[WEC] Porsche Prototype Discussion

[Hawkwood]

Originally Posted by Simmi

I would dispute this fact to be honest. They have a couple - but certainly not enough to make a two-car team at Le Mans, let alone three.

If people think the likes of Bergmeister, Lieb and Long and going to be driving the P1 they are dreaming in my opinion.

They have guys on their roster who I think could make the step up (Vernay being the one that comes most to mind) but I think they will need to go out and buy some talent.

Hopefully those three (along with Lietz) do get promoted to Porsche's prototype ranks. All have proved themselves to being truly excellent, and I'd love to see them battle for outright, rather than just class, wins at Le Mans.

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by cmk

I thought he went to Mercedes to get his pilot's license?

He never did get the hang of landing.

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by porsche91722

There's no doubting the talent of Mr Webber. If Porsche were to get him, he would be an asset. He's no mug and would surely grasp the concept of endurance racing, having dabbled in it in the past. Now, there's only one problem...... that F1 attitude, but I'm sure they'd beat it out of him in no time. After all, they are Porsche!

Agreed! I for one, would love to see him at Porsche. Times have changed, and I'm curious to see this "new" Porsche (I mean the team). Will it be as effective as the Porsche of old? We will have to wait and see.

Originally Posted by porsche91722

It would be great to have another Aussie in LMP1, although by all reports on the credibility of the German rag that started this latest rumor, it looks only remotely possible.

I'm wondering if this rumor does not just stem from the fact that Webber ownes a 997GT2 (and I belive a black turbo as well) and that he apparently does some driver coaching at some Porsche events.

Originally Posted by porsche91722

I'm thinking that the 2014 LMP1 Porsche driver roster would be already in place, and am leaning more to some of the existing factory guys being in the cars. Lieb is the golden haired boy over there isn't he? I know his LMP race experience would be practically nonexistent, but surely he would be doing a lot of the testing for them.

Agreed! Lieb is the "golden haired boy" in part due to the engineering role that he also plays. He is very quick (and consistent), but Lietz is just as quick (if not quicker).

[Dario911]

All Porsche works drivers have been trained in Porsche Driving Accademy, where they receive a full training in all the classes Porsche races in. So, Lieb & Co. have been trained to race in LMP cars, as well in GT. Ok, some of them have not a real racing experience in LMP1 class, but they know that kind of car, so they could be converted to race in that class. Webber and Heidfeld may be two interesting elements, but Endurance is not Formula 1, and Porsche may find a lot better around.

[GT6]

I agree with a lot of what you say but motor racing is also about generating publicity and selling cars, having the likes of Mr Webber in the car would achieve that.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

I'm wondering if this rumor does not just stem from the fact that Webber ownes a 997GT2 (and I belive a black turbo as well) and that he apparently does some driver coaching at some Porsche events.

I hope not, because then this rumor would be super naive.

Webber and 997 GT2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqBSQTTGn9s

[Spyderman]

Agreed it would be naive, but then again, rumors often have some pretty silly beginnings.

[Simmi]

Hmmmm here is Porsche actually stepping up and making a comment. They are interested.

http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/po...om+%3A+News%29

[GT6]

Well that is interesting rumours on chat rooms are one thing but that looks a little more substantial

[cmk]

They were asked a question, they gave the obvious answer (they'd talk to him if he approaches them). I wouldn't read too much into it.

With some brands I'd agree that someone like Webber would be a major marketing boon. This is Porsche coming back with an overall contender at Le Mans. In that context, details are subservient.

[deggis]

It says Bild started the rumor, but the rumor was already circulating in February.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by cmk

They were asked a question, they gave the obvious answer (they'd talk to him if he approaches them). I wouldn't read too much into it.

While I agree it's not earth-shattering news - they could have just said 'no comment' or towed out the line 'we already have the best drivers'.

It's the first time they've expressed interest in Webber publicly. How significant the news is depends on Webber.


How long can Porsche afford to wait for a decision?

[rich07]

I think they can wait for as long as they want. A top F1 driver like that who may not know their future in F1 until the end of the year doesnt come along all the time.

[Dario911]

Porsche and Webber... the wedding is going to be celebrated!
http://www.auto.it/autosprint/formul...er+per+Le+Mans
Webber is a very good choice for Porsche in Le Mans. I think he'll be of the match in 2014!
Very good news!

[vincegail]

Is it news already, or still speculation copied from other sources? My Italian is non-existant and google translate is, well, google translate....

[zanfo zanfagni]

is just another rumor. Why bring on webber when there a lot of other expert lmp1 drivers like bleekemolen, luhr, bourdais and prost who deserves a seat in a work team? Even if webber will join porsche, i think that will be some kind of third-part time driver as heidfield for rebellion, or treluyer and lotterer for audi in 2010-2011, not much more. Bernhard, Dumas and Lieb are the work drivers that are following the development of the car.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Dario911

Very good news!

No, it's not news.

[Dario911]

Originally Posted by deggis

No, it's not news.

It all depends from your point of view! Anyway, I think Webber would deserve to win a so important race. I'm bored by F1 team plays.
I don't think are just speculation... don't forget none of them has disclaimed it!

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by Dario911

It all depends from your point of view!

It depends whether anything has been signed surely. And it hasn't.

[deggis]

Point of view? There is no event or information to report, therefore it's not news. Call it news when when you can read an official announcement from Porsche.

Too often on this forum speculations transforms into rumors and rumors transforms into news.

[GT6]

But that is what forums are about we all speculate and wish for things without that we would have very little to discuss

[Dario911]

Originally Posted by GT6

But that is what forums are about we all speculate and wish for things without that we would have very little to discuss

Right, man! That's the point! But news are going to be clearer...

[CTD]

Originally Posted by deggis

Point of view? There is no event or information to report, therefore it's not news. Call it news when when you can read an official announcement from Porsche.
Too often on this forum speculations transforms into rumors and rumors transforms into news.

Originally Posted by GT6

But that is what forums are about we all speculate and wish for things without that we would have very little to discuss

I agree, speculation are a majority of a Forum, and there has to be room for it.

Originally Posted by Dario911

Right, man! That's the point! But news are going to be clearer...

But I agree with deggis! Rumors are not news, and shouldn't be described that way. News are directly fact based, rumors are speculation based on facts. So until we have a confirmation from either Mark Webber or Porsche, its rumors and not news.

So, speculate away, but don't call it news, even though the rumors comes from a "news" site.

[Dario911]

Originally Posted by CTD

I agree, speculation are a majority of a Forum, and there has to be room for it.

But I agree with deggis! Rumors are not news, and shouldn't be described that way. News are directly fact based, rumors are speculation based on facts. So until we have a confirmation from either Mark Webber or Porsche, its rumors and not news.

So, speculate away, but don't call it news, even though the rumors comes from a "news" site.

Do not expect any news about, until Webber will be involved in F1 races.

[Mal]

The rumour may not be exciting to us die hard fans but there is no doubt it helps draw attention to Porsches return and LM racing from the general F1 fan - which presumably is the point, be it true or false.