LM - 2018 onwards?
Discussion
Would they? It kinda makes sense to leave a race series if you’re the only one in it really, must admit I was expecting them to announce they were leaving very soon after Porsche did.
I wonder how much pressure there was in Japan for them to stick around for what we expect will be a gimme win? I don’t know. I just think it’s a shame is all.
I wonder how much pressure there was in Japan for them to stick around for what we expect will be a gimme win? I don’t know. I just think it’s a shame is all.
The thing is, you can almost taste it......the only LMP1 hybrids, Toyota, don't make it to the end of the race....don't scoff, it wouldn't be unknown. The new, non hybrid entries into the LMP1 category, in their first year at LM, barely make into the night........and hey presto....an uber reliable LMP2 car/cars sweep the podium.
Quelle fromage !!!!!!
Quelle fromage !!!!!!
Well, Toyota have that history, leading in 1998 with 50 minutes to go (from memory) and breaking down and then of course recently losing with 3 minutes to go. If they win they are expected to, if they lose.... well, who will fall on his sword this time? It is a lose/lose situation really. Not a nice decision to have to make.
WE should have the greatest respect for Toyota. They started their race programme a year earlier that they had planned ad the ACO begged them to provide competion for Audi even though they knew they would be losing.... They have been totally loyal to their WEC programme... When they lost they always did it with dignity
Great Dane said:
WE should have the greatest respect for Toyota. They started their race programme a year earlier that they had planned ad the ACO begged them to provide competion for Audi even though they knew they would be losing.... They have been totally loyal to their WEC programme... When they lost they always did it with dignity
I agree with much of this. It seems fairly pointless them turning up, but fair play if they continue and adjust the car however the ACO decides in terms of rules changes.I feel Porsche’s u-turn has damaged their reputation in my eyes. Their sudden departure goes against the commitment they made and damages the very event they have used for reputation and marketing gains for so long.
I was also disappointed Audi didn’t give notice and a chance for their fans to see them knowing it was their last appearance. Having put so much in to LM, to then do their last race and announce the early departure afterwards.
Great Dane said:
WE should have the greatest respect for Toyota. They started their race programme a year earlier that they had planned ad the ACO begged them to provide competion for Audi even though they knew they would be losing.... They have been totally loyal to their WEC programme... When they lost they always did it with dignity
Agree with this. Memories are too short around here. Toyota GT One - awesome car and so very very quick but failed to deliver. To simply take their participation on a single year is unfair.Lots of things can happen at Le Mans and usually do!
Le Mans 'needs' a headline act and Toyota are going to provide it. The only sticking point may be how many entries they have... 2 would be correct, 3 might be seen as hedging it towards a Toyota win.
Do the people accusing Toyota of looking to take an easy win against non-manufacture competition also throw the same accusation at Audi for their win in 2000...when they stayed in the sport after both BMW and Toyota left and took an easy win against non-manufacturer competition?
Let's face it, what's more likely to encourage other manufacturers in to the top flight of the sport - having 1 other manufacturer staying committed, or having them all run away?
Let's face it, what's more likely to encourage other manufacturers in to the top flight of the sport - having 1 other manufacturer staying committed, or having them all run away?
Don't know if it was my original post that was taken as a snipe at Toyota, not meant as such. I was speculating the fact that, as mused for a while now, by Radio LM, and a few others, that due to the nature/occacional fragility of the hybrids, we might see an LMP2 car on the podium for one of the overall top places. With a lack of entries so far this year it might be that time.
I don't think that it was a case though of AUDI, and Porsche having a look down the sofa for a bit of funding, so they could say, "Hey guys, you can have one more look at us, for old times sakes", the immense funding required for just one season WEC, I imagine, were very quickly withdrawn by the parent companies for 'certain recent reasons'.
Yes, AUDI, did have an easy run in 2000, but you can't decry them too much, they did hang around for a few more tries....erm 16 years !!
And as one poster has said, it might look a bit less credible if Toyota put 3 cars in, vs 2. I reckon though if your going for it, use the 3kg lump hammer rather than the 2kg one
I don't think that it was a case though of AUDI, and Porsche having a look down the sofa for a bit of funding, so they could say, "Hey guys, you can have one more look at us, for old times sakes", the immense funding required for just one season WEC, I imagine, were very quickly withdrawn by the parent companies for 'certain recent reasons'.
Yes, AUDI, did have an easy run in 2000, but you can't decry them too much, they did hang around for a few more tries....erm 16 years !!
And as one poster has said, it might look a bit less credible if Toyota put 3 cars in, vs 2. I reckon though if your going for it, use the 3kg lump hammer rather than the 2kg one
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