Private LMP1 Audi diesel in LMS

[Ipelm]

The news that Dr Colin Colles (ex-Force F1) is going to run a team two of Audi LMP 1 R10 diesels in the LMS came as a bit of a surprise. Whilst it was a fantastic year in 2008 with Audi and the Pugs doing battle I am not so sure that this is really what I wanted for 2009.

I thought it would have been really good for the privateers to fight it out this year for overall honours in the LMS and leave the manufacturers to battle for the 24 hours.

That way more privateers might buy Zytec's, Creation, Pescarolo's and Courages and both the enthusiast (something different winning) and the small manufacturers (more sales) might benefit.

I am wondering what other sportscar nuts like myself think

(F1 only enthusiasts note this is NOT a thread for you!!!!)

[SamHH]

Would any of the makes of car you mention be able to compete with the R10s (factory or private run)? I seem to recall that when there were no factory LMP1 cars at Le Mans a few years ago, it was only the private R8s that were vying for the win.

[dpbird90]

Audi are apparantly developing the R15 for this year at Le Mans. So I guess they can afford to flog off their old cars.

[Ipelm]

I agree, therefore it looked good on paper that there weren't going to be any major manufacturers, and therefore the private teams would step into the limelight with their 'off the peg' cars.

I think it would have been a really interesting series.

[Ipelm]

SamHH said:

Would any of the makes of car you mention be able to compete with the R10s (factory or private run)? I seem to recall that when there were no factory LMP1 cars at Le Mans a few years ago, it was only the private R8s that were vying for the win.

Sorry guys I am not writing clearly (I blame the flu). I mean a series without Audi and Pug diesels, but WITH Pesca's Courages, Zytec and Creation petrol cars.

[SamHH]

Ipelm said:

SamHH said:

Would any of the makes of car you mention be able to compete with the R10s (factory or private run)? I seem to recall that when there were no factory LMP1 cars at Le Mans a few years ago, it was only the private R8s that were vying for the win.

Sorry guys I am not writing clearly (I blame the flu). I mean a series without Audi and Pug diesels, but WITH Pesca's Courages, Zytec and Creation petrol cars.

Ah sorry, I thought you meant all those cars competing against the privateer Audis. Well, I guess it might be interesting to see what happens when privateers with non-manufacturer cars actually have a chance of winning, but it does seem a bit odd that Audi are making a new car but not going the use it in either of the two major series for which it's eligible.

[Ipelm]

Its great if we have two (or more) maufacturers competing but not so great if we have Dr Kolles team winning all the races with no competition.

I hope that the rule makers have found a good equivelancy formula and then LEAVE THEM ALONE and let the designers evolve cars like used to happen years ago, that way the competition will be better for us spectators. Jeeze man, all these rule and name changes, just drive me insane.

[zac510]

I think this is great, to think they might not be painted silver too

Hopefully they can get some good privateers in driving the thing.

[Ipelm]

Hummm..........cant see Audi being so 'sporting.' I am sure that they will still do everything in their power to win by 'lending' them some of their drivers?

[zac510]

Audi's top drivers will be in the 3 R15s.

Pirro could get another spin though?

[SamHH]

zac510 said:

Audi's top drivers will be in the 3 R15s.

Pirro could get another spin though?

The R15 is only competing in one race though isn't it?

Edited by SamHH on Wednesday 21st January 15:35

[rude-boy]

Ipelm said:

Hummm..........cant see Audi being so 'sporting.' I am sure that they will still do everything in their power to win by 'lending' them some of their drivers?

There is no such thing as a 'Privateer' Audi LMP1 car. The only thing private about that will be the money behind it. Remember the 'private' R8s? They were not allowed to even take the bodywork off without an Audi engineer present.

[Ipelm]

Interestingly over on Daily Sportscar.Com, they are saying by having the Dr Kolles team on board Audi have another element for the 24 Hours to cover them if the new R15 runs into trouble and is delayed. That makes sense.

Edited by Ipelm on Wednesday 21st January 16:02

Edited by Ipelm on Wednesday 21st January 16:03

[zac510]

SamHH said:

zac510 said:

Audi's top drivers will be in the 3 R15s.

Pirro could get another spin though?

The R15 is only competing in one race though isn't it?

Edited by SamHH on Wednesday 21st January 15:35

I guess I was presuming that Kolles will need a few pay drivers to pay for the LMS season.

[sirtyro]

Dont like the look of the R15. Love the fact Audi have had an open cockpit!

[TimCrighton]

One of the R10's is to be driven by Christian Bakkerud, who has done the past couple of season in GP2. I believe the other seats have yet to be confirmed.

The cars are to be run privately but with a support team from Audi. Kolles is behind the DTM entry of course so well known to Audi

[zac510]

sirtyro said:

Dont like the look of the R15. Love the fact Audi have had an open cockpit!

Have you seen R15 already?

[chevronb37]

This can only be good for LMS if it is to maintain the status it has built up the last couple of years. I hope Peugeot come out to play as well. Have they confirmed their plans for 2009? They need to stop bottling it at the last moment...

[sirtyro]

zac510 said:

sirtyro said:

Dont like the look of the R15. Love the fact Audi have had an open cockpit!

Have you seen R15 already?

Yeah do a search for it on google. It has a roof and a funny looking front grill with fairy lights. I'm a big fan of the R10 I'm sure the R15 will be just as competitive.

[SamHH]

sirtyro said:

Yeah do a search for it on google. It has a roof and a funny looking front grill with fairy lights. I'm a big fan of the R10 I'm sure the R15 will be just as competitive.

Are you sure you're not just finding someone's drawing of what they think it'll look like?