Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition - Page 269

carbon_titanium · 13 May 2015, 10:23 (Ref:3537026)

well, if am I not wrong, GTE manufacturers can ask for a new homologation once each 2 years... in november 2013 porsche homologated the 2014 evo of the 991 RSR to let also gt-am teams to use the car with same specs of manthey/porsche north america in 2014 WEC/TUSC/ELMS. So at the end of this season porsche will be able to ask a new homologation.

Articus · 13 May 2015, 13:16 (Ref:3537076)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiana

Davidson wants brighter wet weather flash lights like in F1
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118939

We don't need more F1 spec parts to mess up with the chassis and aero designs. Thankfully the manufacturers seem to agree with me, let's hope FIA/ACO doesn't jump to stupid conclusions.

They just need to use common sense on the circuit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

I agree with Davidson.

How hard can it be to install a simple safety device on the cars? Conflicting colors should be avoided, fortunately there are lots of colors still unused.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

A flashing green or maybe better, a yellow light could work. They could put them in the cheese wedges. That wouldnt be copying F1 for the worse. Besides, not everything from F1 is bad.

Where was Davidson when Lapierre went plowing into the back of Bonanomi at Le Mans last year. Why is he bringing this up just now...

Damian Baldi · 13 May 2015, 13:57 (Ref:3537089)

Looks like Heidfeld is leaving WEC after Le Mans

Quote:

The former Sauber, Jordan and BMW Formula 1 driver says he’s determined to put his young family first before what could be a hectic autumn after competing in next month’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

http://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/h...ing-wec-rounds

Simmi · 13 May 2015, 14:01 (Ref:3537091)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Articus

Where was Davidson when Lapierre went plowing into the back of Bonanomi at Le Mans last year. Why is he bringing this up just now...

Because his team-mate just fractured his back, unsighted in the wet?

Articus · 13 May 2015, 14:45 (Ref:3537112)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simmi

Because his team-mate just fractured his back, unsighted in the wet?

I get it, but its things that get overlooked. We got lucky that Lapierre and company escaped but had changes been made back then....Maybe Nakajim would have seen the Audi. If everyone (including his own team - and myself admittedly) was not so fixated on crucifiying Lapierre's wet weather driving judgement, maybe we could have seen the real issue at hand. Lapierre wouldn't have run into the back of Bonanomi if he could SEE him (atleast I would hope...)...

Did FIA conduct an official investigation into that incident?

Simmi · 13 May 2015, 14:49 (Ref:3537114)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Articus

I get it, but its things that get overlooked. We got lucky that Lapierre and company escaped but had changes been made back then....Maybe Nakajim would have seen the Audi. If everyone (including his own team - and myself admittedly) was not so fixated on crucifiying Lapierre's wet weather driving judgement, maybe we could have seen the real issue at hand. Lapierre wouldn't have run into the back of Bonanomi if he could SEE him (atleast I would hope...)...

Yeah maybe you're right. But I think it's speculation to say Lapierre's off was caused by visibility alone.

But it's true that Davidson has been (indirectly) effected by two wet weather incidents. So he's seen a trend and asked for action. That's pretty logical rather than making a snap claim the first time something happens. Can't exactly blame him for that.

I think it would be a good move to bring something like that in. I find the argument that it shouldn't be adopted due to it being in F1 and a spec part utterly ridiculous.

Akrapovic · 13 May 2015, 14:53 (Ref:3537115)

I don't see why we need different coloured lights and what not. But there's no harm in making them bigger and brighter. The raised lights on the end plates are nice and high which is good, but they are quite thin.

rich07 · 13 May 2015, 18:42 (Ref:3537182)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyderman

https://twitter.com/PorscheRaces/sta...87180726263808

Thankyou. Looking forward to it!!

TF110 · 13 May 2015, 18:56 (Ref:3537183)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Articus

Where was Davidson when Lapierre went plowing into the back of Bonanomi at Le Mans last year. Why is he bringing this up just now...

Two things wrong with that statement-

1. Lapierre didnt even hit Bonanomi

2. Bonanomi didn't fracture a vertabrae like Anthony and Kazuki

J Jay · 13 May 2015, 19:01 (Ref:3537184)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

Two things wrong with that statement-

1. Lapierre didnt even hit Bonanomi

Quick correction regarding the underlined. He did make contact with Bonanomi, but it was only a small touch nose-to-side (you can see the R18 fishtail slightly just as it is touched) but as you are implying it definitely wasn't the Toyota nerfing that took the Audi out (that was Sam Bird deciding that anything Lapierre could do, he could do better

).

TF110 · 13 May 2015, 19:10 (Ref:3537187)

Should have been more specific, Lapierre didnt plow up the back of the Audi. And neither driver was injured. Who knows why Lapierre didnt slow up though. That was his fault.

Acid09 · 15 May 2015, 09:10 (Ref:3537633)

German Auto Motor & Sport on a possible BMW programme:

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/m...s-9554787.html

Lots of speculation with the usual reasoning (BMW is big into electric mobility, does not have a large-scale motorsports programme) but some interesting tidbits in here.

Apparently two manufacturers were in talks with the ACO in March on how joining the LMP1 ranks could be pulled off the best way. One of them was supposedly German, and that only leaves BMW.

The article also mentions BMW engineers sneaking around at Le Mans in the past as well as a possible Garage 56 programme to kick things off, apparently BMW has already withdrawn engineers from DTM as well.

An interesting side-note, BMW has appointed a new CEO recently so maybe there has been a change of heart regarding high-budget racing programs as well.

Pandemonium · 15 May 2015, 09:25 (Ref:3537637)

OMG yes please BMW goes to LE MANS!!!! PLEASE. This would be awesome.

CTD · 15 May 2015, 10:26 (Ref:3537652)

Very cool!
BMW iLM?

But who is the other manufacture?

CTD · 15 May 2015, 10:50 (Ref:3537657)

Have just thought a bit more about this.

Having talks with ACO and lurking around in the paddock is of course good news and means there is interest in joining.
However this would only be the very first stages of a potential program. They are probably only looking at getting estimates and ideas of the resources needed to do the program.
Once this is collected, it is time for putting the head on the chopping board, with the board of directors being the knife wielding chef.
I hope the program is spared and set in motion, but lets see. We probably won't hear anything official until Le Mans 2016. (if we ever hear anything)

MyNameIsNigel · 15 May 2015, 11:10 (Ref:3537664)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD

Very cool!
BMW iLM?

But who is the other manufacture?

Motorsport-total.com speculate that this could be McLaren, with a GTE or LMP1 programme.

MagVanisher · 15 May 2015, 11:28 (Ref:3537678)

It's sucks that BMW might leave DTM (as well as Super GT and TUSC), but at least they're going back to Le Mans again!

Now all we need is Mercedes, who still wants Audi and BMW join Formula One.

Acid09 · 15 May 2015, 11:30 (Ref:3537679)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD

Have just thought a bit more about this.

Having talks with ACO and lurking around in the paddock is of course good news and means there is interest in joining.
However this would only be the very first stages of a potential program. They are probably only looking at getting estimates and ideas of the resources needed to do the program.
Once this is collected, it is time for putting the head on the chopping board, with the board of directors being the knife wielding chef.
I hope the program is spared and set in motion, but lets see. We probably won't hear anything official until Le Mans 2016. (if we ever hear anything)

Especially since BMW would need to heavily invest in building the required infrastructure first. They have no facilities to base a LMP1 project on, they would literally need to start from scratch as in building a new factory, similar to what Porsche has done.

I guess that what makes them hesitant, it's not about just spending the cash on the actual effort but it requires serious infrastructure investments as well.

With that being said, if one manufacturer has the means to do it it's BMW, they're highly profitable and have plenty of cash in the bank.

Looking at how it's already mid-2015 I'd say it's most likely too late to aim for 2017 even. My guess would be the G56 thing in 2017 and the full-blown effort in 2018, if it happens at all.

Simmi · 15 May 2015, 11:32 (Ref:3537681)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

It's sucks that BMW might leave DTM (as well as Super GT and TUSC), but at least they're going back to Le Mans again!

Now all we need is Mercedes, who still wants Audi and BMW join Formula One.

Think you might have got ahead of yourself slightly.

Articus · 15 May 2015, 12:04 (Ref:3537699)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

Motorsport-total.com speculate that this could be McLaren, with a GTE or LMP1 programme.

I was actually thinking it would be Renault. Renault has been another long time lurker. They attended some of the rules-making conferences that led to the current regulations and with the state of things Renault could pull out of F1.

Mateschitz basically saying he wants Audi engines next year would effectively oust Renault as an engine manufacturer anyway. Wouldn't be wrong of them to decide to ditch Red Bull and run a derivative of the F1 engine in a Le Mans car.

It's most definetly not Ferrari now that the F1 program is on the up and Michelotto moved into Maranello.

Simmi · 15 May 2015, 12:23 (Ref:3537704)

I also don't think there's any way McLaren are looking at an LMP1 programme right now. They've got enough on their plate. GTE would make more sense to me.

rich07 · 15 May 2015, 12:35 (Ref:3537708)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simmi

I also don't think there's any way McLaren are looking at an LMP1 programme right now. They've got enough on their plate. GTE would make more sense to me.

Yes indeed. If they're having a tough time in F1 then an LMP program is not the wisest thing to undertake. A GTE program is much cheaper and easier (relatively) task.

I think BMW to LMP1 is prolly a bit of a stretch for the moment, they're still pouring millions into DTM and whilst that's happening we won't see an LMP program. GTE on the other hand....

MitchZ06 · 15 May 2015, 13:03 (Ref:3537723)

If it'll be anything it'll be GTE for McLaren, it won't be a factory racing effort either (only factory built car and support). No LMP1.

MagVanisher · 15 May 2015, 14:31 (Ref:3537742)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simmi

Think you might have got ahead of yourself slightly.

Yeah, sorry about that. Still, BMW returning to Le Mans is gonna be a challenge for them.

If ITR said to ACO to allow their DTM cars to compete in Le Mans, then it's problem solved. But since this is reality, it's not possible 'cause they're scared that LMP1 is being stomped by silhouette GT cars!

Meanwhile, I don't mind seeing McLaren racing in GTE class.

GT6 · 15 May 2015, 16:54 (Ref:3537781)

Lots of speculation but i do think Mclaren would love to return to le mans but i agree it will be a GTE effort. As for a german manufacturer has anyone thought about Opal, they have nothing going at the moment and are being left behind by the other german manufactures in racing so how do you raise your profile? Le Mans

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