[LM24] Le Mans Race distance

[917Addicted]

Everybody knows that the Porsche 917KH (what beautiful car , even though I prefer the Long-Tail version of it) has the record of the distance at the Le Mans 24h.

What I want to know is the race covered, not only this year, but also 2002, 2000 and 1999 (2001 - too much rain ).

In a way, we could compare the performance of the Audi R8 (2000 and 2002 versions), the BMW LMR and the Bentley EXP 8/2003.

(I know a lot of things come into it, like time spent in the pitlane and behind the safety car)

[JAG]

There slightly different circuits, but the 2000 R8 covered a greater distance than the 1999 LMR, while the 2003 Benltey covered more distance than the 2002 R8.

Also the 2003 Bentley had a 15% smaller restrictor and slight aero differences than a 1999 LMGTP such as the Toyota. just shows how much developement the cars have been through to continue to get quicker despite more new regs each few years to peg there performance back.

Anyway the 2004 LMPs will get 10% more power.

[917Addicted]

Hum, this only shows that it would be very difficult for the Toyota GT-One to beat the Audi R8 if it had been raced in 2000.

(then again, this is just a wild guess-different restrictors & rules from 99 to 2000)

[pirenzo]

With development, the Toyota package could still be competitive. I mean, look at how one year of virtually no development has hurt the R8

[JAG]

Each year the top car is usually better thant he previous years car, just look at Audi in 2003 with 2002 spec cars. Blown away by Bentley.

Of course if Toyota/BMW had carried on they would have developed new cars as well.

[917Addicted]

Hum, no new to start a new fight Let's drink for a better 2004

(if only I was not to biased in favour of the R8 and against of the GT-One)

[paul-collins]

1999: 366 laps = 4982.974 km
2000: 368 laps = 5007.988 km
2002: 375 laps = 5205.000 km
2003: 377 laps = 5232.760 km <-- new "post-Mulsanne chicane" record

For reference:

1988: 394 laps = 5332.970 km ("post-Porsche curves" record)
1971: 396 laps = 5335.313 km (overall record)

[PascaLM]

These comparisons are delicate to do because of the pace car periods during the races.

[paul-collins]

I take your point, but I think you can factor them out just as you do pitlane changes (length, speed, workers allowed, etc.) and weather.

That said, any idea how much pace car time there was this year compared to last?

[Nick M]

any idea how much pace car time there was this year compared to last

Did the safety car even make an appearance this year (other than at the start ?).

Missed the bit when one of the Ferraris crashed - did that bring out the safety car ?

[kdr]

i think it was out three times..