N-Technology brings in a second Honda Accord

JMeissner · 30 Jul 2008, 15:55 (Ref:2260357)

N-Technology will bring a second Honda Accord for the World Touring Car Championship races at Monza, Italy, and Okayama, Japan. The Japanese driver Yukinori Taniquchi will join James Thompson in a second Honda Accord.

"We have been looking into running a second car for some time," said N.Technology Team Manager Andrea Muller.

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=2557

Bramzel · 30 Jul 2008, 16:12 (Ref:2260365)

Is this a Japanese-driver-affiliated-with-Honda or a Japanese-driver-to-attract-Honda?

**FIRE** · 30 Jul 2008, 16:41 (Ref:2260381)

Or a Japanese-driver-with-more-money-than-talent?

But still every extra car is great, especially if it's a car from a top team like N.Tech.

chunder · 30 Jul 2008, 16:53 (Ref:2260394)

Does anyone else think though that this car looks a bit of a dog!

Thommo seems to be really struggling, what is the consensus of opinion as to its slow pace?

It has been quick before I recall in private hands, Colciago etc

the sniper · 30 Jul 2008, 16:59 (Ref:2260395)

I would also be interested to know whether this guy has any existing links to Honda as that could be a good sign for the future.

I had a feeling we would see Sato or Davidson in a second car if one became available, maybe a third car in the future? (forgive my hope that we haven't seen the end of Sato in a Honda

)

redshoes · 30 Jul 2008, 17:32 (Ref:2260418)

That should be Yukinori Taniguchi.
Can't say I've heard of him but a quick Google shows a history of GT / Endurance racing

duke_toaster · 30 Jul 2008, 17:32 (Ref:2260419)

Sato in the WTCC ... could be interesting

the sniper · 30 Jul 2008, 18:40 (Ref:2260459)

Quote:

Originally Posted by duke_toaster

Sato in the WTCC ... could be interesting

I always thought Touring Cars would suit his style, well, Touring Cars or a Demolition Derby series

I wonder what kind of Japanese driver Mr Taniguchi will be, a Kamikaze that runs into everybody in his way, or so slow that he can't catch anybody so just sticks his car in the gravel trap or wall every race?

**FIRE** · 30 Jul 2008, 18:48 (Ref:2260468)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunder

Does anyone else think though that this car looks a bit of a dog!

Thommo seems to be really struggling, what is the consensus of opinion as to its slow pace?

It has been quick before I recall in private hands, Colciago etc

I am sure N.Technology has not the same budget as the factory teams of BMW, SEAT and Chevrolet. Besides that it's an old car. The last few years the car didn't get much development. If I remember well Colciago had some very good races (Mexico) but in general he was not a front runner.

Craner Curves · 30 Jul 2008, 20:00 (Ref:2260503)

Quote:

Originally Posted by the sniper

I had a feeling we would see Sato or Davidson in a second car if one became available, maybe a third car in the future? (forgive my hope that we haven't seen the end of Sato in a Honda

)

Well Davidson has raced a JAS-built Honda touring car before. Who knows what the future holds.

stedevil · 30 Jul 2008, 20:21 (Ref:2260514)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunder

Does anyone else think though that this car looks a bit of a dog!

Thommo seems to be really struggling, what is the consensus of opinion as to its slow pace?

I think it can to a large degree be N Tech & Tommo struggling with finding correct tire settings. They started out behind and almost every where they go they are in a new tire+track situation and have only 1 car to collect data from.

As a resonaly valid comparrison compair the 2 STCC Hondas relative the Volvo C30. The Hondas in general are performing really well in STCC, but they collected data from the car+track+tire combo already last year and can thus reap the benefits this year.

Also, do note that in STCC the Hondas carry considerabely more weight than the Volvo while at Brands Hatch the opposite was true. Yet Dahlgren was all over Thompson.

Getting a 2nd car + coming back to the same tracks next year I think will be what will make the difference for Honda.

The choise of this new Japanise driver however I'm sure is very heavily connected to economical reasons. After all, if they where just looking for the quickest guy to drive the 2nd car, STCC 2006 champion Thed Björk is already very successfully driving the very same car in STCC. Lets hope this Japanese guy don't just bring cash but can drive as well

**FIRE** · 30 Jul 2008, 20:26 (Ref:2260520)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Well Davidson has raced a JAS-built Honda touring car before. Who knows what the future holds.

When?

They should put Sato in an Accord at the Japanese WTCC event.

This year the new Accord was launched so if Honda is serious about a WTCC project JAS/N.Technology need to develop a new car for next season.

Bramzel · 30 Jul 2008, 20:55 (Ref:2260535)

Quote:

Originally Posted by stedevil

I think it can to a large degree be N Tech & Tommo struggling with finding correct tire settings. They started out behind and almost every where they go they are in a new tire+track situation and have only 1 car to collect data from.

As a resonaly valid comparrison compair the 2 STCC Hondas relative the Volvo C30. The Hondas in general are performing really well in STCC, but they collected data from the car+track+tire combo already last year and can thus reap the benefits this year.

Also, do note that in STCC the Hondas carry considerabely more weight than the Volvo while at Brands Hatch the opposite was true. Yet Dahlgren was all over Thompson.

Getting a 2nd car + coming back to the same tracks next year I think will be what will make the difference for Honda.

Wow, I actually agree on you for once

Icebaby · 30 Jul 2008, 21:37 (Ref:2260563)

I wouldn't describe the Accord as a dog but would say the prject was delivered to late to have any chance this year, the new driver for the second car is with doubt either paying for the drive or at the request of Honda.

I couldn't agree more that there was a golden chance of putting Sato in the car which should have been considered and actioned if Honda are paying for the second car/driver.

I still think Tommo and N-Tech should have run the Alfa again this year and run the accord as a second car for another driver with a full assult next year, bear in mind also the accord thommo is running has now been replaced by Honda so was this year really worth it if Honda are to step in and if they do will obviously want to run the latest Accord.

Icebaby · 30 Jul 2008, 21:38 (Ref:2260564)

Any ideas if the second accord has been built and whos paying for it?

redshoes · 30 Jul 2008, 21:56 (Ref:2260578)

I agree the Accord isn't a dog but having seen the way he was manhandling it around Brands I suspect much of it's relatively good performance is down to Thompson. I'm certainly not expecting great things from the second car in the hands of what I assume is a driver with limited FWD touring car experience.

Craner Curves · 31 Jul 2008, 00:24 (Ref:2260632)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

When?

Macau Ghia in 2002. He raced a JAS-built Civic Type-R.

Monkey Head · 31 Jul 2008, 12:30 (Ref:2260927)

He is 40 years old and he owns an enterpise which is operating a video games company called 'Yuke's'.the race seat is pay from his pocket I belive.

Speed-King · 31 Jul 2008, 13:45 (Ref:2260983)

I think if Honda become serious about WTCC, they'll race under the Acura banner. They plan to enter the European market with Acura in 2009 or 2010, and some victories against BMW would definitely make them look good

chunder · 31 Jul 2008, 15:06 (Ref:2261034)

I thought it was Taniguchi the drift king at first! But sadly it isnt!

PorscheFanNo1 · 31 Jul 2008, 16:10 (Ref:2261077)

Get Thed a car and we'll see some results soon.

Jimmy Magnusson · 31 Jul 2008, 20:47 (Ref:2261254)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PorscheFanNo1

Get Thed a car and we'll see some results soon.

I really can't say I rate Björk over Thommo, to be honest.

stedevil · 1 Aug 2008, 00:32 (Ref:2261354)

Difficult to know which driver is better since they havn't even competed in the same series. But for sure Thed and his engeneers has managed to unlock a lot more of the Hondas potential so far, so N-tech and Tommo could likely get pretty useful input from them.

Then again, a big fat wallet and some local Okayama track knowledge might be exactly what the WTCC Honda team is missing.

Bramzel · 1 Aug 2008, 08:26 (Ref:2261500)

Quote:

Originally Posted by stedevil

Difficult to know which driver is better since they havn't even competed in the same series. But for sure Thed and his engeneers has managed to unlock a lot more of the Hondas potential so far, so N-tech and Tommo could likely get pretty useful input from them.

How can you say that when they haven't ran on the same tires or against eachother? Thats complete nonsense.

snowen250 · 1 Aug 2008, 09:12 (Ref:2261518)

Autosport this week reports that the team is "unlikely to return to the WTCC in 2009."
Anyone else heard anything about this?
Just a pipe dream but, Thommo + Honda + N-tech + BTCC = woop! Would be good no?
Simon

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