Pesca-Saulnier, Oreca-Courage.. coincidence?

[zac510]

I just realised how unusual it was that each of these French manufacturers combined forces just over a month apart.

I realise that the precise nature of their alliances are different, but it still strikes me as quite a coincidence. Was it a coincidence or not?

[gucom]

i dont know all the details about these 2 mergers, but my guess would be that they feel the heat of (the ACO's plans for) more manufacturer involvement in P1?

[canam]

I think it is quite well known that both entities were always struggling to find cash and the tail end of the season is when these problems come to roost. Bills need paying and payroll in the dark months needs to be done.

Given his reputation as a driver, Pesca was more successful but he needed customer cars to make ends meet while Courage had to take whatever crumbs he could get. The relative performance of the two teams shows the impact.

I suspect that the Oreca link will prove to be the strongest of the two as their experience in developing cars is well known and strong. I think they will prove to be a strong force in 2008. The Pesca deal looks to be more financial..

Good luck to them both.

[Zytek_Fan]

Oreca had plans for prototypes before the Saleen effort, so it was no surprise to me. Buying Courage made it simpler to go to prototypes. Next year's Oreca-Courage should be an evolution of the LC70 (unless they decided to develop an LC80 ). I hope Oreca can find the right engine. Courage really struggled in that department. 3 engine suppliers in 3 years (Judd, then Mugen, then AER)...

[Lusitano]

Originally Posted by canam

I think it is quite well known that both entities were always struggling to find cash and the tail end of the season is when these problems come to roost. Bills need paying and payroll in the dark months needs to be done.

Given his reputation as a driver, Pesca was more successful but he needed customer cars to make ends meet while Courage had to take whatever crumbs he could get. The relative performance of the two teams shows the impact.

I suspect that the Oreca link will prove to be the strongest of the two as their experience in developing cars is well known and strong. I think they will prove to be a strong force in 2008. The Pesca deal looks to be more financial..

Good luck to them both.

In short: Money, money, money, money, money,.....money!

[bil588]

What will Pesca/Saulnier use if/when the LMP1 Coupe regs take effect in 2011?

[Adam43]

Coincidence? They have been brought about by the same situation; a desire to pool resources for economic and performance reasons. Are they related, other than the above similarity, no.

(as said above)

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by bil588

What will Pesca/Saulnier use if/when the LMP1 Coupe regs take effect in 2011?

That is over three years away and probably more suited to the thread on that particular merger: http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101411

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by zac510

Pesca-Saulnier, Oreca-Courage.. coincidence?

I think it shows the bigger players have confidence there's a great future for sportscar racing in the next decade.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by FIRE

I think it shows the bigger players have confidence there's a great future for sportscar racing in the next decade.

Totally agree, in years gone by the extra investment wasn't worth it, these days the ALMS is at a very high level, the LMS is following behind.

With the ACO having their own series, they no longer have to rely on the FIA etc, and can plan long term.