[FIA GT] Return of the FIA Sportscar Championship?

[Bentley03]

I have been pondering over this question for a few weeks now.

I have completely lost track of the number of sportscar manufacturers who have announced their intention to build new prototypes to the latest LMP regulations over the last few months. And the number of teams running brand new machinery or who are awaiting delivery of new machinery. The prototype world has gone mad! I have been picturing LMES grids of 80 cars and the ACO selling Le Mans entries to the highest bidders at auction.....

So, my question is simply this:

Is it time for Stephane Ratel to announce the return of the FIA Sportscar Championship?

[SALEEN S7R]

Only if the return of the FIA SCC dosent mean the abolishment of the LMES. The LMES has done wonders for Sportscar racing in the short time it has existed, not only in terms of LMP teams and cars, but also GT teams, at the moment its thriving, as is the FIA GT Championship. Ratel could bring back the FIA SCC but it would dilute the LMES IMO and the FIA SCC would again fail.

[brielga]

I would certainly LOVE to see the FIA SCC again but IMHO I think it is too early and it would be too expensive for most of the current teams. While LMES and the interest in it is soaring (for how long?), ALMS is really having a hard time keeping a decent momentum after their first years. I think both LMES (and LM in fact as well) are in good shape because of the absence of works teams and the competitiveness this brings together with the LMES regional factor (it is affordable for a non-works team to run a 5 event championship in the region). Would you attend an LMES race with an official full blown Audi team (as only works team) these days? Or could the GT teams afford a 10 or 12 event championship WW?
IMHO a full blown WW championship can only live with works teams (plural, emphatic) really competing and going for it, but their ROI is just too low.The win-and-run away tactics of Audi, BMW, Peugeot, Bentley, etc. in the last 20 years have not shown enough commitment or sustainability of works teams out there, the aim was just to add the "I won at LM" feather in the hat and stop investment the following second.
Another scenario could brings us closer to Mr. Ecclestone's business model but I'd rather not go into that....
Good topic Bentley !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LC2guy]

I loved the FIA SCC, but i don't think you could run it again alongside LMES, as most teams ultimate aim is Le Mans, so i know which series most would run. My fear however, is that the LMES will become overpopulated , to the point of turning cars away. I hope this never happens, but if it did, then maybe run a feeder series for LMP2 + GT2, and have LMES as LMP1 + GT1, and combine the best of each class at Le Mans, along with the best FIA-GT and ALMS teams. Just my tuppence.

[SALEEN S7R]

Originally Posted by brielga

Or could the GT teams afford a 10 or 12 event championship WW?

Yes they could, well at least if some of the teams running in FIA GT switched to the LMES that is. As Ratel has said, the FIA GT championship is a kind of world championship, just without the official title, yet. The FIA GT calender still consists of 11 rounds this year, 4 of which are outside Europe.

[Silk Cut Jaguar]

I think adding another sportscar championship would hit the growth it's currently enjoying around Europe. If you want to watch prototypes you currently have two options - LMES or ALMS. Keep it simple and everybody will win in the arrangement, making teams choose between LMES and another FIA SCC would be a bad move as both fields would most likely end up diluted.

The best solution would be for the LMES as it slowly expands to maybe include some shorter 300-500km sprint races.

[Asa]

I think if there is to be a new FIA SCC, then it has to be Europe only cos the rest of the world (except USA, which already has the ALMS) don't really appreciate prototypes.

[Silk Cut Jaguar]

Japan loves prototype racing, as does Australia. I think any fanbase would learn to love them given half a chance to see them in the flesh roaring past.

[Asa]

Sending a group of racing cars and crew half way around the world costs a lot of money. It will take a very brave promoter to take LMES to Japan, let alone a new FIA SCC.

In Japan nowadays, only Super GT (JGTC) can draw a significant crowd and they don't race prototypes in it anymore.

[racer69]

Why not just expand the LMES around the world, rather than start another championship.

[Kicking-back]

There is no need for the FIA Sportscar championship.

LMES serves the purpose.

[marcel82]

yeah, I don't think FIA-SCC will be anywhere near as popular as the LMES.

[ss_collins]

How about this then - Introduce LMP3 (aka Britsports)

[Mal]

LMES already has a full grid so why do we need more classes? Its best to have less places than cars as it will ensure the quality of the field stays high.

[SALEEN S7R]

I agree Mal, a LMP 3 class is not needed IMO. Sure maybe one day if grid sizes start to dramatically fall, but for now they arent needed IMO.

[ss_collins]

I'm not talking about LMES. I'm talking about the thread title! maybe if they had a P3 (though not for th e big races) that would allow an FIA WSCC on the same basis as britsports

[ss_collins]

I'm not talking about LMES. I'm talking about the thread title! maybe if they had a P3 (though not for the big races) that would allow an FIA WSCC on the same basis as britsports

[Mal]

LMES or not lets keep the demand higher than the supply and enjoy a year or two of good quality racing like we saw on Sunday, rather than swamp the market and have poor grids again and poor racing.

[SALEEN S7R]

Agreed. There are enough sportscar championships in the world at the moment, particulary in Europe. Leave well enough alone would be my philosophy, although if the FIA GT series continues to move away more and more so from its traditional home, Europe, I could see a gap appearing for a revived Euro GT series. Mainly for teams running in Belcar, British GT, Spanish GT for whatever reason it be, either financial, or lack of grid space in the LMES. A Euro GT series might be a good idea IMO in the next 3 or 4 years, depending much on how grids stay in the LMES. If there isnt enough room then it might be a good idea, because theres a lot of teams out there who cant afford to do a FIA GT world championship, but could perhaps afford a Euro GT championship.

[TheNewBob]

I absolutely agree with your Euro GT idea - think you've mentioned this one before - I reckon you might even be able to give it 2 years, afterall Ratel is looking to take FIA to places like Australia and Japan...

I really can't see any team going from, say, British GT, racing 1 hour at Thruxton one weekend then Knockhill the next... then going straight up the following year to exotic 3 hours (or 2 if that stupid idea goes through from the Istanbul trial race) at the likes of Bahrain or Suzuka and having the finances to do it all season... it's too much too soon. LMES does have somewhat disappointing GT1 entries, although GT2 does have a nice mix, particularly after Sunday. But then again, a Euro GT series could still include a GT3 class - give teams there an opportunity to grow.

But for LMP cars, the LMES says it all - there aren't enough teams to need national championships for LMP's, championships like Britsports are there for that sorta thing. Plus LMP's are only really ever racing in Europe or America - so there's no need for an expansion into any bigger championships, because we already have LMES and ALMS, and for any sort of "world cup" style event, the two series effectively meet and compete at Le Mans.

I'd say Euro GT might certainly stand a chance of making a comeback, but just can't see any reason for an FIA SCC

[Bentley03]

Thanks for the responses guys, pretty much the opinions I expected.

The announcement which started me thinking was that of Radical to build an LMP2. The volume of sales anticipated by Radical for them to get involved must be considerable. I am sure Mick has done his homework! This announcement, in conjunction with those of many other specialist manufacturers, leads me to believe that by the end of 2006 there will be an opportunity for a dedicated LMP series. We are currently enjoying full LMP grids in LMES with a number of new LMP's set to join. And whilst the majority of LMP1's now have a limited shelf life, the LMP2's have years of racing left in them.

ss_collins made some 'interesting' comments with regard to LMP's on a couple of recent threads which I felt at the time were fairly outrageous. I would now (having damned him, sorry mate!) like to suggest that there were elements of what he said with which I partially agree. Almost all the announcements with regard to new LMP's (including Porsche) have been for the production of LMP2's which can be upgraded to LMP1. The signs are (Porsche/Mazda) that LMP2 is a very satisfactory place to operate. It is without doubt the class which will see the most significant growth, possibly leaving LMP1 close to redundancy in a couple of years time.

So, in 2007, with the LMP market flooded with (relatively) cheap LMP2's and no shortage of teams and manufacturers wishing to race them, I can see an FIA Sportscar championship, solely for LMP2's, sitting alongside each round of the FIAGT championship as an alternative to the WTCC. Assuming massive growth in LMP2, the new series would leave the LMES for the endurance specialists and as the main feeder series, along with the ALMS, for Le Mans.

I am, of course, not saying that this will happen. I have made some pretty lavish assumptions. But the momentum towards prototype racing is there and needs to be taken seriously. Someone needs to jump on this momentum and explore the possibilities of bringing new teams from other race series (open or closed wheel) to add to the teams already involved. Only with enough guaranteed grid space to satisfy demand can this be achieved. The time may just be approaching to take LMP racing to another level........

[Mal]

It is also possible that some teams such and Lola, Porsche and maybe Zytek are using LMP2 to develop a car that can easily by moved into the big time of LMP1 and go for more overall wins.

If they are upgradeable it may be some of the richer privateers will be able to buy these cars and compete realistically for overall wins and thus opening up a customer market in LMP1 as well as LMP2. Its not as if the cost of these cars will be as prohibitive as developing a whole new car as much of the development work will already be done.

[Mal]

I am, of course, not saying that this will happen. I have made some pretty lavish assumptions. But the momentum towards prototype racing is there and needs to be taken seriously. Someone needs to jump on this momentum and explore the possibilities of bringing new teams from other race series (open or closed wheel) to add to the teams already involved. Only with enough guaranteed grid space to satisfy demand can this be achieved. The time may just be approaching to take LMP racing to another level........[/QUOTE]

The momentum is there I guess because of the string of quality races that has turned peoples attention to Sportscars. The announcement that Penske will be joining the fray could be hugely influential in attracting other US based teams and US media interest.

[TheNewBob]

As long as the rules say that LMP1 and LMP2 cars aren't a world apart, then I can see the momentum continuing to build up. Just as long as new rules don't come out in about 5 or 6 years time which completely change LMP1's from LMP2's!

I did like that idea from Bentley03 about the SCC being alongside the FIA GT championship - WTCC is indeed starting to go it's own way, leaving a gap which needs to be filled. It could even be 2 classes - LMP2 and LMP3 - to give smaller teams a decent step up from national racing, and allow cars such as the existing Radicals to be entered, along with a possible stepping stone of cheap new LMP3 cars which could get developed all the way up to LMP1?

It's kinda wishful thinking, but hey if you don't get the ideas then you don't get the results!

[Edmonton]

You will not see the FIA Sportscar championship back with the current P1/P2 cars. Ratel is organizing the LMES with the ACO and before the LMES came he was planning to make the FIASCC a 4 round 1000km series. Sounds a lot like LMES doesn't it? However how about a revived FIASCC for perhaps sports2000 type cars?