Endurance Racing News Thread

Grim.

Peugeot have pulled out of this years wec championship and the le mans 24h :eek:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97080

Grim.

Jordan 199

Crikey, I never expected Peugeot to pull out. I do hope they will reconsider their decision about not entering the Le Mans 24 hours though.

That Toyota looks ugly, especially with that fin. They can't even close the door properly :eek:

I'm disappointed that they are only running with 1 car and not racing at Sebring.

Grim.

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Just renamed the thread so it can include all Endurance events. Didnt expect that from Peugeot.

cheers was going to ask made the thread in a bit of a rush

SniperSight

Was really looking forward to the first shots of the Toyota LMP1, however the news about Peugeot has me numbed. I'm so disappointed. Even as an Audi fan I always had a special place for the various 908s, fantastic looking and sounding machine. Audi and Peugeot had built up such a rivalry, and especially after last year being such a close run thing. I really hope the funding comes through and that they'll be back in 2013 or ASAP. The entry window is closed now, so 2012 is a non-flyer. A number of talented drivers without a seat now also. Glad I was at Le Mans to see them in action.


What a shame....:(:(

TheChrisD

I can only wonder if Bourdais might have gotten the word about Peugeot pulling out, before the public did, given he just signed full-time with Dragon Racing in IndyCar

LMP1 won't be all that interesting this year. Who knows, the ACO might have to do with the prototypes what they did with the Grand Tourers and just make it one class.

frostie500

TheChrisD wrote: »

I can only wonder if Bourdais might have gotten the word about Peugeot pulling out, before the public did, given he just signed full-time with Dragon Racing in IndyCar

LMP1 won't be all that interesting this year. Who knows, the ACO might have to do with the prototypes what they did with the Grand Tourers and just make it one class.

Yeah I thought something was amiss when Nico Minnassian pulled out last week as well but didnt think it was anything like this

Grim.

The French car manufacturer also wants to concentrate its 2012 resources on its commercial performance and, in particular, ensuring the successful launches of several new models which will take forward the brand's strategy of moving upmarket and extending its global presence.

Auto123.com Thursday talked to a veteran of the Peugeot Sport race team.

“No one saw that one coming. Not at all. Yesterday, we got a message to gather all together at 4 p.m. And we were told the bad news,” he said.

One hour later, the official press release was posted on the web.

“This decision is quite hard to understand. Just after Christmas we restarted the manufacturing of parts process and we had just received the 2012 tubs. The test team was down in Sebring, Florida to do some testing when they got the news. Now, they're getting prepared to fly back here in Velizy,” our man told us.

“This week, we were deciding if we were going to enter three or four 908s at Le Mans, and how many of these cars would be hybrids. The news was a shock – a major blow on our heads. We will offered redeployment solutions within the company and internal mobility, but the worst part is that we will lose more than one hundred of very qualified and highly skilled persons. The situation is really dramatic for our younger mechanics and technicians. We're going to lose everything. If Peugeot ever wants to go back racing, they will have to build everything from scratch,” he added.

Our man confirmed us that Peugeot does not want to see the 908s being entered and raced by privateers. “No. Peugeot does not want to see a single 908 leave the factory. One private team has already offered Peugeot to race our cars, but it got a definite no as an answer. It's all over. Period.” he said.

Meanwhile, Gpupdate.net wrote Thursday morning that Craig Pollock and PURE are considering using Peugeot Sport's facilities located near Paris at 3 rue Marcel-Dassault in Vélizy to serve as a base for their F1 turbo engine programme.

However, this building is not only the home of Peugeot's endurance programme but also where the clients and rally departments are housed.

so that puts an end to the rumours of Henri Pescarolo running a 908 at le mans then

Killinator

Grim. wrote: »

so that puts an end to the rumours of Henri Pescarolo running a 908 at le mans then

That makes this even worse,
Team Oreca ran a 2010 spec 908 last year, and Pesca had run one previously,
It doesn't seem to make sense that the cars will just sit unused in both diesel and hybrid forms gathering dust when they could be flying down Mulsanne!

As a big Pesca and Peugeot fan this is just adding to the bitter disappointment of yesterdays news.

Still planning on heading over, have to pick up a diecast 908, though the price will have skyrocketed:D

amacachi

That's friggin awful news. As said, Davidson really can't catch a break.

Grim.

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/toyota-ts030-lmp1-hybrid-revealed/

Jordan 199

I read on Autosport that Toyota will be sending 2 cars to Le Mans. Great stuff

amacachi

Has anyone done Le Mans and have advice or tips for travel? Couple of us want to head, Ferry/driving is long but cheap and allows for stockpiles of alcohol, flights are quick but would be impossible to lug around the amount of stuff we'd be wanting to.

Grim.

http://www.traveldestinations.co.uk/ have their own private campsite with security etc from what ive heard their also meant to be fairly flexible with setting up a package for you if you contact them

Killinator

amacachi wrote: »

Has anyone done Le Mans and have advice or tips for travel? Couple of us want to head, Ferry/driving is long but cheap and allows for stockpiles of alcohol, flights are quick but would be impossible to lug around the amount of stuff we'd be wanting to.

Been there the past 2 years,
Did it the fly-over way,
Do yourself a favour and go for the week-long tickect, you'll need the week to see everything :pac:

If your camping it means lugging a few large bags around the airport and paying the considerable baggage charges,

Personally going to try and drive over this year, for one, to try and do something different, and B, to be able to carry a bit more over/ go to the shops whenever we need.

BUY A STAND TICKET, at 6:00am on the Sunday when the tiredness hits, you'll want somewhere to sit down!

Bring plenty of money, there's LOTS of stall and drink to be had,

Lastly, DO IT, your only regret will be that you'll want to go again and again every summer from now until..................

Grim.

out of curiosity killinator how much does the entire trip cost you?

Killinator

Grim. wrote: »

out of curiosity killinator how much does the entire trip cost you?

The week tickets are about 65 euro, the stand is another 40/50, and the campsite is another 60ish,
To be honest the travelling (flying especially) is where the money builds up, with having to fly(with baggage including a tent) into cdg airport and then getting the tgv to le mans, then the tram to the track,
Not very specific, but I'll come back with a more accurate price.

frostie500

amacachi wrote: »

Has anyone done Le Mans and have advice or tips for travel? Couple of us want to head, Ferry/driving is long but cheap and allows for stockpiles of alcohol, flights are quick but would be impossible to lug around the amount of stuff we'd be wanting to.

I did it in 2009, the year Peugoet won and it is without doubt the best racing weekend you can have. The good thing about Le Mans is that you can do it as cheap or expensive as you want. As Killinator said get the weeklong ticket. I didnt take the stand ticket but got lucky that there wasnt any rain that year but most year's arent like that.

For 60 quid you get a programme, a review of the previous year's race, free parking and camping at the on-track campsites. I havent stayed in those during the 24 hours but have at the MotoGP race in 07. When we went back to the 24 Hours we decided to stay in a campsite outside of the town but the traffic was never an issue getting in and out so for 15 quid a night the campsite was spot on.

If you book flights early you'll be able to get a good deal and baggage weight shouldnt really be an issue unless you have a really heavy tent! If you're thinking of going just book it you wont regret it! I remember when we arrived on the Thursday I saw a caravan in the campsite with 24 Hour stickers from the last 20 odd years on the window and I thought, it couldnt be this good but Ive been looking to go back since then.....

Grim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGR1Hw65e4

Grim.

love the way it pulls away using the electric motor will be interesting to see if they can gain fuel economy during the race doing this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bFShHZv4wk

Killinator

Grim. wrote: »

love the way it pulls away using the electric motor will be interesting to see if they can gain fuel economy during the race doing this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bFShHZv4wk

Sounds like the Batmobile,
I was worried it wouldn't have much sound but I'm pretty happy with that, can't wait to hear it in the flesh now.


Oh and Grim:
Here is what I paid for LeMans tickets via the official site last year:

General Enclosure/week long 5 June-12 June: 67euro
This also allows a pitwalk on the Friday before the race and access to all general spectator stands for everyday except raceday.

Campsite(Yellow area), week long 5 June-12 June: 51euro
This includes space for 1 tent and 1 car, though if the tent is small you will easily fit 2, also theses spaces are not hugely regulated or even marked out clearly, so you have leeway.

Grandstand(Tribune 34), valid for entire race: 65euro
This the main stand above the pits, seating is issued on the ticket but is not adhered to as you'll spend most of your time leaning out over the barrier/fence to look directly down on to the cars as they pit.

So that's 183euro for your various tickets,
How you travel and when you book will vary the price of travel tickets so its pointless giving a figure for them, but travel is more expensive generally than the combination of all those tickets above.

Grim.

Nick Heidfeld joins Rebellion Racing and will race at Sebring, Spa and Le mans

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/le-mans-heidfeld-set-to-join-rebellion/

losthorizon

The Daytona 24 hours is on Eurosport this weekend.

marco2068

losthorizon wrote: »

The Daytona 24 hours is on Eurosport this weekend.

aaahhhh sweet:)

Grim.

losthorizon wrote: »

The Daytona 24 hours is on Eurosport this weekend.

and motors tv with radiolemans on coms

Grim.

fantastic racing between the prototypes in the Daytona 24H at the minute

marco2068

streaming live on justin.tv search for besweeet2

Grim.

Pescarolo's second car will be a dome S102.5 drivers will be Sebastien Bourdais and Nic Minassian third driver TBA

Grim.

24 HOURS OF LE MANS ENTRY LIST

LMP1 (15 entries)

1 – Audi Sport Team Joest – Audi R18 Hybrid – Andre Lotterer
2 – Audi Sport Team Joest – Audi R18 Hybrid – Allan McNish
3 – Audi Sport Team Joest – Audi R18 – Timo Bernhard
4 – Audi Sport North America – Audi R18 – Oliver Jarvis
7 – Toyota Racing – Toyota TS030 Hybrid – Alexander Wurz
8 – Toyota Racing – Toyota TS030 Hybrid – Hiroaki Ishiura
12 – Rebellion Racing – Lola B12/60 Coupe Toyota – Nicolas Prost
13 – Rebellion Racing – Lola B12/60 Coupe Toyota – Andrea Belicchi
15 – OAK Racing – Oak Pescarolo Judd – Guillaume Moreau
16 – Pescarolo Team – Pescarolo 03 Judd – Emmanuel Collard
17 – Pescarolo Team – Dome Judd – Nicolas Minassian
18 – Dyson Racing Team – Lola B12/60 Mazda – Guy Smith
19 – Dyson Racing Team – Lola B12/60 Mazda – Chris Dyson
21 – Strakka Racing – HPD ARX-03a – Nick Leventis
22 – JRM – HPD ARX-03a – David Brabham

LMP2 (18 entries)

23 – Signatech Nissan – Oreca 03 Nissan – Jordan Tresson
24 – OAK Racing – Morgan Judd – Jaques Nicolet
25 – ADR-Delta – Oreca 03 Nissan – John Martin
26 – Signatech Nissan – Oreca 03 Nissan – Franck Maileux
28 – Gulf Racing Middle East – Lola B12/80 Nissan – Fabien Giroix
29 – Gulf Racing Middle East – Lola B12/80 Nissan – Frederic Fatien
31 – Lotus – Lola B12/80 Lotus –Thomas Josef Holzer
33 – Level 5 Motorsports – HPD ARX-03b – Scott Tucker
35 – OAK Racing – Morgan Judd – Olivier Pla
38 – JOTA – Zytek Z11SN Nissan – Sam Hancock
40 – Race Performance – Oreca 03 Judd – Michel Frey
41 – Greaves Motorsport – Zytek Z11SN Nissan – Christian Zugel
42 – Greaves Motorsport – Zytek Z11SN Nissan – Alex Brundle
43 – Extreme Limite Aric – Norma MP200 Judd – Fabien Rossier
44 – Starworks Motorsport – HPD ARX-03b – Enzo Potolicchio
45 – Boutsen Ginion Racing – Oreca 03 Nissan – Bastien Briere
46 – Thiriet by TDS Racing – Oreca 03 Nissan – Pierre Thiriet
49 – Pecom Racing – Oreca 03 Nissan – Luis-Perez Companc

GTE-PRO (9 entries)

51 – AF Corse – Ferrari F458 Italia – Giancarlo Fisichella
59 – Luxury Racing – Ferrari F458 Italia – Fred Makowiecki
66 – JMW Motorsport – Ferrari F458 Italia – Tim Sugden
71 – AF Corse – Ferrari F458 Italia – Andrea Bertolini
73 – Corvette Racing – Corvette C6.R – Antonio Garcia
74 – Corvette Racing – Corvette C6.R – Oliver Gavin
77 – Team Felbermayr-Proton – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Richard Lietz
80 – Flying Lizard Motorsports – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Jorg Bergmeister
97 – Aston Martin Racing – Aston Martin Vantage V8 – Stefan Mucke

GTE-AM (13 entries)

50 – Larbre Competition – Corvette C6.R – Patrick Bornhauser
55 – JWA-Avila – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Paul Daniels
57 – Krohn Racing – Ferrari F458 Italia – Tracy Krohn
58 – Luxury Racing – Ferrari F458 Italia – Pierre Ehret
61 – AF Corse – Ferrari F458 Italia – Robert Kauffman
67 – IMSA Performance Matmut – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Anthony Pons
70 – Larbre Competition – Corvette C6.R – Christophe Bourret
75 – Prospeed Competition – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Paul van Splunteren
79 – Flying Lizard Motorsports – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Seth Neiman
81 – AF Corse – Ferrari F458 Italia – Pierguiseppe Perazzini
83 – JMB Racing – Ferrari F458 Italia – Manuel Rodrigues
88 – Team Felbermayr-Proton – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Christian Ried
99 – Aston Martin Racing – Aston Martin Vantage V8 – Christoffer Nyhaard

UNCLASSIFIED (1 entry)

0 – Highcroft Racing – Deltawing – Marino Franchitti

RESERVES (9 entries)

47 – Jetalliance Racing – Lola-Judd – David Henemeier-Hansson (LMP2)
30 – Status Grand Prix – Lola-Judd – Alexander Sims (LMP2)
48 – Murphy Motorsports – Oreca 03 Judd – Gregory Murphy (LMP2)
5 – Hope Racing – Oreca Swiss HyTech Hybrid – Steve Zacchia (LMP1)
32 – Lotus – Lola B12/80 Lotus – Dariusch Ahrabian

76 – IMSA Performance Matmut – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Patrick Pilet (GTE-Pro)
64 – Lotus Cars LTD – Lotus Evora GTE – Johnny Mowlem (GTE-Pro)
98 – Aston Martin Racing – Aston Martin Vantage V8 – Darren Turner (GTE-Pro)
63 – Proton Competition – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Horst Felbermayr Jr. (GTE-Am)

.

TheChrisD

Marino Franchitti named as driving the Deltawing? This'll be interesting...

Also, Status on the LMP2 reserve list. Is it wrong I'm hoping that a couple of current entries drop out? :P

SniperSight

No Aston Martin or Oreca LMP1s :-(

Grim.

all the lola Aston Martins are no longer eligible for lmp1 and have been sold on to collectors, but the Pescarolo 03 Judd is actually last years AMR 1 chassis with a judd engine and new aero package

re Oreca they are providing much of the personnel for Toyota's operation from what i understand

TheChrisD

SniperSight wrote: »

No Aston Martin or Oreca LMP1s :-(

I would be surprised if Aston came back with an LMP1 again after last year. And Oreca aren't fielding LMP1 since there's no factory support.

SniperSight

Grim. wrote: »

all the lola Aston Martins are no longer eligible for lmp1 and have been sold on to collectors, but the Pescarolo 03 Judd is actually last years AMR 1 chassis with a judd engine and new aero

I see, pity, cause the sound of the thing gave me shivers down my spine!
I know last year was an embarrassment for them, would've hoped that might spur them on to improve.

Grim.

looks like status are in although as technical partners according to this press release on the Dyson Racing website

24 HOURS OF LE MANS | Dyson files two entries for 2012


POUGHKEEPSIE, NY February 02, 2012 -- Dyson Racing has accepted its two automatic entry invitations for this year’s 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16th and 17th. The team will be entering two new Lola B12/60 coupes in the storied French classic, powered by upgraded versions of the same AER-built Mazda engines that took the team to the American Le Mans Series championships in 2011. ALMS champions Chris Dyson and Guy Smith are confirmed as drivers, and the team will be assisted in its foray to the 24 Hours of Le Mans by European-based team Status Grand Prix.

The team received its entries for winning the 2011 ALMS Championship and the Green X Challenge, two of the five ALMS titles the team won last year, including titles for Mazda and Dunlop tires. “Both my dad and I have raced at Le Mans and have always said we would go back with our team when we were able to run competitively with a proper program,” said Chris Dyson, Vice President and Sporting Director of Dyson Racing. “This is a natural extension of the momentum from last year’s winning season. Even with our long-term history in endurance racing, entering Le Mans propels our team to its next native level. It is the greatest endurance race in the world. All of our partners have been hugely supportive of this step and we look forward to having a strong run in the race.”

The cars will be entered and engineered by Dyson Racing with UK-based Status GP providing additional technical and commercial support for the effort. Status GP won the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in 2009 and has been a multiple race-winning and championship contending team in GP3 in 2010 and ’11. The team’s personnel have vast experience of competing at Le Mans and have helped customers secure top 10 finishes in the GT1 and LMP2 classes in 2006 and 2011.

“It is a privilege to work with Dyson Racing as they embark on a two car campaign at the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Status GP founder Mark Gallagher. “We will assist them technically and commercially, and our goal is to help ensure that this legendary team enjoys a highly successful event with minimum disruption to the defense of their American Le Mans Series championship titles.”

“We are very excited to join forces with Status Grand Prix, a mutual friend of Lola and a group that has proven to be of the top drawer in recent years,” Dyson added. “Their key staff has decades of Le Mans experience and success, and partnering with them was an easy decision.”

In coming weeks, Dyson Racing and Status Grand Prix will be working diligently together to finalize the program’s commercial package and driver lineups. Announcements of these details will be forthcoming.

Lola, a long time Dyson Racing partner, won both the European-based Le Mans Series and American Le Mans Series LMP1 championships in 2011 and was the highest placed petrol-powered car in last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. For 2012, Lola has taken another step forward with improved aerodynamics, efficient packaging and advancements in suspension technology for the B12/60 coupe, as it continues to build on its more than 50 years of winning history.

Martin Birrane, Executive Chairman of the Lola Group, expressed his pleasure at the announcement: \"For a decade now, Lola and Dyson Racing have shared a successful partnership in the American Le Mans Series, culminating in last season’s title triumph. Today`s announcement is a significant one for Dyson as it will showcase their ultra-professional team at the greatest of races - the Le Mans 24 hours. The new look state-of-the-art Lola LMP1 car - the B12/60 - has been honed and developed in our on-site technical center over the last six months. It will incorporate the latest cutting edge technology in composite design, aerodynamics and future sustainable technologies. I am also delighted that Dyson Racing is teaming up with Status GP for the Le Mans 24 Hours. The combined force of both Dyson Racing and Status GP with Lola`s renowned engineering support is sure to be a formidable one. I and everyone at the Lola factory are relishing the 80th Le Mans 24 Hours in June.\"

Chris Dyson first raced at Le Mans in 2004, finishing seventh, the highest-placed American that year. Guy Smith won the world famous race in 2003, and placed a close second the following year, missing the win by 40 seconds. On their way to the ALMS championships last year, Dyson and Smith placed first in ALMS points in the combined ALMS/ILMC 12 Hours of Sebring and the Petit Le Mans and never finished lower than second in the remaining seven races. They won the title by sixty-two points, adding to the team’s tally of nineteen championships in a twenty-nine year history that spans some of the most competitive eras in prototype racing.

same press release is up on the Status website

Status Grand Prix will be the technical and commercial partner of legendary US sportscar team Dyson Racing's two-car entry into the LMP1 class at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year.

dcr22B

The Murphy Motorsports car (LMP2) which is just behind Status on the entry list is entered under an Irish flag:

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2012/24-heures-du-mans/entry_list_24_heures_du_mans_2012.pdf

Anybody know anything about it?

Grim.

dcr22B wrote: »

The Murphy Motorsports car (LMP2) which is just behind Status on the entry list is entered under an Irish flag:

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2012/24-heures-du-mans/entry_list_24_heures_du_mans_2012.pdf

Anybody know anything about it?

the team is RLR Motorsport and this is all i can find about murphy

Grim.

seems Anthony Davidson has signed for Toyota to be announced soon

SniperSight

I see National Geographic have named the 24hrs of Le Mans as the top sporting event, even ahead of The Olympics.
Wouldn't disagree!!

amacachi

Won't be heading this year anyway alas.

frostie500

amacachi wrote: »

Won't be heading this year anyway alas.

What happened? Shame cos its such a good weekend

amacachi

frostie500 wrote: »

What happened? Shame cos its such a good weekend

50/50 on being able to afford it, then the people I was meant to be going with decided they're going to New Zealand for a coupla years. :pac:
**** it, there's always next year, Indy will have to wait even longer. :pac:

frostie500

amacachi wrote: »

50/50 on being able to afford it, then the people I was meant to be going with decided they're going to New Zealand for a coupla years. :pac:
**** it, there's always next year, Indy will have to wait even longer. :pac:

NZ over Le Mans...they dont have a clue! Indy's the dream but it keeps getting put back for me too because of the cost! Looks like I should be able to knock a couple of my "to-do" races off the list this year though so I cant complain too much!

dcr22B

My list of races to go to includes Le Mans and Nurburgring 24 Hours as well as the Isle of Man TT.

I got to go to my #1 choice back in 2008 - Bathurst.

Have to start saving the pennies again

frostie500

dcr22B wrote: »

My list of races to go to includes Le Mans and Nurburgring 24 Hours as well as the Isle of Man TT.

I got to go to my #1 choice back in 2008 - Bathurst.

Have to start saving the pennies again

Bathurst, Id say that was class! TT's on my list as well, hopefully next year!
This year Im focusing on knocking off the Daytona 500, Sebring 12 Hours and Monaco. Gotta learn to use my holidays for actual holidays at some point in time rather than going to see lads drive in circles!

amacachi

frostie500 wrote: »

NZ over Le Mans...they dont have a clue! Indy's the dream but it keeps getting put back for me too because of the cost! Looks like I should be able to knock a couple of my "to-do" races off the list this year though so I cant complain too much!

College timing means it'll be 2015 before I have any shot at Indy. Still on the bright side I could say it means I've more time to save for it. :pac: A mate of mine was on about the Hungarian Grand Prix this year, meant to be one of the cheaper ones and the timing would suit too.

dcr22B

frostie500 wrote: »

Bathurst, Id say that was class!

Did it while on honeymoon, absolutely brilliant. Race itself was a bit staid but the Fords won which was the important part!

Grim.

Bathurst 12 hour on at the minute good race so far

Grim.

TheChrisD

I don't think this white/silver seems to suit the Audi...

Grim.

#3 Audi Has the best livery again (#3 is a 2011 car #1 is the 2012 version)