugger all development on the 997; it was entirely up to teams to move things along. No wonder they got outclassed by Ferrari.
Unfortunately this is the Wiedenking business model.Also, let's not forget that having the engine in the back is inherently less good.
johnph said:
Dr JonboyG said:
flemke said:
Dr JonboyG said:
True. I spent an evening getting quite drunk with the Tafel crew at Mid Ohio this summer, and they said that Porsche has been doing bugger all development on the 997; it was entirely up to teams to move things along. No wonder they got outclassed by Ferrari.
Unfortunately this is the Wiedenking business model.Also, let's not forget that having the engine in the back is inherently less good.
Dr JonboyG said:
Looks like this year is going to be as embarrassing as 2007. Porsche couldn't even get into the top 3 at the Sebring Wheels Down test - not only beaten by a pair of F430s, but also by the ancient Panoz. Oh dear.
They havent run the new cars yet, so who knows how competative they will be..Christophorus said:
The fans got another big thrill out of the 911 GT3 RSR as it fought those exciting duels with Ferrari in the GT2 class. How
do you see the situation with regard to these near-production sports cars?
“In this class we have a serious competitor once again after many years. I think this is very good for us. Ferrari has certainly given this business a boost, and the interest in GT racing has soared not only in the U.S. In our car, which was a new entry last year, we have made improvements in three areas for 2008: We are using a new transmission that’s based in large measure on our experience with the RS Spyder. Next, we increased the aerodynamic efficiency.
With an increase in downforce and less drag, the car runs faster with the same engine power, both in curves and on straights. The third point is improved weight distribution. By making many small body changes, we were able to shift the weight from the rear to the front axle. That’s especially important in a car with a rear engine. We expect these improvements to substantially improve our chances. We’ve also made major improvements in the 911 GT3 Cup, which will participate not only in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup but also in the Porsche Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges. During the winter months we have built 265 of these cars. That’s a new record.”
Christophorus Link
Took from topic "Porsche Motorsport -Could the 911 be replaced by the Caymen" http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...do you see the situation with regard to these near-production sports cars?
“In this class we have a serious competitor once again after many years. I think this is very good for us. Ferrari has certainly given this business a boost, and the interest in GT racing has soared not only in the U.S. In our car, which was a new entry last year, we have made improvements in three areas for 2008: We are using a new transmission that’s based in large measure on our experience with the RS Spyder. Next, we increased the aerodynamic efficiency.
With an increase in downforce and less drag, the car runs faster with the same engine power, both in curves and on straights. The third point is improved weight distribution. By making many small body changes, we were able to shift the weight from the rear to the front axle. That’s especially important in a car with a rear engine. We expect these improvements to substantially improve our chances. We’ve also made major improvements in the 911 GT3 Cup, which will participate not only in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup but also in the Porsche Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges. During the winter months we have built 265 of these cars. That’s a new record.”
Christophorus Link
Dare I say, after seeing the 430 up close in BGT they are a stunning piece of machinery a real beast of a racecar in all the right senses. I'm not usually a Prancing Horse fan, but it is superbly made and well thought out, it just looks the business and delivers, especially in the right hands.
TonyToniTone said:
I was just coming here to post the same thing.Forums | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff