2012 WEC, ALMS&ELMS News

[Rob]

THE "PLACE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE" WILL HOST LE MANS SCRUTINEERING.

14/05/2012 - 23h45

Each year, the administrative and technical inspection process (scrutineering) for 24 Hours of Le Mans attracts a large crowd who have the chance to get near the cars and drivers. Refurbishment of the Place des Jacobins is ongoing, so it will be the Place de la Republique that will welcome this year's competitors to the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship​​, as announced by the ACO.

Since the first race in 1923, the location of scrutineering has moved around. First in the center of Le Mans, then inside the circuit in the 60s and early 70s. In 1976 it returned to the city centre, at the "Quinconce des Jacobins", as it had been in the 50s, then in the past two years it has gone up a level to the Place des Jacobins.

The schedule of Scrutineering 2010 and 2011 was acclaimed by spectators at Le Mans, it will be renewed for the 80th edition. The first competitor will open the proceedings on Sunday, 10th June at 14:30 for a busy afternoon ending at 19:00. The process will continue on Monday, 11th June from 10:00 to 18:00.

[Rob]

oh no this isnt sounding good....

A Statement From The Lola Group Board

This just issued - Reaction later

Lola Cars International Ltd was formed in 1958. In recent years, significant investment has been made in technology and capability in the motorsports business as well as diversifying and creating Lola Composites Limited, serving the defence, aerospace, communications, renewable energy, automotive and motorsports markets.

The latest economic downturn and the decision of HMRC not to pay ongoing R&D tax credits has caused a serious cashflow problem for the businesses. It is with enormous regret that a decision has been taken to issue Notices of intention to appoint an Administrator to Lola Cars International Limited and Lola Composites Limited. This step allows the board to continue its discussions with possible investors and prospective purchasers with a view to securing the best outcome for the staff, creditors and customers of both businesses.

The Lola board have declined to make further comment until Monday 21st May.

[Nova]

This would be a shame. Lola has been around as long as I can remember. They are like a
staple name in the history of motorsport.

Sauber also gave 1/3rd of his co to someone, although I dont think its cash related.

[Rob]

if anyone interested, its the Nurburgring 24hr, heres links...

http://www.24h-rennen.de/LIVE.94.0.html
http://radiolemans.0157.org/nplayer.php

[Rob]

Internationally famous for its 24-hour race, the Le Mans has developed an economy orientated twards the motor car, it was here that the first road going steam carriage “l’Obéissante” was manufactured in 1873 by Amédée Bollée. In addition to the Renault factory, established in 1936, a cluster of sub-contractors and companies related to the motor car and motor sport has developed, including the “Technoparc”, the home of teams such as OAK Racing and Pescarolo Team

With a population of about 140,000 people, Le Mans has the 20th most highest populated of French cities. After a period of growth, the town began to decline with de-industrialization, but that trend reversed, and the arrival of the TGV (high speed train) and the autoroute, helped position Le Mans as the hub between the UK and Spain, enhancing its attractiveness to industry. The British, who are lovers of beautiful cars and sports cars in particular, travel to the city in large numbers during the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The automotive sector is the second largest employer (after agriculture and food), in the Le Mans region. Some companies are grouped within the Technoparc that is located within the 24 hours circuit. These include the l’Institut Automobile du Mans, an association responsible for promoting and developing automobile businesses, and a racing acadamy created with the support of National Education and the FFSA Auto Sport Academy (a the descendant of the 'la Filière ELF', which produced local hero Sebastien Bourdais, as well as Romain Dumas, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fässler, three winners of the Le Mans 24 Hours.)

It is the headquarters of car insurers “Mutuelles du Mans” (MMA) of course, but also of Groupama and MAAF for example. The call centre for Mondial Assistance has also taken up residence in the city. Perhaps helping a few of the 200,000 visitors of the 24 Hours of Le Mans each year.

The endurance racing classic gives a boost to the local economy. Spectators from around the world spend a festive week in the city. The municipality has not ignored that fact, and is 'twinned' with places as diverse as Suzuka in Japan (home of the famous racing circuit), Paderborn in Germany and Bolton in England (coincidentally, also twinned with Paderborn).

[Rob]

Before each round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an introduction will be published to the region hosting the event. After Sebring in Florida, and Spa-Francorchamps in the Belgian Ardennes, the Championship will visit the Sarthe region of France on the 16th and 17th of June. The city of Le Mans is best known worldwide for its circuit, yet even outside the realm of motor sports it is worth a detour. A city with a rich heritage awaits visitors to the region.

Built on a rocky outcrop, the city of Le Mans has been fortified since the Gallic era by a tribe called Aulerci Cenomani, from whom the city takes its name. The Romans invaded the city during the conquest of Gaul and raised a wall with geometric motifs. A portion of this enclosure, including a gate, towers and small entrances, is still standing, as well many half-timbered houses and Renaissance mansions.

The town was named Plantagenet City, after the famous dynasty. The palace of the Counts of Maine, that became the 'Hôtel de Ville' (town hall) in the French Revolution, was the birthplace of Henry II Plantagenet, future King of England. His father, Geoffrey, was nicknamed Plantagenet because he put broom flowers (genêt in French) in his hat while hunting. He married Matilda, daughter of the King of England, in the Cathedral of St. Julien that dominates the city centre, the forecourt of which was where the scene of the “tirade des nez” (tirade of the nose), by Gerard Depardieu as Cyrano de Bergerac, was filmed. The cathedral overlooks the famous Place des Jacobins which has hosted scrutineering for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in recent years.

With global notoriety thanks to its legendary race, the city of Le Mans could be also described as the cradle of the automobile: In 1873 Amédée Bollée, constructed “L'Obéissante” (the obedient), the first passenger carrying steam vehicle. It made its first trip from Le Mans to Paris in 1875 in 18 hours! His son Amédée manufactured the first petrol powered car. They invented technologies that are still used today. Their workshop was reconstructed in the Musée des 24 Heures Automobile Museum, a visit not to be missed during the week of the 24 hours.

http://www.fiawec.com/en/news/the-ci...-mans_169.html

[Rob]

The ADR-Delta team, who lead of the LMP2 class in the FIA World Endurance Championship team trophy, will sport a new livery at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the Championship. The British team, born out of the collaboration between Alan Docking Racing (ADR) and Delta Motorsport, an engineering company, will participate for the first time at Le Mans on the 16th and 17th June with an Oreca-03 Nissan.

The trio of John Martin, Robbie Kerr and Tor Graves finished second in the LMP2 class at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, but scored points for first place in the World Championship because Jota who were first over the finish line, are not entered in the Championship.

[Rob]

ProSpeed Competition presents line-up for Le Mans
BY TEAM UPDATE

Present for the third consecutive year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ProSpeed Competition confirms its international line-up. This Belgian team, elected “Best Technical Assistance –Escra Prize” during the 2011 edition, reveals its latest ambitions. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR #75, in the hands of three Porsche specialists, are out to claim a top classification in the LM GTE AM category, the second most represented category in the field. Alongside the fast Saudi Adbulaziz Al Faisal, already seen in action last year at Le Mans, ProSpeed Competition welcomes the American Bret Curtis and the speedy Sean Edwards. This Brit, a true ace of the Porsche SuperCup, had previously teamed up with the ProSpeed Competition squad during some of the European FIA GT2 Championship meetings…

Rudi Penders (Team Principal):
-“ProSpeed Competition discovered the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 2010, finishing the event as first “100% private” team. Last year the iBird impressed and awaken everyone’s spirits, a well as the quality of our technical support during the “pit stops”. Our objective in 2012 is to cross the finishing line for the third consecutive time and to continue to progress. A podium in the LM GTE AM class? Yes, we’ll be doing everything to achieve that.”

Abdulaziz Al Faisal (UAE – 4th June 1983 – 2nd participation):
Racing is an activity that Abdulaziz Al Faisal takes very seriously. In 2011, he joined the RedBull Athlete Team to test the RedBull F1 simulator at Milton Keynes. Back in the Middle East his driving skills are renowned and feared. Amongst his record of achievements; two crowns in the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East (2010 and 2012), two podiums in the 24 Hours of Dubai … not forgetting his earlier debut in Formula BMW (3e – 2007). Present last year in the European FIA GT3 Championship (BMW), he is the ideal ambassador for his country, Saudi Arabia. He first appeared at the Le Mans event back in 2011, and on that occasion already behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.

Bret Curtis (USA – 13th December 1966 – 1st participation):
Born in Valencia, Pennsylvania, Bret Curtis is a businessman very much at home in the motorsport world. Founder of Spectra Resources (2002) and United Steel Supply (2007), he has been enjoying his passion since 2009 (Imsa GT3 Cup). Following a season in ALMS (2010) at the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3, he decided in 2011 to compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona (Porsche), the 12 Hours of Sebring (Porsche) and the 24 Hours of Spa (Mercedes). At the beginning of this year he was to be seen at the start of the 12 Hours of Sebring (Lola B11-Honda).

Sean Edwards (GB – 6th December 1986 – 1st participation):
Karting as from the age of 11 years, followed by Formula Ford UK (5th) and Formula Renault UK (5th), Sean Edwards swiftly turned his talents to the GT world, winning the European FIA GT3 Championship (2006). This young man is presently competing in the Porsche SuperCup… held during the F1 Grand Prix. Here he has accumulated “polepositions”, podiums and victories! He is also active in GrandAm (Porsche) and recently clinched victory in the 24 Hours of Dubai (Mercedes). Cinema aficionados will undoubtedly recognise him in Ron Howard’s film, “Rush”. He will be playing the part of his father, the racing driver Guy Edwards, caught up in the battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 F1 season.

[Rob]

EVOLUTION OF THE "CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES"

20/05/2012 - 21h43

The 24 Hours circuit has evolved since the first 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, with changes that have been mostly to improve safety. A total of 14 different track layouts have been used during the 79 races. However, the overall layout remains identical to the original track. This year the circuit has been modified at Arnage.

The very first Grand Prix of the Automobile Club de France in 1906 was raced on a triangular circuit of 102.85km that stretched from Le Mans, eastward to Saint-Calais and La Ferte-Bernard, but for the first 24 hours in 1923 the ACO significantly shortened and relocated the route to bring it back to 17.262 kilometers with a loop into the southern suburbs of Le Mans with a hairpin at Pontlieue. For security reasons, the circuit's northern tip was shortened in 1928, reducing the course to 16.240 km. The tip was trimmed again two years later, reducing the length to 13.492 km. Although there have been subsequent changes over time, the 24 Hours circuit settled to a length of between 13 and 14 km.

The circuit then remained unchanged for over twenty years, until 1955 and the tragic accident which has caused many fatalities among spectators. Adjustments to the pit area were necessary, and the Dunlop curve was changed, shortening the circuit by 31 metres. The new facilities had enhanced safety, but the speeds reached in the late 60s, a result of the Ford-Ferrari duel, had never been higher. The decision was made to build a chicane (Ford chicane) before the pit straight, which lengthened the track by 8 metres. It was on this track that record the distance covered in 24 hours was set by Helmut Marko and Gijs Van Lennep in 1971, a record that stood until 2010.

A renovation of infrastructure was undertaken in the early 1970s. The old road via Maison Blanche (White House) was abandoned and a new portion of 3 km, which was created between Arnage and the Ford chicane, extending the circuit to 13.640 km. In 1979, the construction of the bypass south-east of Le Mans led to the modification of Tertre Rouge (13.626 km), and the appearance of a roundabout in 1986 modified Mulsanne corner (13.528).

The following year, it was the turn of the Dunlop curve to undergo a facelift at the request of the FIM (Federation Internationale de la Moto). The Mulsanne Straight was resurfaced and two chicanes were built in 1990 (13.600 km). The Dunlop curve was again reworked in 1997 for the same reasons (13.605 km).

The portion of the permanent circuit between the Dunlop curve and Tertre Rouge is enriched with a quick left-right at the request of motorcyclists in 2002. They are also behind the latest change of the curve Dunlop in 2006, the radius of which was tightened to reduce speeds. Despite the overhaul of the turn, the length of the track was not affected. The work was undertaken at the same time as the village modernization and expansion of the paddock.

The latest development dates back to 2007 with the opening of the angle of Tertre Rouge and expansion of the run-off zone, bringing the circuit to 13.629 km. With the development of the Arnage corner for safety reasons, the circuit will change again this year. With evolving standards, always towards greater safety, 24 Hours circuit will remain in an ongoing state of revision.

http://www.fiawec.com/en/news/evolut...eures_181.html

[Rob]

LE MANS 24 HOURS : DISTANCE AND SPEED RECORDS.

22/05/2012 - 22h12

Having reviewed the records for victories and participations (see article), with a special mention for Tom Kristensen and Henri Pescarolo, we now look at distance and speed. Some records seem hard to break, while others last only one or two races.

The fastest lap in the history of 24 Hours: Hans-Joachim Stuck lapped in 3'14''843 at an average speed of 251.815 km/h in 1985 with the Porsche 962C #2 of the Rothmans Porsche team. The German driver set the record during qualifying but although he started from pole, he finished third overall, beaten by two other Porsche 956. For the record, the fastest racing lap that year was by Jacky Ickx with a time of 3'25''1, almost 11 seconds slower than the time for pole position.

The fastest lap in the race: Jackie Oliver (Porsche 917LH #18 John Wyer Automotive Engineering Ltd.) held that record for 37 years with an average speed of 244.387 km/h) before Stephane Sarrazin broke it in 2008 (246.068 km/h is 3'19''394). The French driver did not hold it for long. Loïc Duval in the 908 HDi FAP #4 of Oreca have completed a lap at an average speed of 246.463 km/h, (3'19''074). Note that the fastest lap time is not necessarily a good predictor of victory since none of the three finished on the top step of the podium.

The greatest distance covered in 24 hours: For 39 years the record of 5,335.313 km was held by Dr. Helmut Marko (known Formula 1 fans as he oversees the driver development programme for Red Bull) and Gijs Van Lennep in the #22 Porsche 917K of Martini Racing Team in 1971. The trio of Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Mike Rockenfeller smashed the previous record in 2010 with the Audi R15 # 9: 5,410.713 km. The German manufacturer broke the record with the three cars entered while the R15 was far, far away from the speed of its main rival, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP.

The first two records have stood for a long time, and the LMP1 regulations that came into force in 2011 have controlled performance, it is not impossible that the latter record could be broken again. Distance does not depend only on the speed of cars entered, but the weather, safety car periods and traffic on the track... We will know on the 17th of June at 15:00 (Ticket office HERE).

[Rob]

The teams entered for the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours have announced the names of the three drivers who will be at the wheel of their cars. Overall, it is a mouth-watering list for the 80th running of the most prestigious endurance race in the world.

This is the first year of the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of which a drivers’ world title will be awarded, so for those taking part in the Le Mans 24 Hours, which counts for double points, the race is of capital importance.

For the teams, entering for the Le Mans 24-Hours race is a two-stage process: they had until 19th January 2012 to send in their entry for the event nominating one driver. By 9th May at the latest they had to send their complete driver line-ups consisting of three people to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

After the usual checks the ACO is publishing today, 23rd May, the list of drivers per car. It includes 167 names for 56 cars, as Toyota Racing has asked for the authorisation, granted by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, to announce the name of the third driver of the no.8 TS030 hybrid by the end of this week.

It is a mouth-watering list with nine outright winners at the start, the oldest being Martin Brundle (winner in 1990, Jaguar) who is back with his son Alex and Lucas Ordenez from Spain, and the most recent Tréluyer-Fässler-Lotterer who will drive the Audi bearing the number one.

A number of 2011 winners are back to defend their crown: Tréluyer-Fässler-Lotterer outright and LM P1 winners, Olivier Lombard victorious in LM P2 entered in the no. 23 Signatech-Nissan, Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner and Olivier Beretta, winning trio in LM GTE Pro who are split up this year (Garcia, no. 73 Corvette, Milner no. 74 Corvette and Beretta no. 71 Ferrari) as well as Patrick Bornhauser and Julian Canal, who came out on top in LM GTE, and who are still sharing the no. 50 Corvette in which Pedro Lamy has replaced Gabriel Gardel.

Lamy, who was with Peugeot in 2011, is one of the former Lion drivers who has found a seat. Bourdais and Minassian will team up in the no. 17 Dome, and Alexander Wurz is the lead driver in the Toyota squad where he has been joined by Anthony Davidson. Stéphane Sarrazin is racing in LM P2 for the Starworks Motorsports team, and Marc Gené has found a seat as reserve in the Audi squad. Gené, Lamy, Sarrazin, Bourdais, Wurz and several others are all ex-Formula 1 drivers. There will be many of them at Le Mans this year with the arrival of guys as quick as Nick Heidfeld (Rebellion Racing), Sébastien Buemi (Toyota Racing) and Karun Chandhok (JRM) who were racing in F1 in 2011.

Another driver competing in one of the most prestigious championships in the world is NASCAR star Brian Vickers who will be making his Le Mans debut in the no. 61 Ferrari.

This year there is only one women driver on the entry list, Keiko Ihara from Japan in the LM P2 Lola entered by the Gulf Racing Middle East Team.

Le Mans is also the theatre in which a number of amateur drivers like Patrick Bornhauser, Tracy Krohn and Jacques Nicolet, who do battle throughout the year in the FIA World Endurance Championship, will show off their talent.

On this list the ACO hasn’t forgotten its own licence holders like Benoît Tréluyer and the various drivers who have learned the ropes in its driving school like Bastien Brière from the Sarthe plus ACO Volant winner, Fabien Rosier.

The vast majority of entrants will take part in the test day on 3rd June, which is a general rehearsal for the race itself. It is obligatory for new cars, for teams and drivers that have never raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours before, or drivers who are not on the list of those automatically allowed to compete in official practice since the 2007 Le Mans 24 Hours.

They will then take part in scrutineering and admin checks on 10th-11th June, in official and qualifying practice on 13th-14th June before the culmination of the Le Mans week, the start of the Le Mans 24 hours on Saturday 16th June at 15h00.

http://www.fiawec.com/en/news/2012-l...irmed_187.html

[Rob]

AUDI LOOKS IN THE MIRROR.

25/05/2012 - 06h45


Until now, drivers have had to rely on mirrors to see when a competitor is approaching. This may change soon: Audi's drivers at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship used a 'digital mirror'. A miniature camera facing to the rear of the prototype provides real-time images to the driver on a screen that is in the place of a conventional rear view mirror.

The camera, unlike a conventional mirror, gives sharp images even in the rain and is not sensitive to vibration. Furthermore, when a competitor approaches in the night, the image remains clear and the driver is not blinded by the bright lights. This technology was successfully tested during the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in the two variations of R18, the Ultra and e-tron quattro hybrid, that will be equipped for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the Championship.

Audi was the first to develop sensors for a tyre pressure warning system, following the fatal accident of Michele Alboreto in 2001. Last year, both spectacular accidents of Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller at the 24 Hours of Le Mans illustrated the limited rear visibility. The German manufacturer has responded quickly with its research and development department.

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich Head of Audi Motorsport: "With respect to the screen and the programming we greatly benefited from the work of our colleagues at AUDI AG’s Technical Development (TE). They helped us move forward with components and knowledge. In the trial stage the racers even fully relied on an application that originated at the production side of the house. The system was initially installed in an Audi R8 in which we sent Marcel Fässler and Marco Bonanomi out to test it in road traffic. Today, the system functions perfectly in the Audi R18 LMP"

The four driver trios of Audi will have the opportunity to use this electronic mirror at Test Day 24 Hours of Le Mans on 3rd June before the race to be held on 16th and 17th June

Dave Davies (quotes from Audi Sport press release)

[Rob]

Originally named "Grand Prix of Endurance," the very first 24 Hours of Le Mans was on the 26th and 27th May 1923, at the initiative of three members of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest: its President George Durand, engineer and automotive journalist Charles Faroux and industrialist Emile Coquille.

Their idea was to create a different kind of Grand Prix race (already held at Le Mans), a flagship event of motor sports barely quarter century of existence. For this, they created time trial of 24 hours, reserved for passenger cars, to test their strength and reliability. There were 33 that started the endurance test on the 26th of May 1923.

Le Mans wrote a new page of history: seventeen years after the first Grand Prix of the Automobile Club de France on 26th and 27th June 1906, the city in La Sarthe definitively established itself as the French capital of motor sports with what will become, with the Indianapolis 500 and Monaco Grand Prix, born respectively in 1911 and 1929, one of the three most prestigious races in the world.

Since 1923, the Le Mans 24 Hours has become one of the favourite testing grounds for new automotive technologies. A mission that environmental issues of the early twenty-first century make more relevant than ever: Toyota, the world leader in hybrid technology, has chosen this path, like their main rival Audi. This is probably also the case of Porsche who have announced the 2014 return of the marque that holds the record sixteen victories at Le Mans.

The 80th edition of Le Mans 24 Hours will be held on 16th and 17th June 2012.

[Rob]

June 3rd will be conducted the test day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 16 and 17 June Many cars are on the entry list for the day, some of which do not compete in the race. The sporting regulations can explain the list of participants, which may not exceed 76 cars and which is established by the selection committee of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Who must participate in the Test Day?

new cars, with at least one car model;
new competitors (minimum one car per team), that is to say the teams who have never participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans;
drivers who have never participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans or not included in the list of drivers confirmed judicial notice to participate in official practice for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2007. Each driver concerned must wrap at least ten laps during the day, CAO reserves the right not to accept a driver if his or her performance skills are deemed insufficient.
Who can participate in the Test Day?

competitors entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans;
Manufacturer cars developing after approval of application;
competitors regularly engaged in the ACO-Le Mans Series;
Other competitors on record.
What are the types of cars that can take part in the Test Day?

the LM P1, LM P2, LM and LM GTE GTE Pro Am, guests at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012 under the terms of Regulations 24 Hours of Le Mans;
the LM P1, LM P2, LM and LM GTE GTE Pro Am, uninvited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012 and meet the technical specifications of the Endurance World Championship 2012 FIA;
the Formula Le Mans (remember they are not allowed to take the start of the race);
innovative cars, in the limit of two. If neither competitor fulfills the conditions required by the Selection Committee, the invitation initially attributed to an innovative car will not be confirmed and may be awarded to an alternate "conventional".
The competitors will start at 9 o'clock in the morning on the Circuit 24 Hours for a period of four hours before one hour lunch break. They will take the track to 14 hours to 18 hours. The list of competitors allowed to take the start of official practice will be published after the test day and the administrative and technical checks that preceded it.

[Rob]

A LITTLE GREEN FOR THE MEN IN GREEN
27/05/2012 - 12h46

Pescarolo Team, who are competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship now has a new partner with the company Cetelem, a specialist in consumer loans. Symbolized by a little green, the company in BNP Paribas group has sealed a three-year partnership with the team led by Henri Pescarolo in Le Mans, who wore a green helmet when he was a driver.

After a failed merger with Luxury Racing, an episode that ended in court, Henri Pescarolo, who holds the record for number of entries in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a driver, was looking for a new partner to ensure the completion of the new Pescarolo 03, an LMP1 that will debut at its home circuit with Jean-Christophe Boullion, Emmanuel Collard and Julien Jousse.

Remember that the team raced in the 12 Hours of Sebring, the opening round of the Championship, with the venerable Pescarolo 01 that crossed the finish line in third place in the LMP1 category (sixth place overall) and that it was absent in 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps for the new car was not ready. The Dome that ran under the colours of Pescarolo Team in the Belgian Ardennes is not entered in the World Championship and was present in Belgium to prepare for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The team will now be able to continue with preparation, which will take place on the track at Chateauroux, as usual, and a test session next week before moving on to Scrutineering for the Test Day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 3rd.

[Rob]

Hybrid cars Braking zones on the Le Mans 24-Hours circuit
30/05/201217h45 - Auto News - 24 HEURES DU MANS 2012

Because of the entry of hybrid cars in the Le Mans 24 Hours on 16-17 June, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) have decided to create specific zones where the cars in question can transmit the energy recuperated under braking. There will be seven on the 24-Hours circuit.

The hybrid systems of Audi and Toyota recover the energy generated under braking. Previously this was lost; it is now stored and transmitted under acceleration. In order to limit the size of these systems – and the budgets required for their development – the ACO and the FIA have imposed a maximum quantity of energy that can be transmitted between two braking phases: 500 kilojoules. Each hybrid car can take advantage of additional electric power without exceeding the minima laid down in the technical regulations.

In order to establish clearly-defined zones (those allowing energy (500 kj maximum) to be transmitted between two braking phases, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have defined the zones where braking is sufficiently heavy to be taken into account.

There were five on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship on 5th May 2012 in which this system was used for the first time. On the 13,629-km Le Mans circuit there will be seven.

Zone no. 1: Dunlop chicane (no. 8 marshal’s post)
Zone no. 2: Forza Motorsport Chicane (no. 42 marshals’ post)
Zone no. 3: Michelin Chicane (no. 60 marshals’ post)
Zone no. 4: Mulsanne corner (no. 76 marshals’ post)
Zone no. 5: Indianapolis Corner (no. 96 marshals’ post)
Zone no. 6: Porsche Corner (no. 115b marshals’ post)
Zone no. 7: Ford Corner (no. 131 marshals’ post)

The entry to each zone is 50 metres before the corner in question. The entrants for the Le Mans 24-Hours test day on 3rd June 2012 will have to respect these zones.

Four of the 56 cars entered for the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours have hybrid engines: the nos 1 & 2 Audi R18 e-tron quattros and the nos 7 & 8 Toyota TS030s.

It is worth noting that in the case of Audi where the energy is fed to the front drive train the car must be running above 120 km/h for the transmission to take place. For Toyota, on the other hand, in which the energy is fed to the rear drive train there is no minimum speed.

[Rob]

The long anticipated race weekend of racing is the high point of an entire week of festivities, both on the track and in the city of Le Mans.

The city is the scene of two major events during the week of 24 hours: the scrutineering of cars and drivers registration - still called 'pesage' in French (weighing) on Sunday and Monday - and the Drivers Parade on Friday evening. Two occasions where drivers are accesible to crowds of enthusuastic race fans.

On Wednesday and Thursday evenings during practice sessions, then on Saturday night during the event, three major outdoor concerts will be held including artists such as: Julian Peretta, Razorlight, BB King, UB 40, Status Quo, Raphael ...

On the Friday before the race, there is no on-track activity. So, before joining in the drivers parade in the city centre, another way to immerse yourself in the ambiance of the 24 hours is to take advantage of the pitwalk, and see the mechanics in their final preparations. On Saturday morning before the start of the 24 hours, there are various on track spectacles including a race of historic (group C) cars.

Finally, throughout the week, the shops in the Village area of the circuit await spectators and enthusiasts with books, models, T-shirts, various attractions, not forgetting the fun fair, another traditional event of the 24 hours

[Rob]

The best editions of Le Mans 24 Hours video

the tv advert
http://youtu.be/IJv5ojgIf2o

[Rob]

TEST DAY : THE WAY IT WORKS

28/05/2012 - 16h43

On Sunday 3rd June 2012 the cars, drivers and teams taking part in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours will be at the famous circuit in the Sarthe for a day’s testing two weeks before the race on 16th-17th June. Here follows a brief explanation of everything you need to know about this very special day.

What is the test day for?

The aim of this day’s free practice is to allow entrants to come and test their cars on the Le Mans 24-Hours circuit, and also to give some teams that won’t be taking part in the race itself the opportunity to discover this exceptional and unique layout. In 2011, the test day - not organised in 2009 and 2010 – was held on 24th April. The reason was to enable entrants to test their cars early enough to make adjustments as it was the first year of the introduction of a new set of technical regulations. This is not necessary in 2012 so the organisers decided that a date nearer the Le Mans 24 Hours would be more convenient. Thus, the teams can set up inside the paddock without having to move all their equipment again. Scrutineering on 10th-11th June followed by practice on 13th-14th June and the race on 16th-17th June will follow in quick succession.

Who must take part in the test day?

• New cars (one minimum per model).
• Teams that have never raced at Le Mans.
• Drivers who have never raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours and those who are not on the list of confirmed drivers automatically allowed to take part in official practice since the 2007 Le Mans 24 Hours. Each must cover at least ten laps during the day. The ACO reserves itself the right to eliminate a driver if his/her performance or his/her capacities are judged insufficient.

Who can take part in the test day?

• The entrants in the Le Mans 24 hours,
• Manufacturer’s cars that are in the process of development after the dossier has been accepted,
• Entries in the various Le Mans Series.

What kind of cars can take part in the test day?

• The two types of prototypes that race in the Le Mans 24 Hours (LM P1 and LM P2), the two GTE categories (LM GTE Pro and LM GTE Am) invited to the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours in accordance with the Le Mans 24-Hours supplementary regulations,
• The LM P1, LM P2, LM GTE Pro and LM GTE Am cars not invited to take part in the 2012 Le Mans 24 hours, which comply with the technical specification of the FIA World Endurance Championship,
• Formula Le Mans prototypes (not allowed to race in the Le Mans 24 Hours),
• Innovative cars (limited to two). If either of the two entrants does not meet the criteria required by the Selection Committee, the invitation given to an innovative car will not be confirmed and may be awarded to a ‘conventional’ reserve.

On which circuit

The 13, 629-km layout specially installed for the occasion. The roads of the normal network will be closed to traffic from 03h30 in the morning of 3rd June, and will be opened immediately after the end of the test session. This circuit is not only unique in the world, but above all it is difficult for the teams to simulate its very special characteristics anywhere else or on computer simulations. This is why it’s so important for them to see where they stand before mid-June.

When?

Scrutineering and admin. checks will take place on Friday 1st June (09h00 – 18h00) and Saturday 2nd June (09h00 – 15h00) inside the Le Mans circuit near the paddock.
The free practice sessions will be held on Sunday 3rd June between 09h00 – 13h00 and 14h00 – 18h00.

Who will be the stars?

The new cars launched at the start of 2012 are the most eagerly-awaited starting with the two Toyota TS030 hybrids that will make their racing debut and will be up against their no.1 rival, Audi. The latter will also give its R18 e-tron quattro its debut in the Sarthe as well as the R18 ultra victorious in the Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours on 5th May. Another car that everybody wants to catch a glimpse of is Henri Pescarolo’s latest brainchild, the 03, that has never yet been seen on the track. In LM P1, the two Honda Performance Development ARX-O3as entered by Strakka Racing and JRM have never done battle on the Le Mans circuit before. In the very popular LM P2 category (23 cars), the Oreca 03-Nissan entered by Sébastien Loeb Racing will be the centre of attention; it will be present at the test day only with the boss himself at the wheel! In LM GTE the day will see the start of the confrontation between the works Corvettes victorious in 2011 and the hotly-contested field racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (the AF Corse and Luxury Racing Ferrari F458 Italias, the Felbermayr-Proton Porsches, the works Aston Martin Vantage etc). Another star of the test day will be the futuristic-looking DeltaWing that will be having its first outing as the beneficiary of the 56th pit. It will take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours (outside the overall classification). Former French goalkeeper, Fabien Barthez, World Football Cup winning goal keeper, will be at the wheel of one of the two Formula Le Mans running on Sunday.

[Rob]

Marc Gené to replace Timo Bernhard at Le Mans
BY TEAM UPDATE ⋅ JUNE 1, 2012
After three consecutive runs for Audi at the Le Mans 24 Hours and his overall victory at the wheel of the Audi R15 TDI in the 2010 season, Timo Bernhard will not participate in the endurance classic this year. In close coordination with the physicians and with Audi Sport the Audi factory driver attaches major importance to making a complete recovery after his accident.

Following the testing accident in March in which he was not at fault Timo Bernhard started a rehabilitation program with his personal trainer and received comprehensive medical care. “I’m very pleased with the steps I’ve managed to make during this time,” says Bernhard who hails from Germany’s Saar-Palatinate district. “We’ve created a tight system of medical checks, so my progress has constantly been monitored. Unfortunately, there’s not enough time before the Le Mans 24 Hours to become 100 percent fit again. Le Mans is a world-class race that doesn’t allow any compromises. I only want to compete at this event in perfect physical condition. That’s why on the advice of my doctors and in close coordination with Audi I decided not to run at Le Mans this year.”

For the Le Mans 24 Hours, the 31-year-old Audi factory driver was planned to run in the Audi R18 ultra designated as car number “3.” His place will now be taken by Audi’s reserve driver Marc Gené. The Spaniard drove his first race for Audi in early May at the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC where together with Romain Dumas and Loïc Duval he clinched overall victory.

“All of us had very much been wishing for Timo to be fit again for the test day and the Le Mans 24 Hours,” stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Unfortunately, the time was too short for this. That’s a real shame for Timo and for us too. Despite this responsible and probably not easy decision there’s generally positive news as well, as we all know that Timo will completely recover again. Naturally, he will continue to enjoy our full support. By signing Marc Gené in April as a reserve driver we’ve got a tried and tested solution for the current situation. Marc will now be nominated as a racer driver in the number “3″ car. At Spa, he took advantage of the opportunity to get to know the team and to immediately show a very good performance.”

Marc Gené will take Timo Bernhard’s place as early as on the test day at Le Mans on June 3. On that day, the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro as the first diesel hybrid sports car in history as well as its sister model, the new Audi R18 ultra, will be driven on the 13.629-kilometer circuit for the first time. On June 16 and 17, Audi will be battling for its eleventh overall victory in the world’s most important endurance race with two cars of both models.

http://www.planetlemans.com/2012/06/...rd-at-le-mans/

[Rob]

Henri Pescarolo: "sport resumes his rights"
02/06/20126:45 p.m. - Auto News - TEST DAY - 24 HOURS OF LE MANS


After an eventful week (see Green light for the Pescarolo 03! and The Pescarolo released! ), Henri Pescarolo can sleep soundly: his cars will roll well tomorrow in the Test Day 24 Hours of Le Mans.


What conclusion do you draw the last 48 hours?
Henri Pescarolo: What justice is done and that sport reasserts itself. In a very friendly, and for an obvious reason, the ACO has exceptionally allowed to shift our way at Scrutineering.

Your team operates the Dome since March. However, the Pescarolo 03 made ​​only a practice session this week at Magny-Cours ... What's in it's drivers?
It is discovering self. She seems born for it has performed well in Magny-Cours. There, it was configured "Le Mans", which is not ideal for a twisty. We'll know more tomorrow night. However, it is reassuring to see that it is in a rhythm similar to that of the Dome. Debugging is promising.

Can it surprise two weeks in the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
car was completed just three weeks before the 24 Hours of Le Mans ... I think it is very rare in the history of the event. Under these conditions, would end a remarkable feat. We should expect to encounter small problems, although we know how to make reliable cars. You have to believe we have put all our experience in the "03".

Can you introduce Stuart Hall, replacing Julien Jousse?
It's a boy faster than we know very well because it gave us a hard time when he would run against us with Team Creation. This is a very welcome addition to Pescarolo Team.

[Rob]

In two weeks will compete for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As an introduction to this 80th edition, the competitors of the greatest endurance race in the world will take part tomorrow, Sunday, June 3rd, the Test Day.


True dress rehearsal, this day of free practice, eight long hours of running, will see 61 cars on the track, those that participate in the race plus a few others come freely face the legendary track of Le Mans 24 hours, a non-permanent circuit and it is exceptional to be able to cope. the new cars launched in the year 2012 are expected to start with two TS030 Toyota Hybrid that will make their first rollings meet their future opponents. Audi will begin precisely at Le Mans his hybrid car, R18 e-tron quattro but its R18 Ultra victory at Spa on May 5, during the second round of the Endurance World Championship by the FIA. Other Machine eagerly awaited the Pescarolo 03 which has never yet been seen on the track. Financial worries team Pescarolo Team are behind her: she can calm the mind to run its two cars, the Pescarolo 03-Judd and therefore the Dome-Judd told him that the Japanese Dome. Also in LM P1 , both of Honda Performance Development and Strakka JRM never faced the track of Le Mans 24 Hours. In LM P2 category well stocked (23 cars) many eyes will be on the 03-Oreca Nissan Sebastian Loeb Racing, present only during the test day with Sebastien Loeb himself at the wheel. Note also the presence of former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Jaguar 1990), Martin Brundle back in this category with his son Alex and all the fierce World Championship in a class where the battle is always intense. In LM GTE, the beginning of the clash between the official Corvette, victorious in 2011, and the plateau of the World Endurance Championship (Ferrari 458 Italia AF Corse and Luxury Racing, Felbermayr-Proton Porsche, Aston Martin Vantage official ) etc.. Test Day will also see on the track against other cars, the highly anticipated Nissan DeltaWing-recipient of the 56th Stand and will contest the Le Mans 24 Hours outside classification. Finally, note the presence of Fabien Barthez at the wheel one of two Formula Le Mans expected tomorrow. The Formula Le Mans, the promotions machine endurance races, are not allowed to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans but may face this legendary track. Barthez wishing one day to attend the event, the opportunity to ride was perfect. With Saturday took place the final technical and administrative checks, but also a karting circuit on the bustling Alain Prost. Twenty-three machines initially driven by two teams composed of a pilot and a journalist. At this game is the Toyota driver Anthony Davidson, a former jockey F1, associated with fellow Englishman Andrew Cotton prevailed. finally took place a family picture together all types of cars that will contest the 80th edition, 16 and 17 June. Twenty-six dream machines that have transformed the pit straight into the most beautiful avenue in the world.

http://www.lemans.org/fr/courses/jou...nce-_7252.html

[Rob]

Three questions to Allan McNish
02/06/201216h54 - Auto News - JOURNÉE TEST − 24 HEURES DU MANS

After a disappointing race in 2011, including a massive accident, Allan McNish is back to take revenge. with the hybrid engined Audi R18 e-tron quattro, the Scotsman hopes to have the tool for the trade.


There is a good chance that it will rain tomorrow during the test runs. Bad news for everyone... except for you?
Allan McNish :" In Spa-Francoschamps the hybrid system proved it's effectiveness even in the rain. When the track is wet, four wheel drive is a huge advantage of course. But I'm not hoping for rain, neither for test day, nor for the race. Rain is a disadvantage to everybody in the race."

But on a dry track, the non-hybrid Audis are very fast...

"In Spa-Francorchamps, the difference between the two versions (hybrid and non hybrid) was very small. I do hope, though, that we have more room to improve, as we learn a lot every time we run the car."

What about the two Toyoas - Can they challenge the four Audis?
"I've run in Le Mans with Toyota in 1999 and in Formula One in the beginning of the 2000's so I know many of the guys on their team. I'm sure their car is very competitive already. Now it has to prove that it is reliable."

Julien Hergault (translated)

[Nova]

Grand Am race sat...Gt class, Ferrari was leading...jumped a restart? Given a black flag?
2nd place car won..It was a Chevy..race was sponsered by...tadaaaa...Chevy.
Dont think I'll watch this series anymore.

[Rob]

AUDI LEAD THE WAY IN LE MANS TEST DAY, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY TOYOTA

03/06/2012 - 19h50

At the end of the official test for the 2012 24 Heures du Mans it was the two FIA World Endurance Championship entered Audi R18 e-tron quattros at the head of the field. The nr2 Audi of Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello set the fastest lap of the day of 3m25.927 (set by McNish), which was 0.541s faster than the nr1 Audi e-tron. The nr2 Audi spent the last part of the four hour session on the sidelines after Allan McNish made a small mistake and the car hit the barriers.

It was an encouraging day for Toyota with the nr7 TS030 setting the 4th fastest time with Alex Wurz setting a 3:27.204 lap time, 0.6 seconds behind the 3rd placed Audi of World Championship leader Romain Dumas (nr3 Audi R18 Ultra), with the nr8 Toyota in 5th overall ahead of the Audi Sport North America Audi R18 Ultra.

The nr21 Strakka Racing HPD was the quickest petrol entry in 7th overall, with the fastest lap of 3:34.243 set in the morning session by Danny Watts. The all British entry was 1.1 seconds ahead of the nr13 Rebellion Racing Lola Toyota.

In LMP2 the nr35 Oak Racing Morgan-Nissan of Olivier Pla set the pace with a 3m41.291 in the afternoon session, three tenths ahead of their nearest rival, the Level 5 Motorsports HPD Honda.

The fastest LMGTE Pro contender was the nr59 Luxury Racing Ferrari of Frederic Makowiecki with a 3m58.869 lap in the morning session, just 0.102 seconds faster than the nr74 Corvette Racing Chevrolet. In LMGTE Am Allan Simonsen posted a 3m59.938 lap in the nr99 Aston Martin Racing Vantage, which was good enough for the 4th best time in the overall GTE standings and 1.2 seconds ahead of the nearest LMGTE Am competitor.

There is now a week break until the official scrutineering checks which start on Sunday 10 June in the centre of Le Mans. The first track session of the 80th edition of the 24 Heures du Mans gets underway on Wednesday 13 June at 16:00.

[Rob]

Going to be great couple weeks build up for this race. Cannt wait. The GTE's are going to be soo close. Good showing for Toyota, like to see how they are going to fair in the race against the Audis.

[Rob]

Fire exercise in the paddock
03/06/201216h01 - Auto News - JOURNÉE TEST − 24 HEURES DU MANS

On Sunday, June 3, during test day for the 24 hours of Le Mans, a fire exercise has been held in the Paddock.


Three weeks after a fire broke out in the Williams F1 team box in Barcelona, time was ripe for an exercise of this kind.

At a quarter past 1pm, fire was simulated in the pits of team Signatech Nissan (Oreca Nissan 03, n°23). The alarm bells could be heard all over the paddock area and three firetrucks were rapidly on site, taking positions at the front and at the back of the pits. The aim was to confine the supposed fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent pit boxes. The third truck stood at a distance, with a special foam-cannon ready to cover the whole place in case of necessity. At the same time the area was cleared of spectators and people normally working in the paddock.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s crisis team held an emergency meeting, which is customary in case of a serious incident, and made sure their response time in times of crisis is appropriate.

All in all, more than 20 people from the emergency teams were in action. It all took place under the watchful eyes of the man in charge of the exercise, Commandant Parré. He was satisfied with the development and outcome of the simulation. " Everything went fine, and I’m very satisfied. The aim of such an operation is to confine the fire and prevent it from spreading all over the place, and to make sure that everybody knows what they have to do."

During the afternoon session there was another test, this time on track : The three safety cars did a test, collected the cars behind them from different points on the track, and led them around the circuit. This also gave the drivers the opportunity to get familiar with this kind of rather inevitable situation.

[Rob]

Drivers with the fastest time in each class spoke at a press conference at the end of Test Day.

Allan McNish, Joest Racing Audi R18 e-tron quattro n°2 (3’25’’927) : "It was my fault, I made a mistake. On entry to the corner I touched (with the left rear) the grass as I turned in. Immediately you lose the grip and it went into the barriers sideways, so it damaged the bodywork on the left hand side, and I radioed to the team and said basically I could bring the car back but the amount of potential damage would have been quite high, so we said OK stop, and with an hour to go there was not chance to repair the car anyway so that was really it. I'm very angry with myself because I don't like making mistakes. But I have to say the car felt pretty good. I told Dindo after I came back that the balance of the car felt quite nice. I think the ultra cars will be very competitive, and I think the Toyota will be competitive as well. We saw some very very high top speeds from that car, much quicker than we had and we also saw some pink sectors with five minutes to go that could have meant someone else was sitting in this position. "

Olivier Pla, Morgan-Nissan n°35 of OAK Racing (3’41’’291) : "I drove in two different cars as Maxime Martin and Bass Leinders had another race. I made the best time with the car #35 and not with my car (the Morgan-Judd #24), but I could have done just as well with mine. Judd and Nissan engines are different in their operating range. The fight should be intense in LMP2 as the differences are small. We'll have to spend as little time as possible in the pits during the race to have a chance. "

Frédéric Makowiecki, Ferrari F458 Italia #59 of Luxury Racing (3’58’’869) : "We stopped before the end of the session because we had completed our testing programme and we were satisfied. It was unnecessary to do more km and take risks. I think we have a good option for the race. It is difficult to judge the performance of other competitors because everyone has different ways of working. After an hour of racing, we will see more clearly, but I'm confident. "

Allan Simonsen, #99 Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin Vantage V8 : "The two cars worked extremely well together, the Pro car and the Am car. I'm very pleased to get the oportunity to race with Aston Martin here and to come away with a good set up is very good. We'll evaluate the data from both cars and then we'll see how we go when we come back to Le Mans on the first day of the event. It's always extremely close in the GTE class and I'm sure this year's Le Mans will be as close as ever but it's such a long race and you've got to be there at the end."

[epiclyaddicted]

Good to see the R18 Quattros up there in pace with the Ultras. Really want McNish to win it this year.

Also good to see Toyota showing good pace early on. Should be a great battle in LMP1 with the 4 Audis and the 2 Toyotas.

And GT will be ever closer as usual.

Two weeks, can't wait!

[Rob]

Guillaume Moreau undergoes spinal surgery after Le Mans test crash
Sunday, June 3rd 2012, 21:53 GMT

OAK driver Guillaume Moreau has undergone emergency surgery after sustaining spinal injuries in an accident during Sunday's Le Mans test day.

The 29-year-old Frenchman will definitely miss the 24-hour race later this month, with a recovery period of at least several months expected.

An OAK team statement said: "Following a severe accident at the exit of the karting track corner towards the end of Sunday morning's session, Guillaume Moreau has suffered a serious but partial injury to his spinal cord's 12th vertebra.

"Guillaume has since undergone an emergency operation performed by Professor Olivier Lucas at the University Hospital of Angers' Neurosurgery Department. It was crucial to quickly reduce pressure around the spinal cord following the fracture.

"Although the operation went well, it will be several months before his level of recovery can be fully assessed.

"The thoughts of the entire team are with Guillaume and his family at this difficult time."

Moreau had been due to share OAK's #15 LMP1 Pescarolo-Judd with Bertrand Baguette and Dominik Kraihamer at the 24 Hours.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100119