Total 24 hours (Spa-Francorchamps)
Discussion
The 24 hours race at Spa this year was run in a different format to previous years - This year GT1 cars were excluded, keeping to their current 1 hour sprint race fornat, which ran as support events to the 24h.
This left the 24h to GT2, GT3, GT4 and 'GTN' (cars which were similar to any of the other categories, but didn't quite comply to the FIA regulations).
This was somewhat frustrating and created some inconsistencies - it meant that the BMW M3, which complies to ACO GT2 regulations, were running in the GTN class, where as the Ferrari, and Porsche GT2 entrants were in GT2.
Anyway enough of the waffle - on with the race, and the photographs - the pace was hot this year, GT2 cars were ~2-3 seconds a lap quicker than they were last year, and only 3.5 seconds off pole in a GT1 car last year! Impressive stuff
Pole car was the AF Corsa Ferrari number 2 , and it led away from the start.
They were hounded closely by BMW, especially car 79, and after a slight problem for number 2, BMW took the lead in the early evening.
The Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMSes were quick too, although number 51, suffered electrical problems early on and dropped back
This left the battle for the lead 4 hours in between the two BMWs (78/79), Audi number 50, Ferrari 2, and some Porsches (13 - westbrook/lieb/etc, 23, and 16)
The Ferraris were the only ones regularly throwing flames
Westbrook/Lieb's car going through the pits
It was quite interesting to see how little the performance differential was between GT2 and GT3 - GT2 cars having more downforce, GT3 having more power. Porsche had spoiled the opportunity to demonstrate how close it was between the RSR and the R, by opting to put all its factory drivers in the GT2 cars, leaving GT3 cars to privateers... but Audi showed how close its GT3, the R8 LMS was by challenging for the lead with number 50, piloted amongst others by Mike Rockenfeller - winner of Le Mans this year
In the dry especially, BMW seemed to have the upper hand, setting times which matched their qualifying pace throughout the race...
In the lead car, number 79, all drivers had to be called Dirk - Dirk Muller, Dirk Adorf, and here, Dirk Werner seen walking back to the garage after another good stint.
BMW unusually were just running 3 drivers per car, which was quite a brave move - especially with the problems happening in number 78 - there was a lack of cooling, forcing the drivers to single stint.
More later
More shots here in the mean time: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itwasntandy/sets/7215...
This left the 24h to GT2, GT3, GT4 and 'GTN' (cars which were similar to any of the other categories, but didn't quite comply to the FIA regulations).
This was somewhat frustrating and created some inconsistencies - it meant that the BMW M3, which complies to ACO GT2 regulations, were running in the GTN class, where as the Ferrari, and Porsche GT2 entrants were in GT2.
Anyway enough of the waffle - on with the race, and the photographs - the pace was hot this year, GT2 cars were ~2-3 seconds a lap quicker than they were last year, and only 3.5 seconds off pole in a GT1 car last year! Impressive stuff
Pole car was the AF Corsa Ferrari number 2 , and it led away from the start.
They were hounded closely by BMW, especially car 79, and after a slight problem for number 2, BMW took the lead in the early evening.
The Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMSes were quick too, although number 51, suffered electrical problems early on and dropped back
This left the battle for the lead 4 hours in between the two BMWs (78/79), Audi number 50, Ferrari 2, and some Porsches (13 - westbrook/lieb/etc, 23, and 16)
The Ferraris were the only ones regularly throwing flames
Westbrook/Lieb's car going through the pits
It was quite interesting to see how little the performance differential was between GT2 and GT3 - GT2 cars having more downforce, GT3 having more power. Porsche had spoiled the opportunity to demonstrate how close it was between the RSR and the R, by opting to put all its factory drivers in the GT2 cars, leaving GT3 cars to privateers... but Audi showed how close its GT3, the R8 LMS was by challenging for the lead with number 50, piloted amongst others by Mike Rockenfeller - winner of Le Mans this year
In the dry especially, BMW seemed to have the upper hand, setting times which matched their qualifying pace throughout the race...
In the lead car, number 79, all drivers had to be called Dirk - Dirk Muller, Dirk Adorf, and here, Dirk Werner seen walking back to the garage after another good stint.
BMW unusually were just running 3 drivers per car, which was quite a brave move - especially with the problems happening in number 78 - there was a lack of cooling, forcing the drivers to single stint.
More later
More shots here in the mean time: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itwasntandy/sets/7215...
Thanks! it's a great circuit, and an excellent race.
As darkness descended upon the Ardennes, rain fell, cars coming into the pits for wets
Pit crews can't change tyres, until refuelling has completed - with one guy having to ground, and watch the exhausts, incase of spillages.
I headed down to La Source to get some night shots, unfortunately they cancelled the fireworks due to weather, so I had to make do with what we had... which was a few dozen buzzing race cars, flying in toward me, braking hard
Unlike last year, where I took most of my shots with a flash, combined with a really slow shutter speed, to allow some movement - like this:
This year, I opted to use my 50mm f/1.2, shooting wide open, but without flash, as the cars entered the corner, and I was quite pleased with how they came out!
During the night, two of the challengers for the lead were involved in an incident - this Audi - number 50, was overtaking a back marker, and collided with them... as his Audi went across the track, he was caught by the number 2 Af Corsa Ferrari F430, this forced both cars to retire from the race.
Prior this, they made for some spectacular sights..
and the Ferrari was still popping flames
at this point it was time to sleep! - so we headed back to the hotel, to examine the insides of our eyelids.
Its late now too, so bed time - will post more shots tomorrow.
As darkness descended upon the Ardennes, rain fell, cars coming into the pits for wets
Pit crews can't change tyres, until refuelling has completed - with one guy having to ground, and watch the exhausts, incase of spillages.
I headed down to La Source to get some night shots, unfortunately they cancelled the fireworks due to weather, so I had to make do with what we had... which was a few dozen buzzing race cars, flying in toward me, braking hard
Unlike last year, where I took most of my shots with a flash, combined with a really slow shutter speed, to allow some movement - like this:
This year, I opted to use my 50mm f/1.2, shooting wide open, but without flash, as the cars entered the corner, and I was quite pleased with how they came out!
During the night, two of the challengers for the lead were involved in an incident - this Audi - number 50, was overtaking a back marker, and collided with them... as his Audi went across the track, he was caught by the number 2 Af Corsa Ferrari F430, this forced both cars to retire from the race.
Prior this, they made for some spectacular sights..
and the Ferrari was still popping flames
at this point it was time to sleep! - so we headed back to the hotel, to examine the insides of our eyelids.
Its late now too, so bed time - will post more shots tomorrow.
RacingPete said:
Great pictorial recount of the race. One of the races I would love to take part in.
How did the Nissan 370Z do?
Thanks! It's fun writing it up - and remembering the eventsHow did the Nissan 370Z do?
retired 1 hour in, with gearbox/driveshaft problems
Bob, Liz + all the RJN boys were gutted.. really felt for them... they'd qualified in Pole for GT4, and the car was going wonderfully. Lucas was really fired up about taking part, as were Alex, Chris + Rob, but as it failed during the first stint, only Rob got to drive it.
I hadn't realised before, but at Spa, there's no recovery service, so if you breakdown on track, you wont get a tow back in, and thus you're out of the race.
Edited by cpufreak on Tuesday 3rd August 01:58
cpufreak said:
RacingPete said:
Great pictorial recount of the race. One of the races I would love to take part in.
How did the Nissan 370Z do?
retired 1 hour in, with gearbox/driveshaft problems How did the Nissan 370Z do?
Bob, Liz + all the RJN boys were gutted.. really felt for them... they'd qualified in Pole for GT4, and the car was going wonderfully. Lucas was really fired up about taking part, as were Alex, Chris + Rob, but as it failed during the first stint, only Rob got to drive it.
I hadn't realised before, but at Spa, there's no recovery service, so if you breakdown on track, you wont get a tow back in, and thus you're out of the race.
It was a real shame. I look forward to reading your article on RJN.
Morning arrived, and we were back on circuit bright and early... and thankfully the weather had cleared up and we were in for a scorcher of day.
By this time only 26 cars were still running, the number 1 car was the sole remaining Ferrari F430, which was running in 5th
The BMW number 78 car was running 4th, after its troubles in the night
The IMSA porsche, number 16, piloted by Richard Lietz, Raymond Narac, Patrick Pilet and Patrick Long was running 3rd
and number 23 Porsche RSR was runnign second
BMW number 79 were still doing what they'd been doing for most of the race, and were out in front
Morning arrived, and we were back on circuit bright and early... and thankfully the weather had cleared up and we were in for a scorcher of day.
By this time only 26 cars were still running, the number 1 car was the sole remaining Ferrari F430, which was running in 5th
The BMW number 78 car was running 4th, after its troubles in the night
The IMSA porsche, number 16, piloted by Richard Lietz, Raymond Narac, Patrick Pilet and Patrick Long was running 3rd
and number 23 Porsche RSR was runnign second
BMW number 79 were still doing what they'd been doing for most of the race, and were out in front
cpufreak said:
I hadn't realised before, but at Spa, there's no recovery service, so if you breakdown on track, you wont get a tow back in, and thus you're out of the race.
Supposedly, Rob Barff sat by the car for 4 hours in case there was a suitable safety car period and then they'd be allowed to collect the car.It's strange they don't recover cars, when we ran in the Funcup 25hrs at Spa last month they had a very efficient recovery service so you didn't lose much time if you had a problem, I guess the higher speeds of a proper GT make it far more dangerous.
Truckosaurus said:
Supposedly, Rob Barff sat by the car for 4 hours in case there was a suitable safety car period and then they'd be allowed to collect the car.
It's strange they don't recover cars, when we ran in the Funcup 25hrs at Spa last month they had a very efficient recovery service so you didn't lose much time if you had a problem, I guess the higher speeds of a proper GT make it far more dangerous.
He did indeed, a colleague and I were chatting to Bob and Liz about it.. and when the Audi R8 caught fire there was hope they might be able to get a tow in, but no such luck.It's strange they don't recover cars, when we ran in the Funcup 25hrs at Spa last month they had a very efficient recovery service so you didn't lose much time if you had a problem, I guess the higher speeds of a proper GT make it far more dangerous.
They run recovery at the nurburg 24h, and at the silverstone 24h.. so I don't think its due to the pace..
I suppose there is an argument that by not having recovery, it guarantees that the finishers did so entirely under their own steam, and removes any chance of a car which had failed on track from taking a position of a car which lasted the entire race... but am not sure of the reason behind the FIA regulations.
Regardless it was still an exciting race, and I hope for 2011, that SRO's plans for the GT2 endurance series takes off.
cpufreak said:
This was somewhat frustrating and created some inconsistencies - it meant that the BMW M3, which complies to ACO GT2 regulations, were running in the GTN class, where as the Ferrari, and Porsche GT2 entrants were in GT2.
Prospeed also run an NEC sponsored 911 under ACO regs in the LMS - is it the same car they were running in Spa under the FIA GT2 regs ?outnumbered said:
cpufreak said:
This was somewhat frustrating and created some inconsistencies - it meant that the BMW M3, which complies to ACO GT2 regulations, were running in the GTN class, where as the Ferrari, and Porsche GT2 entrants were in GT2.
Prospeed also run an NEC sponsored 911 under ACO regs in the LMS - is it the same car they were running in Spa under the FIA GT2 regs ?I don't know if it was the same car, but I'd imagine it might have been.
Paul 8v said:
Did anyone get any pictures of the #71 Ford GT (RPM), I know someone who'd really appreciate a few pictures if possible.
Many thanks
Paul
Yes, lots.Many thanks
Paul
Can you send me their email address (andy@bash.sh) and I'll send through some previews of various shots I have to them.
thanks
Andrew
cpufreak said:
Paul 8v said:
Did anyone get any pictures of the #71 Ford GT (RPM), I know someone who'd really appreciate a few pictures if possible.
Many thanks
Paul
Yes, lots.Many thanks
Paul
Can you send me their email address (andy@bash.sh) and I'll send through some previews of various shots I have to them.
thanks
Andrew
As the day trundled on, the BMW kept poudning round in front
but despite being slightly quicker, it was continually being stalked by a pair of RSRs who were keeping to the same lap as it
The 23 car, was seemingly running very low
with the IMSA number 16 powering on too, in third
The same could not be said for its sister car, running down the order after problems, and seen here locking a front wheel on the way into Rivage
but at least he kept it on the black stuff... unlike this mosler... which seemed to understeer wide existing Rivage, and beached in the gravel trap. It was towed out by Marshall and rejoined the race
Both Alpinas still sounded awesome
and the AF Corsa Ferrari number 1 was still obliging with flames
and number 79 continued to lap cars, and edge closer to its dreams of victory
but despite being slightly quicker, it was continually being stalked by a pair of RSRs who were keeping to the same lap as it
The 23 car, was seemingly running very low
with the IMSA number 16 powering on too, in third
The same could not be said for its sister car, running down the order after problems, and seen here locking a front wheel on the way into Rivage
but at least he kept it on the black stuff... unlike this mosler... which seemed to understeer wide existing Rivage, and beached in the gravel trap. It was towed out by Marshall and rejoined the race
Both Alpinas still sounded awesome
and the AF Corsa Ferrari number 1 was still obliging with flames
and number 79 continued to lap cars, and edge closer to its dreams of victory
So for about 23 hours, car 79 had led..lifting wheels, cornering with aplomb, and looking like a champion in waiting
and for 23 hours, the Porsches behind had stalked it.. never having the pace to challenge for the win, but remaining there as a lurking threat
but as we moved from the 23rd hour, to the 24th hour, a steering arm, or something broke on 79, with the car running wide... Dirk Werner limping it back to the pits.... for BMW to do a super fast job, to get it back out within 10 minutes....
but dropping 10 minutes meant it dropped to 3rd... and meant the race win, went to the BMS Scuderia Italia Porsche 997 GT3 RS - car 23.
Some may think that 23 wasn't a just winner... perhaps the same who didn't consider BMW to be worthy winners of the Nurburgring 24hr earlier in the year (when they capitalised on the fortune of the Hybrid retiring an hour from the end) - but thats the thing with 24 hour races... going the distance is key.
Unlucky for BMW, but there's always next year.
It was a very enjoyable race, I can't wait for next year
Thanks for reading!
and for 23 hours, the Porsches behind had stalked it.. never having the pace to challenge for the win, but remaining there as a lurking threat
but as we moved from the 23rd hour, to the 24th hour, a steering arm, or something broke on 79, with the car running wide... Dirk Werner limping it back to the pits.... for BMW to do a super fast job, to get it back out within 10 minutes....
but dropping 10 minutes meant it dropped to 3rd... and meant the race win, went to the BMS Scuderia Italia Porsche 997 GT3 RS - car 23.
Some may think that 23 wasn't a just winner... perhaps the same who didn't consider BMW to be worthy winners of the Nurburgring 24hr earlier in the year (when they capitalised on the fortune of the Hybrid retiring an hour from the end) - but thats the thing with 24 hour races... going the distance is key.
Unlucky for BMW, but there's always next year.
It was a very enjoyable race, I can't wait for next year
Thanks for reading!
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