So, who's your money on this year?
So, who's your money on this year?
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-Lummox-

Original Poster:

2,007 posts

242 months

Tuesday 5th May 2009
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I officially know bugger all about the R15 but I'd still put my money on that over anything French. Who's looking good for the win this year, do you think?

Nick M

3,632 posts

252 months

Tuesday 5th May 2009
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Have to say, provided there's no last minute 'issues' with the legality of the R15, my money would be on the Audi. Just.

Perhaps it's a little unfair, but while I think the Peugeots will be quicker (quite noticeably so) they will be more likely to suffer from little niggles which will slow them down.

But I'm hoping that, like last year, it will be a proper race again ! And not one which is overly influenced by the bad weather and tyre choices, etc.

The Astons will be quick but I'm not sure how consistent and sustainable that pace will be with their driver line up. I'd also be worried that Thomas Enge will throw it at the scenery at some stage, costing them time.


Parsnip

3,258 posts

217 months

Tuesday 5th May 2009
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Ask me after the 908s and the AM Lolas face off at spa smile

It could go either way, the 908s arent as failure happy as they once more. Coupled with a super close race at sebring i think they are going to be very closeley matched in June - its very hard to ignore the sheer reliablity that audi have, couple with the development they will have put into the new car since sebring, i think they may just edge it.

My heart says the blue and orange cars could take it if they are reliable - crushing the R10s in spain shows that they have speed - enough to match the 908/R15? Maybe... Either way, im hoping for the diesels to have some competition, and possibly even the two pescas battling with each other for fuel supremacy smile

Hughesie

12,790 posts

311 months

Tuesday 5th May 2009
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There's a race ??

  • thud*
Race....What Race...???

hehe

MustangGT-H

70 posts

210 months

Tuesday 5th May 2009
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Really have no idea, have had confidence in the 908's for last year's race.. But I'll put some money down on a Audi win.

Red Firecracker

5,346 posts

256 months

Tuesday 5th May 2009
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Parsnip said:
Ask me after the 908s and the AM Lolas face off at spa smile

It could go either way, the 908s arent as failure happy as they once more. Coupled with a super close race at sebring i think they are going to be very closeley matched in June - its very hard to ignore the sheer reliablity that audi have, couple with the development they will have put into the new car since sebring, i think they may just edge it.

My heart says the blue and orange cars could take it if they are reliable - crushing the R10s in spain shows that they have speed - enough to match the 908/R15? Maybe... Either way, im hoping for the diesels to have some competition, and possibly even the two pescas battling with each other for fuel supremacy smile
nononerd Lola Aston Martins.

It's not the quickest car, it's not the quickest driver, it's the team that reacts the best to the unexpected that'll win.

The Audi was slower than the Pug last year, but team work got them ahead. The extra time taken to install a new driver plus the fact that Peugeot went 'all Gallic' when there were issues counted against them. Good team work comes with experience and Joest excel.

The petrol battle (LMP1.5?) is certainly going to be interesting. I think Ginetta will be up there, but again, Pescarolo have the experience.


lowdrag

13,183 posts

242 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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So everyone has ruled out the Pescarolo 908 then. My heart would love to see him win.

Red Firecracker

5,346 posts

256 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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lowdrag said:
So everyone has ruled out the Pescarolo 908 then. My heart would love to see him win.
Ooh, not at all, I just don't think his Pug will be as equal as the factory Pugs shall we say. If anyone deserves success, it is Henri (apart maybe from Hugh Chamberlain smile ) but I just don't see him being 'allowed' to win if the factory cars are still in with a shout.

Now if his petrol cars were to do it......

ginettag27

7,088 posts

298 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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I'll be supporting the Pugs and Pescas again, plus the Ginettas of course!!

I get that niggling feeling that Audi will be there or there abouts at the end though... They've got a great car, almost without failings, excellent drivers who are super quick and a great team who are very well organised.

IMHO Peugeot lost, last year (mostly) due to their poor teamwork in the pits.. They will need to be on top of this to challenge.

Nick M

3,632 posts

252 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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ginettag27 said:
IMHO Peugeot lost, last year (mostly) due to their poor teamwork in the pits.. They will need to be on top of this to challenge.
They were much better at Sebring, but Audi are still ahead in the overall 'having thought of everything' stakes. Audi also seem much better able to react to situations than Peugeot.

Truckosaurus

13,234 posts

313 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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I shall be supporting whichever Audi McNish is in, the Peugeot piloted by Dave Brabham, any Lolas that have British drivers (rumours of Anthony Davidson being aboard the 3rd car) and, of course, the Ginettas.

pincher

10,484 posts

246 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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My money is on me being bladdered on at least 3 nights out of 4 biggrin

jackson1204

27 posts

209 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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Let's hope corvetts and astons have a good scrap this year

Cobra Andy

472 posts

257 months

Wednesday 6th May 2009
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If they peg back the diesels as they plan for Lemans then it could be very difficult to guess who crosses the line first.
The Audis do have a good record there and as said above they do pre empt most situations and their pit work is second to none. The pugs may up their game enough but to sustain that over 24hrs maybe not. Astons and Henri could be good outside bets if your a gambling man.

The Leaper

5,667 posts

235 months

Sunday 10th May 2009
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My money will be supporting Flying Lizard car no. 80. In my view GT2 is what sportscar racing and Le Mans is now about.

LMP1/2 is mighty impressive, though. Will it be Audi reliability and slickness versus Peugeot ultimate speed and fragility that gets through to the end I wonder?

R.

williamp

20,381 posts

302 months

Sunday 10th May 2009
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speaking of spa, here is live timing:

http://www.lemans-series.com/en/s54_courses/s54p01...

and here is commentary, curtosy of radio le mans. Its great to hear you lot again!

http://rlm08.0157.org/lms_embed.php

thebrush8

161 posts

210 months

Monday 11th May 2009
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ginettag27 said:
IMHO Peugeot lost, last year (mostly) due to their poor teamwork in the pits.. They will need to be on top of this to challenge.
After watching bits of the Spa round over the weekend, it was interesting to see that there are new pit rules regarding the all important tire changes. Apparently there is now only one man per side, and one 'gun' for the entire car. Is this an effort to handicap teams like Audi? Although I'm sure they'll have worked out some elaborate pit routine involving acrobatic mechanics and tire-gun juggling..laugh