Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition - Page 252

TF110 · 28 Jan 2015, 19:55 (Ref:3498386)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjh8402

I imagine HPD has it's hands full with the LMP2 car's development and the new IRL aero kits, so probably no resources for a full LMP1 effort there, not to mention there may be some bad taste left over after the ARX-02 program. Seeing as Honda has already comitted to F1, I imagine their pride vs Toyota will be satisfied if/when they and Mclaren score their first win, seeing as no Toyota powered driver ever did manage to stand atop an F1 podium.

If they did want to go LMP1, I would think their best would be to work with their F1 engine partner. Recall that Toyota's Le Mans program is being run by their old Germany based F1 team, not out of Japan. Mclaren should have the chassis and KERS expertise to make a competitive LMP1 car if they wanted, and Honda could supply the engine. Williams did the same thing for their then soon to be F1 engine supplier BMW with the V12 LMR. That would seem to be the easiest way to go about it.

(BAR) Honda already had a win with Jenson Button during Toyota's f1 tenure- 2006 Hungarian GP

Toyotas lmp1 engine and hybrid system come from Japan btw. Just like Honda's engines in f1.

J Jay · 28 Jan 2015, 20:03 (Ref:3498389)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

Also, Shank (again) expressing interest in running at LM next year: http://www.racer.com/wec-le-mans/ite...-entry-in-2016

Makes sense for him, perhaps more so for Pew. But it's not going to be cheap getting there.

Simmi · 28 Jan 2015, 20:27 (Ref:3498398)

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Jay

Makes sense for him, perhaps more so for Pew. But it's not going to be cheap getting there.

Yep that's a really good point. It's no coincidence that a few of the US entries that do make it across are gentleman-driver led.

For that reason the Am cups in TUSC with invites do make sense.

tjh8402 · 28 Jan 2015, 22:08 (Ref:3498434)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

(BAR) Honda already had a win with Jenson Button during Toyota's f1 tenure- 2006 Hungarian GP

Toyotas lmp1 engine and hybrid system come from Japan btw. Just like Honda's engines in f1.

I know Toyota's powertrain has come from Japan, as I would expect the new Honda F1 engine. Toyota, to their credit, did develop their KERS from scratch, as I believe they had withdrawn from F1 by the time it was implemented there. I am figuring that McLaren will be supplying the KERS system along with the chassis for their F1 car with Honda.

I know Honda had that win, but it's probably been overshadowed by what happened in the years that followed. Needless to say, if Honda felt like had gotten all they wanted out of F1 and that a Le Mans win was what they were lacking, they would've spent the $ going into that F1 engine on a Le Mans program instead. F1 cost numbers are obviously hard to come by, but everything I can find is saying an F1 engine program alone is a $100 million+ annual cost which is in line with what I can find for an LMP1 program.

Bobby_status · 29 Jan 2015, 00:12 (Ref:3498492)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjh8402

I imagine HPD has it's hands full with the LMP2 car's development and the new IRL aero kits, so probably no resources for a full LMP1 effort there, not to mention there may be some bad taste left over after the ARX-02 program. Seeing as Honda has already comitted to F1, I imagine their pride vs Toyota will be satisfied if/when they and Mclaren score their first win, seeing as no Toyota powered driver ever did manage to stand atop an F1 podium.

If they did want to go LMP1, I would think their best would be to work with their F1 engine partner. Recall that Toyota's Le Mans program is being run by their old Germany based F1 team, not out of Japan. Mclaren should have the chassis and KERS expertise to make a competitive LMP1 car if they wanted, and Honda could supply the engine. Williams did the same thing for their then soon to be F1 engine supplier BMW with the V12 LMR. That would seem to be the easiest way to go about it.

HPD and Honda Racing are two separate entities with different resources and budgets. Figuratively speaking if Honda were to go LMP1 the engine and hybrid system would be develop in Japan. The chassis can be develop in house but it would be more efficient to have an existing prototype manufacturer develop one. The facility would likely be based in Europe due to logistics reasons. But the chances of this happening is slim to none. Because Honda's focus is 100% on F1. It's safe to say Honda is obsessed with F1. Here are some cool articles written by Sam Collins of racecar-engineering you'll get what I mean after reading it.
http://www.racecar-engineering.com/a...-car-revealed/
http://www.racecar-engineering.com/a...hybrid-f1-car/

Rodger Davies · 30 Jan 2015, 15:59 (Ref:3499160)

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Jay

Makes sense for him, perhaps more so for Pew. But it's not going to be cheap getting there.

Assuming they use the same chassis.

Holt · 30 Jan 2015, 16:23 (Ref:3499171)

Jeff Gordon: 'I'd love to be part of Corvette Racing'

http://sportscar365.com/gt/gordon-op...ts-car-racing/

He has the most road course wins in NASCAR history (9) and he did sit on pole at Watkins Glen last year in Cup, so he still has it.

J Jay · 30 Jan 2015, 16:32 (Ref:3499175)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodger Davies

Assuming they use the same chassis.

That all depends doesn't it ... Shank looks at the bottom line and makes sure it's covered (I do not say this as a criticism by the way) so if there was a deal to be made that required using another chassis then I'm sure he'd weigh it up. Loyalty only goes as far as the pockets are deep.

Rodger Davies · 30 Jan 2015, 16:34 (Ref:3499177)

I meant the same physical chassis; I'm sure there would be some local Ligiers to be used/rented, either from the factory or in association with another team. Might be cheaper, but I don't know the figures either!

J Jay · 30 Jan 2015, 16:46 (Ref:3499181)

Whoops, I did think that too but for some reason I dismissed the idea...

Certainly it would save money on transportation of chassis/parts, but personnel and some equipment still have to be moved regardless. A tie-up with a "local" team might be a runner.

Victor_RO · 30 Jan 2015, 17:21 (Ref:3499190)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holt

Jeff Gordon: 'I'd love to be part of Corvette Racing'

http://sportscar365.com/gt/gordon-op...ts-car-racing/

He has the most road course wins in NASCAR history (9) and he did sit on pole at Watkins Glen last year in Cup, so he still has it.

And he wants to race at Spa-Francorchamps. Cadillac or Camaro GT3 in 2016 at the Spa 24h, anyone?

nobster · 30 Jan 2015, 19:27 (Ref:3499234)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

And he wants to race at Spa-Francorchamps. Cadillac or Camaro GT3 in 2016 at the Spa 24h, anyone?

Yes please, make him come over to Europe!

**FIRE** · 31 Jan 2015, 11:29 (Ref:3499413)

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobster

Yes please, make him come over to Europe!

His wife is from Belgium so why not Spa?

nobster · 2 Feb 2015, 19:59 (Ref:3500220)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

His wife is from Belgium so why not Spa?

There are worse tracks to begin your sportscar career with in Europe...

Rodger Davies · 3 Feb 2015, 07:27 (Ref:3500360)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

His wife is from Belgium so why not Spa?

Interesting fact to start my day! Cheers.

MoMedic9019 · 5 Feb 2015, 16:04 (Ref:3501438)

Seems the Ford GTE entry was announced by accident at the ACO presser today...

Gingers4Justice · 5 Feb 2015, 16:15 (Ref:3501444)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

Seems the Ford GTE entry was announced by accident at the ACO presser today...

What? No. Absolutely not. No one said that at all.

You must be hearing things.

J Jay · 5 Feb 2015, 16:21 (Ref:3501451)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

Seems the Ford GTE entry was announced by accident at the ACO presser today...

Here's the exclusive footage inside the Ford head office during the ACO press conference:

**joeb** · 5 Feb 2015, 18:26 (Ref:3501514)

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Jay

Here's the exclusive footage inside the Ford head office during the ACO press conference:

Well it wasn't exactly a secret anyways was it?

Rodger Davies · 5 Feb 2015, 19:04 (Ref:3501526)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

What? No. Absolutely not. No one said that at all.

You must be hearing things.

Dunno what he's talking about. I certainly heard nothing about a Ford GT racing at Le Mans next year and Gerard Neveau working on getting them to do the full WEC. Nothing at all.

MoMedic9019 · 5 Feb 2015, 20:06 (Ref:3501557)

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeb

Well it wasn't exactly a secret anyways was it?

I would love to see the memo that goes out to the PR reps...

The Chicago auto show is happening n just a matter of days. I can't imagine a volume of inquiries, but, I would assume it's going to be a full hush mode

NelisB · 6 Feb 2015, 12:18 (Ref:3501912)

Any chance we'll see Heikki Kovalainen in the SARD/Morand LMP2 this year? He's signed a deal to race GT500 in Japan for the team so it should be possible?

Deleted · 6 Feb 2015, 12:50 (Ref:3501919)

Ignorant Finnish media would probably treat "second tier" P2 gig similarly to the SGT so I'm not particularly looking forward to the prospect (not that I was never fan of him anyway)

If SARD finally do go LMP1 next year or 2017 the linkup could open him up big prototype seat in the future

kurski · 6 Feb 2015, 17:02 (Ref:3501984)

Quote:

Originally Posted by NelisB

Any chance we'll see Heikki Kovalainen in the SARD/Morand LMP2 this year? He's signed a deal to race GT500 in Japan for the team so it should be possible?

Team SARD MORAND announced on twitter that Heikki did not participate in WEC/L24H this season

TF110 · 6 Feb 2015, 19:46 (Ref:3502043)

Which may be a chance for Lapierre if he dont go elsewhere.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[LM24] 2014 Le Mans Entry Rumours	The Badger	24 Heures du Mans	47	30 Sep 2013 22:04
Rumours more rumours!	crazytrain	ChampCar World Series	11	7 Oct 2002 17:06
[LM24] Le Mans Series and Sportscar Racer	Speedworx	24 Heures du Mans	20	6 Feb 2002 03:55
log-in repetition	Unregistered	Announcements and Feedback	6	10 Apr 2001 17:26
Repetition...	Chris Y	Touring Car Racing	6	20 Mar 2001 14:33