Discussion
The front page of the local paper today gave the headlines, page 3 gave the details. It would seem likely that,although it has not been confirmed, that Porsche will not be contesting the WEC next year but rather going down the electric route. The article stated that instead of spending €200 million a year it will cost but one tenth of that. A perfect reason, given the state of VW's finances after the emissions scandal and the fact that their share price has halved. Costs must be cut. I'm not saying that this is confirmed, just that the article stated that Porsche have refused to confirm or deny, which to me is a telling sign. The article goes on to say "how sad" Toyota are.
Whilst it is understandable I think going to an event where you need to change your car half way through because the battery has gone flat isn't really going to boost sales of Porsches. They have the right focus by demonstrating a hybrid or even better an electric vehicle in the 24 hours. Cost is obviously the major issue here. I think this is more a push to reform LMP1 rather than to move onto a minor competition.
Seems nailed on now.
It strikes me that it comes down to cost and formula E is a cheaper option to test real world applications gong forward.
Do the ACO/FIA need a re-think on costs and, hence, new tech in the top flight? Probably, but how to do that and keep to the spirit of the race? Tricky times ahead, but I'm sure they'll find a way.
The advent of the new Ginetta P1 looks likely to be the saviour of the series at this stage.
Hope Toyota hang about for a year or two.
It strikes me that it comes down to cost and formula E is a cheaper option to test real world applications gong forward.
Do the ACO/FIA need a re-think on costs and, hence, new tech in the top flight? Probably, but how to do that and keep to the spirit of the race? Tricky times ahead, but I'm sure they'll find a way.
The advent of the new Ginetta P1 looks likely to be the saviour of the series at this stage.
Hope Toyota hang about for a year or two.
ellroy said:
Seems nailed on now.
It strikes me that it comes down to cost and formula E is a cheaper option to test real world applications gong forward.
Do the ACO/FIA need a re-think on costs and, hence, new tech in the top flight? Probably, but how to do that and keep to the spirit of the race? Tricky times ahead, but I'm sure they'll find a way.
The advent of the new Ginetta P1 looks likely to be the saviour of the series at this stage.
Hope Toyota hang about for a year or two.
Is this Ginetta P1 still going ahead? I've looked for recent news but cant find any. What I read a while ago suggested 6 cars?It strikes me that it comes down to cost and formula E is a cheaper option to test real world applications gong forward.
Do the ACO/FIA need a re-think on costs and, hence, new tech in the top flight? Probably, but how to do that and keep to the spirit of the race? Tricky times ahead, but I'm sure they'll find a way.
The advent of the new Ginetta P1 looks likely to be the saviour of the series at this stage.
Hope Toyota hang about for a year or two.
Is it possible they could change the rules to do away with the hybrid technology? All very good, but prohibitively expensive
If that means the end of P1 hybrid, then good. The costs are just silly for what remains a relatively low profile race series. No wonder other carmakers haven't been interested.
The solution is absolutely simple, and should make for an incredible race next year. Allow GTEs the freedom to compete with P2s for the overall win and then you keep the (GT) manufacturers happy while giving the fans more than just a handful of cars competing for the overall.
The solution is absolutely simple, and should make for an incredible race next year. Allow GTEs the freedom to compete with P2s for the overall win and then you keep the (GT) manufacturers happy while giving the fans more than just a handful of cars competing for the overall.
Grahamdub said:
wsn03 said:
And me... i was at the chicane where the Corvette lost it too...epic
Ford chicane ? I was stood cheering in the grandstand along with everyone else !Final nail in the coffin for LMP1 surely - Costs are high, the racing isn't that exciting, although they are awesome things, and as this year showed, as they push the boundaries of the hybrid tech, the cars aren't particularly reliable.
If Toyota stay in, then surely for next year, they will just turn the car down to 2016 levels knowing it is mostly reliable and win without any real competition
If Toyota stay in, then surely for next year, they will just turn the car down to 2016 levels knowing it is mostly reliable and win without any real competition
Vette_1978 said:
wsn03 said:
Don't know the name, but it was the chicane a couple of hundred yards from Hotel Arbor...for so few people there was a lot of cheering too!
I was also at the Arbor and got pictures of the Corvette going through the gravel. I wasn't cheering.The error was an epic moment in an epic race. Brilliant spot to watch from.
I think Porsche pulling out of LMP1 will be the final confirmation for me to give it a miss next year. The GT Pro and GT Am racing is excellent, as is the LMP2 class, but what I want to see at Le Mans is the epic speed differential between the quick, and the very quick cars. That's what makes it special, not all the cars travelling at similar speeds like every other event.
Le Mans needs a competitive top class, otherwise, it's just not Le Mans
Le Mans needs a competitive top class, otherwise, it's just not Le Mans
The Surveyor said:
I think Porsche pulling out of LMP1 will be the final confirmation for me to give it a miss next year. The GT Pro and GT Am racing is excellent, as is the LMP2 class, but what I want to see at Le Mans is the epic speed differential between the quick, and the very quick cars. That's what makes it special, not all the cars travelling at similar speeds like every other event.
Le Mans needs a competitive top class, otherwise, it's just not Le Mans
You actually go to watch the racing???Le Mans needs a competitive top class, otherwise, it's just not Le Mans
Not just for the 'theatre' that is Le Mans.
wsn03 said:
Vette_1978 said:
wsn03 said:
Don't know the name, but it was the chicane a couple of hundred yards from Hotel Arbor...for so few people there was a lot of cheering too!
I was also at the Arbor and got pictures of the Corvette going through the gravel. I wasn't cheering.The error was an epic moment in an epic race. Brilliant spot to watch from.
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