vw

kdr · 9 Jul 2002, 14:19 (Ref:330213)

in autocar vw boss bernd pischetsrieder says that their sportscar involvement has served them well - "if the cars only raced at le mans, it might be questionable. but they race the whole alms as well, a very popular series in the usa, where le mans is bigger than any f1 race.

Mal · 9 Jul 2002, 17:06 (Ref:330322)

He is also quoted today as saying that they have no intention of entering F1 - does this mean that the sportscar programme is to continue either as Audi or as Bentley. It would be great to see Bentley do a full ALMS season as wall as a proper assault on LeMans

**Aysedasi** · 9 Jul 2002, 19:40 (Ref:330464)

Lovely to see a senior representative of a major manufacturer getting his priorities right!

Seriously though, one wonders whether there are one or two other senior executives who have their companies heavily (but largely unsuccessfully) involved in F1 who looked just a little enviously at Audiis success at Le Mans and elsewhere. I can think of one such name (previously very closely associated with Le Mans)!!

hgb · 9 Jul 2002, 19:49 (Ref:330483)

Totally agree, well it's nearly the same company (Porsche will build a GTP for 2004) or did you mean Mr. R. Haugh who was rather silent after the F1 race at Silverstone ?

Fab · 10 Jul 2002, 06:10 (Ref:330746)

Quote:

Originally posted by Aysedasi
I can think of one such name (previously very closely associated with Le Mans)!!

Let me guess... I'll say :
- Norbert Haug
- Mr Toyota

kdr · 10 Jul 2002, 08:23 (Ref:330824)

and possibly the green cars with the(now)pussycats on the side...

pink69 · 11 Jul 2002, 14:16 (Ref:331878)

Not with jag F1 programme going on. Aston Martin perhaps?

Muzza · 11 Jul 2002, 15:06 (Ref:331923)

Quote:

Originally posted by pink69
Not with jag F1 programme going on. Aston Martin perhaps?

Unfortunately the chances of having Aston Martin involved with racing are very grim at best.

Ford has reduced its motorsport budget for 2002 and further cuts will happen.

**Adam43** · 11 Jul 2002, 15:25 (Ref:331939)

I know how Ford could cut it's motor sport budget, and dramatically too.

Close down the pathetic excuse of an F1 team, Jaguar Racing.

Take them back to Le Mans with a GTP, basing the engine on the Jaguar 4l V8 if they can. It would be great to see them chase that eighth win.

Aston Martin could enter the GTS class (or GT I suppose) with the DB7.

If they need to be in F1, then let Cosworth supply some good teams.

And while we are on this theme Porsche could drop this SUV thing and get back to Le Mans pronto.

**Adam43** · 11 Jul 2002, 15:28 (Ref:331943)

Actually don't close it down, sell it. Then Ford will reduce its motorsport spending and the team might become more successful.

I am not a fan of VW or Audi, but I like the way they go about their motor racing. There is more to motorsport (so much more!) than F1. Why can't more manufacturers see this.

EliseGT1 · 11 Jul 2002, 21:10 (Ref:332156)

You should all be glad that not more manufacturers see this, otherwise the Sportscar scene might become the same boring, money-eating and commercial circus as F1 is...not please !!! We shouldn't bring Bernie any ideas, should we?