[WEC Race] WEC Round 8: Brazil

[joeb]

The 2014 WEC season wraps up at Brazil this weekend. Toyota is secure atop the LMP1 standings, but I'm sure Audi and Porsche would love to end the season on a high note.

Schedule

Entry List

[Ephaeton]

The entry list is dated "2014-11-12 11:46:23" and still contains, e.g., the Strakka Dome S103.

The one on the fia site is more up to date:
http://www.fia.com/sites/default/fil...ist_181114.pdf
from:
FIA event page

[TF110]

This will be a good comparison for the lap times vs. F1. The repave made a huge difference in lap times. F1 set a qualifying pole lap record. Last year the pole fast lap was 1:20.7. I bet we see 1:19's.

[pach233]

Will be travelling back from the Thanksgiving holiday so unfortunately will have to miss this one. Should be a good race, I expect Toyota to romp away and put a stamp on their dominance this year.

[TRspitfirefan]

First practice.
http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Res...actice%201.PDF
Porsche 1-2

[TF110]

Told you we'd see 1:19's. In first practice, though? Didnt expect that. If it stays dry, I think the Peugeot lap record will fall.

[Deleted]

It may be surpassed, but comparisons to 2007 are not fair due to increased corner speeds thanks to widened kerbs/astroturf on the new asphalt runoffs + brand new track surface. Dunno if the new pit entry line changes the driving line in the start/finish straight (you should be able to cut it regardless)

[Mike E]

They are already into the 1:18s.

[Pandemonium]

Audi showing some good pace. I think they kind of need a morale boost right now. 1.18.783 right now by #2. I hope they come back very strong next year.

Also, Nick just turned a 1:21.819 for the R-one. Not bad at all.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Chiana

It may be surpassed, but comparisons to 2007 are not fair due to increased corner speeds thanks to widened kerbs/astroturf on the new asphalt runoffs + brand new track surface. Dunno if the new pit entry line changes the driving line in the start/finish straight (you should be able to cut it regardless)

Theyre still faster. The layout hasnt changed. Tracks get resurfaced from time to time, but the thing is that Peugeot was putting out near 800-900hp. Todays cars have around 550hp with part time hybrid power. Both Audi and Porsche are bettering the lap record so far.

[chernaudi]

Either Toyota are struggling or sandbagging. They haven't shown much "speed" so far in either practice session.

[TF110]

Could be the tire compound.

[chernaudi]

Well, right now both Porsches and Audis are in the 1:18 bracket and only .3 apart. Relatively speaking, Toyota are lagging behind, and I'd have though that they'd be showing their hand by now, if they haven't before.

Very close between Audi and Porsche at the top of the board.

[cokata]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

Well, right now both Porsches and Audis are in the 1:18 bracket and only .3 apart. Relatively speaking, Toyota are lagging behind, and I'd have though that they'd be showing their hand by now, if they haven't before.

Very close between Audi and Porsche at the top of the board.

I can see Porsche being competitive, but do you really expect audi to be quicker than toyota on a circuit that is tailor made for their hybrid system

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by TF110

Theyre still faster. The layout hasnt changed. Tracks get resurfaced from time to time, but the thing is that Peugeot was putting out near 800-900hp. Todays cars have around 550hp with part time hybrid power. Both Audi and Porsche are bettering the lap record so far.

The 2007 LMP1 cars were 55kg heavier (/ +125kg 2014 L cars) and had engines breathing through air restrictors. And say whatever you wish about layout being the same, the widened astroturf/kerbs/asphalt runoffs do knock off time!

Also in 2007 Mil Milhas the 908 was effectively competing against no-one so they could take the race the same way as Corvette did Le Mans 2009, kinda 'meh we'll win anyway why rush'

[chernaudi]

Originally Posted by cokata

I can see Porsche being competitive, but do you really expect audi to be quicker than toyota on a circuit that is tailor made for their hybrid system

You do seem to be forgetting that Audi did well at Silverstone and COTA, tracks that favor handling as much as brute speed.

And with the track resurfaced, they might be able to double stint tires, something that Toyota and especially Porsche have struggled with relative to Audi.

[cokata]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

You do seem to be forgetting that Audi did well at Silverstone and COTA, tracks that favor handling as much as brute speed.

And with the track resurfaced, they might be able to double stint tires, something that Toyota and especially Porsche have struggled with relative to Audi.

At Silverstone (and Spa) Toyota weren't able to generate enough energy per lap due to the few heavy braking zones, and their first HD package wasn't that good if they had to change it post Le Mans.

And at COTA #8 was much quicker than any of the Audis. We have seen this year that the TS040 is a very balanced car that is quick on any sort of track.

[TF110]

Maybe the widened track helps, but runoff areas shouldnt lessen the lap times. The racing line hasnt changed right? Surely the tarmac has. The times to look at imo are the GTE cars. Last year was 1:33.4 in practice 2 by AM. This year its 1:30.1!

[Pontlieue]

Good to see the Lotus getting closer to Rebellion. Just 0.8 seconds behind the #12, and almost two seconds ahead of the Ligier.

[Mike E]

Tweet from David Heinemeier-Hanson:

Can't believe how drastically Interlagos has been improved by the new surface. It's simply fantastic to drive now. GT grips like a P car!

[gustavobamba]

323,4 km/h

Porsche did this speed in FP 2, that is just amazing uuuuaaauuuu!!!!!

[MyNameIsNigel]

Could be that Toyota are struggling a bit at Interlagos compared to Porsche and Audi due to their NA engine. The performance of the F1 cars this year at Interlagos demonstrated that turbo engines work better there.

I would love to see TK win his last race in the Audi R18, but a Porsche victory would also be a fine way to end the season.

[Simmi]

Crossing my fingers for a Porsche victory. There would be no better way to head into 2015.

[Gingers4Justice]

I have to shave my beard* off if Porsche win, so I'm personally not sure what I'd make of that.






*stubble

[gustavobamba]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

Could be that Toyota are struggling a bit at Interlagos compared to Porsche and Audi due to their NA engine. The performance of the F1 cars this year at Interlagos demonstrated that turbo engines work better there.

I would love to see TK win his last race in the Audi R18, but a Porsche victory would also be a fine way to end the season.

Maybe they are playing safe!!! They don´t need to risk anything.

Why the turbos work better then NA engine??? Is because of the high altitude????

I find this out, maybe this explain something:

http://adamcooperf1.com/2014/11/08/b...at-interlagos/