2014 WEC/ELMS&TUSC news.

[Rob]

24H DU MANS: DID YOU KNOW?


Despite new components being compulsorily added, such as wheel tethers, to conform to 2014 safety regulations, this year’s Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the lightest sports prototype ever designed by the German manufacturer.

Toyota Racing’s Alex Wurz holds the record as the youngest driver to have ever won the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the age of 22. He was driving for Joest Racing in 1996 when he achieved his first victory, and also holds the record for the longest gap between victories – his second coming in 2009 with Peugeot Sport, driving alongside Marc Gené and David Brabham.

The highest speed achieved on the track is 405 km/h – set byRoger Dorchy with a WM Peugeot P88 in 1988, during the race, on the Hunaudières straight. Don’t forget this was in the era before the chicanes were installed (for the 1990 race) and this record has little chance of being beaten!


Porsche holds the record for the most overall victories by a constructor – 16. This includes those of the TWR Porsche and Dauer Porsche. Audi is next up with 12 victories…who will be adding to their tally in two weeks’ time? Porsche also holds the loyalty record for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – 63 years of participation, and consistently each year since 1951.

In the last 50 races, the eventual winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans has started from second place on the grid no fewer than 10 times, and 9 times from 4th place – including last year’s Audi Sport Team Joest winners (Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Loïc Duval). Endurance racing logic is thus respected: it’s not necessarily the fastest in qualifying who wins, but the car which spends the least amount of time in the pits!


Germany holds the record for the most number of victories by nationality (30), with Great Britain next with 17 and France with 15. With the addition of Nissan alongside Toyota Racing to the FIA WEC in 2015, Japan doubles its chances of adding to its single victory attained in 1991 by Mazda.

[Rob]

24H DU MANS: THE RACE IN NUMBERS

30/05/2014 - 17h11

0 – Race number of the car occupying Garage 56 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, dedicated to an innovative prototype which races with the other 55 but is not classified. This year it is the Nissan ZEOD RC.

1 – The R-One is the new LMP1-L prototype entered by Swiss team Rebellion Racing. Designed in partnership with ORECA and powered by a Toyota engine.

2 – Number of LMP1-H 919 Hybrids entered by Porsche on its return to the top level of prototype racing.

3 – The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the third round of the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship.

7 – Seven Russian drivers are due to take the start this year, and there are 4 Russian entries – 3 from SMP Racing and one from G-Drive Racing.

8 – Race number of the Toyota TS040 Hybrid of Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre and Sébastien Buemi, winners of the first two rounds of the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship. Will they get a hat-trick with victory at the 24 Hours?

10 – Ten former winners of the 24 Hours will be lining up for the start of the 2014 edition: Tom Kristensen (nine victories), Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer, Benoît Tréluyer, Alex Wurz (two victories each), Marc Gené, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, Loïc Duval and Eric Helary (one victory each).

10/2 –Ten cars will be under the management of Italian team, AF Corse, including the SMP Racing and 8Star Motorsport entries.

12 – Number of victories achieved at the 24 Hours by Audi since its first appearance in 1999.

13 – Thirteen Ferrari 458 Italia cars will be at the start at the 2014 24 Hours.

14 – Nissan will be out in force powering 14 cars in the LMP2 class.

19 – With 19 cars, the LMGTE Am class holds the most entries.

20 – Race number of the Porsche 919 Hybrid driven by Mark Webber who will make his return to Le Mans after an absence of 15 years. He will have as teammates German Timo Bernhard and New Zealander Brendon Hartley.

22 – Number of victories at Le Mans for French tyre manufacturer, Michelin, with 16 consecutive since 1998.

24 – The most coveted race number (apart from No.1!) this year belongs to Sébastien Loeb Racing’s ORECA 03 Nissan which will be driven by René Rast, Jan Charouz and Vincent Capillaire.

34 – Record of wins held at the 24 Hours by a tyre manufacturer…by the British Dunlop company.

37 – Number of French drivers at the start of the 2014 24 Hours. Next best represented nationalities are Britain (28) and USA (18).

42 – Race number of the LMP2 Zytek-Nissan of Caterham Racing which has in its driver line up Matt McMurry, who at 16 years of age will be the youngest driver to ever take the start of the 24 Hours.

50 – Number of the Larbre Compétition Morgan-Judd to be driven by Keiko Ihara in the LMP2 category; she will be the only female driver at the 2014 24 Hours.

58 – Race number of the Ferrari 458 Italia driven by Fabien Barthez, the former goalie for the French FIFA World Cup team in 1998. This year’s soccer World Cup begins on Thursday 12 June.

77 – Race number of the Dempsey Racing-Proton Porsche 911 RSR to be driven by Patrick Dempsey.


1,405– The number of accredited journalists at the 2013 event

245,000– The number of spectators who attended last year…the 2014 race looks set to exceed this!

[Rob]

TEST DAY - LE MANS 24 HOURS 2014 (May 31 & June 1)
NELSON PANCIATICI IS BACK AT LE MANS DRIVING THE ALPINE A 450 B!
They finished third in the 4 Hours of Imola in the European Le Mans Series Championship and Nelson Panciatici and his Signatech-Alpine team hold third place in the provisional standings. This weekend they are at Le Mans 24 Hours’ Test Day for the whole team to focus on fine-tuning the Alpine A 450 b because, even though defending their ELMS title is their main objective, Le Mans 24 Hours is nevertheless the main event!

Although Nelson Panciatici is no stranger to Le Mans 24 Hours’ circuit anymore, he still has plenty to do. He will help the whole Signatech-Alpine team, managed by Philippe Sinault, optimize the tuning of the Alpine A 450 b.

With the Prix Jean Rondeau for best Rookie in 2012, Nelson Panciatici is confident as the day looms:

“We will have to get our marks as quickly as possible so that we can then focus on tuning the car with the new aerodynamic kit. The main objective of the day is to review all the tuning on the car and run endurance tests with all three types of tyres. We have the opportunity to work directly on Le Mans 24 Hours’ circuit which has characteristics not found anywhere else. The day will allow us to gather important data for the race even though there’s no rubber on the track, it will be a perfect warm-up. I feel comfortable in the team and I get on extremely well with my co-drivers Paul Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb, that’s important. We have a fast and reliable car, I have been on the Ellip6 simulator, watched videos and worked on the data my engineer, Olivier Bacchis, gave me. I’ve also been doing the appropriate physical training so I feel ready! This is our opportunity to get into race conditions with regards to pace as much as traffic. I really can’t wait to get there and rediscover the sensations I get in some parts such as the Porsche Curves. It’s a magical event, I’ve been waiting for this for nearly a year!

The Signatech-Alpine team finished mounting the Alpine A 450 b in the Alpine factory. This strong symbolic gesture underlines their desire to continue to perpetuate the sporting achievements of the make. Nelson Panciatici, supported by his co-drivers, intends to take in as much information as possible for the coming Le Mans 24 Hours which takes place on June 14 and 15. For the drivers a victory is important, but first they must focus on the tests!

[Rob]

The AF Corse Ferraris Ready for Le Mans.

In 14 days, the mythical “24 Hour of Le Mans,” 2014 edition, will begin. The first steps of the third round in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) start with the test day, scheduled on Sunday, June 1st.

The AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italias, in both the LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am categories, are ready for the challenge and aiming straight for the podium as they have done for the past two years, laureates in both categories for the cars and drivers of the Italian team (2012: Bruni-Fisichella-Vilander win the LMGTE Pro. 2013: Perazzini-Casè-O’Young and Gerber-Cioci-Griffin, second and third respectively in LMGTE Am).

LMGTE Pro – At Le Mans, the skilled duo composed of Gianmaria Bruni and Toni Vilander – current leaders of the LMGTE Pro in the WEC championship – will be joined by Giancarlo Fisichella, recreating the winning trio of the 2012 classic. They will be racing in the AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia #51. Behind the wheel of the AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia #71, Davide Rigon, James Calado and Olivier Beretta will be taking up the exciting challenge.

LMGTE Am - Luis Perez Companc, Marco Cioci and Mirko Venturi – second in the LMGTE Am drivers standing in the championship – race for the top position in the Le Mans 24 hour in their Ferrari 458 Italia #61. In the Ferrari 458 Italia #62, a reliable trio thanks to Howard Blank, Yannick Mallegol and Jean-Marc Bachelier, will use their experience from last year to aim for a finish in the top 10. Steve Wyatt, Michele Rugolo and Sam Bird will be racing in the Ferrari 458 Italia #81.

Peter Mann, Lorenzo Casè and Raffaele Giammaria take part in this legendary race in their Ferrari 458 Italia #60. Still in the LMGTE Am category, AF Corse will be managing the 8 Star Motorsport Ferrari 458 Italia #90 with Gianluca Roda, Frankie Montecalvo and Paolo Ruberti.

Following the official test day, the road to the Le Mans race continues with the free practice session on Wednesday, June 11th and qualifying that Wednesday and Thursday. Saturday, June 14th, at 9 a.m. has the final race warm-up. And later that day, the 24 Hours of Le Mans begins with the green light for the rolling start at 3PM

[Rob]

Balzan, Westphal, and Scuderia Corsa Win in Detroit
Strategy and speed put no. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia on to the top step of the podium at the Raceway at Belle Isle
May 31, 2014 (Los Angeles, Calif.) - After finishing second last year on the Raceway at Belle Isle, Alessandro Balzan and Jeff Westphal went one better as they scored a dramatic victory in Saturday's Chevrolet Sports Car Classic on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan.

Starting from the sixth position, Westphal put in a strong stint to advance the no. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia up to third position before the race's first caution period. During the stop, the Scuderia Corsa team executed a two-tire pit stop quickly enough for the car, now with Balzan behind the wheel, to take over the lead of the GT-D class.

Another caution period set up a dramatic final 27-lap stretch to the finish saw Balzan hold off a large number of cars for the victory. The margin of victory was a scant 0.297-second, and his first victory since he drove the no. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia to victory in last season's Rolex Series race at Kansas Speedway. Balzan would go on to capture the Rolex Series drivers' championship.

"I am very happy for Scuderia Corsa and for Ferrari because it's their 60th anniversary in North America," said Balzan. "It's a great day. We were expecting a top-five and we knew we had a fast car for long runs, but we didn't expect to win. I am very proud because the level of competition is so high now in GT-Daytona. We didn't have the fastest car but we played a very good strategy and I'm very proud of my guys for the pitstop they gave us. We did a lot of practice and they did it perfectly. We are struggling a bit with top speed, but the Ferrari handles very well. But today, we think about the win!"

For Westphal, Detroit marked his first win in a major sports car race after finishing in second position twice in the 2013 when he was teamed with Balzan.

"This is huge for Ferrari for the 60th anniversary of North America and huge for Scuderia Corsa to put this together," said Westphal. "We went into the race knowing that we didn't have the fastest car in a straight line, and it was going to be a difficult race. I tried to make use of the opportunities that I was given at the start to pick people off. Slowly but surely we started making our way to the front and catching the leaders. I've come really close with Scuderia Corsa before. Last year we finished second here, but first tastes so much better."

Team owner Giacomo Mattioli, who made the decision to only take two tires during the pit stop, praised the work of his Scuderia Corsa team for the fast pit stop that helped win the race for his Ferrari.

"The team did a really amazing job, it was fantastic," said Mattioli. "Jeff did a great first stint, Alessandro drove an amazing race, and I'm super happy about the team. We didn't have the quickest car but we made some adjustments before the race, and the team did an outstanding job in the pits to come out ahead. Our drivers and crew worked very hard to perfect the stop. It was a real team effort."

The no. 64 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia shared by Chris Cumming and Kyle Marcelli finished in 16th position after Cumming went off course after being hit by a prototype.

The next TUDOR Championship race for Scuderia Corsa will be the Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen on June 28-29 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York.

[Rob]

[Rob]

24H DU MANS: DID YOU KNOW PART 2

The 56 entries to this year’s race represent 13 different nationalities and the best represented with 9 each are France, Germany and Great Britain. There are also entries from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Ireland.

Of the 168 drivers in the race, 37 are French – the home nation being one of 27 different nationalities represented. The next greatest number of drivers from one country is 28 and they are from Great Britain.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is known as the biggest British race outside Great Britain as so many visitors cross the Channel to attend the French classic. In the Jaguar years (primarily 1987-1991), more than 50,000 British fans would make the trip – one fifth of the entire crowd – just as the many thousands of Danes have done in recent years to support Kristensen, Magnussen and the other Danish drivers in the race. Support for Britain's Aston Martin Racing is always strong too.


Prospeed Competition’s Emmanuel Collard (No.75 LMGTE Am) will be the most experienced driver in the forthcoming race which will be his 20th, followed by Olivier Beretta (AF Corse No.71 LMGTE Pro) who will be approaching his 19th 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Audi Sport Team Joest’s Tom Kristensen (18).


The first victory for a Ferrari at Le Mans was in 1949 with a 146MM in the hands of American Luigi Chinetti and Briton Lord Selsdon. The Prancing Horse has won overall 9 times in total and has taken numerous class victories since, most recently in 2012 with AF Corse’s Bruni, Fisichella and Vilander in LMGTE Pro. Ferrari factory driver Fisichella re-joins Bruni and Vilander for the 2014 race.

Masanori Sekiya was the first Japanese driver to win the 24 Hours. The year was 1995 and the car was a McLaren F1 GTR entered by Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing and Sekiya’s team mates were Finn JJ Lehto and none other than FIA WEC Driver Advisor Yannick Dalmas!

[Rob]

AUDI TOP FIRST TEST SESSION AT LE MANS

01/06/2014 - 13h37

AudiAudi Top First Session at Le Mans

The no3 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R18 e-tron quattro topped out the time sheet in the first test session with a 3m23.799, two seconds quicker than the no8 Toyota Racing Toyota TS040-Hybrid in second spot, which was the leading FIA WEC entered car, and another three tenths ahead of the no20 Porsche Team Porsche 919 Hybrid.

The four hour session saw the reigning LMP2 European Le Mans Series champions Signatech Alpine head the class ahead of three other ELMS competitors with the leading WEC LMP2 car, the no47 KCMG Oreca-Nissan in 5th, 1.7 seconds behind the Alpine-Nissan.



Reigning champions AF Corse were the best of the LMGTE Pro class, with the no51 Ferrari 458 Italia posting a time of 3m57.982, 0.6 seconds ahead of the no52 Ram Racing Ferrari and at least 1.3 seconds ahead of the two factory Corvettes.

AF Corse also headed the LMGTE Am timesheets with the no60 Ferrari splitting the two Pro class Corvettes with a time of 3m59.296, 1.1 seconds ahead of the no81 AF Corse Ferrari, which was the leading WEC entered car in the class.

The second four hour session is due to get underway at 14:00 (Local).

[Rob]

TUDOR UNITED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 5 – Belle Isle Park, Detroit – 31st May
06.01.2014 - Communiqué OAK Racing - Race


OAK Racing captures a podium finish at Detroit Belle Isle

The French team OAK Racing Morgan-Nissan LM P2 captures their first podium finish of the 2014 season, finishing third in today’s Detroit Grand Prix. After starting in the fourth position, Frenchman Olivier Pla and Gustavo Yacaman from Colombia had a tough battle with both the Prototype and GTD cars throughout the 100 minute race.


"It was a fantastic race because we stayed in the best position possible,” said Jacques Nicolet, President. “Gustavo (Yacaman) did very well at the start of the race and Olivier (Pla) brought home a great finish by being able to gain a position on the last lap.”

Gustavo Yacaman was the first driver behind the wheel of the Morgan LM P2 powered by the Nissan engine and was able to make a pass for third on the first lap, but was unable to catch the DP race leaders. He held onto a fourth-place position for the first 40 minutes of the race, until it was time to come in for the driver change.
“We have always had a car to land us on top, so I am very happy to be on the podium,” said Yacaman. “We struggled a little at the start. For some reason, I wasn’t able to get the tire temperature that I was getting at Long Beach and Laguna Seca. Jordan (Taylor) did well at the start and I wasn’t able to stop him, but I was able to get around Sharp. We have had a podium car in every race, but luck hasn’t come our way. While we are very pleased with the finish we got today, it is not ideal because we want to be able to push and fight for the podium. Our next goal now is to win the race.”

Yacaman had previously raced at Detroit’s Belle Isle in 2013, where he finished seventh in the Rolex Sports Car Series race. He also had experience at Detroit while racing in the Indy Lights Series in 2012, where he won. The duo of Yacaman and Pla are coming off of a fourth-place finish together on the streets of Long Beach.

This was the first time racing on the streets of Belle Isle for Olivier Pla, however he is very much at ease on city street circuits. Following the driver change with one hour remaining in the race, Pla was able to advance from the fifth position to fourth and maintained that for the remainder of the race. On the final lap, Pla made a pass around the No. 5 Corvette DP following on-track contact between Barbosa and Taylor.

“It was a tough race, but it is great to get a podium finish here,” said Pla. “The DP cars were very fast today, but I was pleased that I was able to push for another position at the end.”

Following today, Pla is on his way to France in order to do some testing laps for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I am grateful to be getting so much seat time this season,” added Pla. “Between America, the WEC with G-Drive Racing and the development we’ve done with the Ligier JS P2, it’s been very interesting and it is keeping me in good shape.”


The winners of today’s race were J. Taylor/R. Taylor in the No. 10 Corvette DP, followed by Valiante/Westbrook in the No. 90 Corvette DP in second.

The French team OAK Racing next TUDOR USCC race will be Watkins Glen on June 27-29.

[Rob]

Greaves Motorsport enjoys successful Official Test Day at Le Mans

Greaves Motorsport enjoyed a successful day at the Official Test Day for the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. The team completed a pre-planned programme, acquiring valuable data for the forthcoming race, which is vital bearing in mind the unique challenges posed by the La Sarthe circuit.

In addition to the team's schedule, all the drivers in the squad who will be making their début later this month in the endurance classic, (Alessandro Latif, Matt McMurry, Michael Munneman, and James Winslow) successfully completed their mandatory driver qualification laps. A further driver with the squad, Dan Norris-Jones, also drove the ten lap qualification test and also passed.

Car #41. First Session 3:48.611 ; Second Session 3:43.261

Car #42. First Session 3:46.903 ; Second Session 3:41.086

The actual race will commence at 15.00 CET on Saturday 14th June.

Team Manager, Jacob Greaves.“The Official Test at Le Mans is always one of the most intense days on the calendar, there is the illusion of having plenty of time in hand but the reality is that there is very little margin for error for either team or drivers to get the task completed.

Car #41 had three drivers who were experiencing Le Mans for the first time and James, Alessandro and Michael stepped up to plate and did a great job. The icing on the cake was also getting Dan through the Qualification process. Car #42 was anchored by our veterans, Chris and Tom, and we were thrilled that Matt cleared yet another hurdle on his journey to becoming the youngest driver to start the Le Mans 24 Hours.

We had a trouble free day and that is testament to the hard work put in behind the scenes by the guys on the team. Anything we achieve is based on their skills and dedication to the cause. The Nissan engine, the Zytek chassis and the Dunlop tyres combined really well and the team is looking forward to the challenge of competing against the large, high quality LM P2 grid at the world greatest endurance race.”

ENDS-

[Rob]

Ram Racing complete successful test at La Sarthe ahead of 24 Hours of Le Mans

MEDIA RELEASE: 2nd June 2014

With the one day official pre-event test completed in the build up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ram Racing is ready for its first participation in the 82nd edition of the world’s most prestigious sports car event.

The day started slowly, with the team conducting a number of short runs on the famous 8.468 mile circuit before completing a thorough systems check to ensure both the cars were running reliably. After eight hours of testing, the team achieved all its objectives and set some very competitive times.

Rookies Alvaro Parente and Federico Leo completed their regulated minimum 10 laps at the wheel of the No.52 LMGTE Pro Ferrari Italia and are now ready for the main event which gets underway on Saturday 14th June.

Following the day’s running, Dan Shufflebottom, CEO of Ram Racing said, “Today was all about testing set-up. It was a good day; we learned quite a lot and improved a few things. We spent the majority of the day making adjustments in order to fully understand the effects of change on the car. We've made progress with both cars and achieved a better understanding of our set-up so I think we’ll be in good shape in France in two weeks time. We are really encouraged by our pace and I definitely feel that we can be competitive come the race.”

Ram Racing returns to France next weekend for official pre-race Administrative and Technical Checks, scheduled for the British team on Sunday 8th June, which take place in the centre of Le Mans in the Place de la Republique.

[Rob]

LE MANS CHALLENGE BEGINS WITH POSITIVE TEST FOR TOYOTA RACING
Sunday 1 June 2014

World Championship leaders TOYOTA Racing began its challenge at the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours began with the official test day on the Circuit de la Sarthe today.

The team ended the day with the fastest two lap times, set by the #8 and #7 TS040 HYBRIDs respectively in the afternoon session but even more importantly completed a trouble-free and productive test, completing 88 laps - 1,200km - in total.

Le Mans is the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, with TOYOTA Racing having won the races at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Those victories gave the team a 48-point lead against strong competition from Audi and Porsche.

Today’s two four-hour sessions represented the first and only time teams are allowed to test on the track before competition begins with free practice and qualifying on Wednesday 11 June.

It was therefore the first time the TS040 HYBRID has driven at Le Mans, meaning Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kazuki Nakajima in the #7 and Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre and Sébastien Buemi in the #8 had an intense programme.

With just eight hours of running before the competitive sessions begin later this month, the team used the maximum available time to evaluate aerodynamic and mechanical set-ups, as well as the range of slick Michelin tyre compounds.

The upgraded-for-2014 TOYOTA HYBRID System - Racing was also put through its paces, with the team analysing how to use the 480PS of four-wheel-drive hybrid boost in the most efficient way. The hybrid system contributes to a total power of 1000PS; more than in 2013 whilst simultaneously using 25% less fuel.

Action in race week starts on Wednesday 11 June with a four-hour practice at 16.00 before two hours of qualifying from 22.00. Qualifying continues on Thursday with a pair of further two-hour sessions (19.00 & 22.00). After a 45-minute warm-up (09.00), the race starts at 15.00 on Saturday.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President: “It was great to finally see the TS040 HYBRID running at the Circuit de la Sarthe today, and I am pleased with the performance. It is only a test, so it does not show the full picture, but it gives us a good clue as to what everyone can do. We prepared well before the test and the team did another great job today. We can leave this test in good spirits and with the determination to keep up the good work through to the end of the 24-hour race. Now we can’t wait to come back here for race week.”

TS040 HYBRID #7 (Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin, Kazuki Nakajima)
Morning: 4th (3min 26.371secs), 44 laps
Afternoon: 2nd (3min 23.156secs), 44 laps

Alex Wurz: “It was nice to be back here at Le Mans and to drive the TS040 HYBRID on this track for the first time. It has been a very interesting day. I think it is all brewing up to an epic battle between the three manufacturers in the race. Thankfully we had a very productive day because we now need to fine-tune the details which will determine if we win or lose the race.”

Stéphane Sarrazin: “I am happy with what we achieved today. We worked on the set-up for the race and in the afternoon we changed a few things; some were not the right direction, but it’s better that now we know. The car is good, really fast and I am very impressed by the balance. Compared to last year it is a big step forward, the four-wheel drive is great and the hybrid is very powerful. We improved everywhere so it is very exciting to drive.”

Kazuki Nakajima: “It was a positive day for us. In the morning straight away we had the pace and I was quite happy with the car. In the afternoon we tried quite a few things on the car and we got some useful results. Not every change was correct but at least we have the data so it is good preparation for the race weekend. At the moment it looks like we have the speed which is very positive. We are now very motivated for the race week; there is a long time to go until the finish of the race.”

TS040 HYBRID #8 (Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre, Sébastien Buemi)
Morning: 2nd (3min 25.881secs), 42 laps
Afternoon: 1st (3min 23.014secs), 46 laps

Anthony Davidson: “I have enjoyed being back in the car at Le Mans after a year gap which seems to fly by faster every year. The car felt strong all day and had a nice balance. We went through the programme and achieved a lot. Straight out of the box this morning the car had a good balance and that allowed us to work on the smaller details. Generally it has been a productive day and I am looking forward to coming back here for race week.”

Nicolas Lapierre: “I am pleased to be back at Le Mans, which is a really fantastic track. Today I could experience the only small change compared to last year, which is the new kerbs in some corners. It was a positive day for us and I’m happy. Everything went well and we tried different set-ups, different tyres and we worked on the hybrid settings. It is looking good. All the three drivers are happy with the car; it is consistent and seems to be pretty fast.”

Sébastien Buemi: “We did a good job and completed a lot of kilometres which was the target, so I’m really happy. The car felt good and we tested everything we wanted to test. We saw some useful indications about which direction to go with set-up; now we just need to analyse everything because there is still a lot we can learn. We will try to get the most out of our package so we are in the best possible position when we go into the race weekend.”

French and German translations of this press release will be available shortly on www.toyotahybridracing.com, where copyright-free photos are also available for editorial use.

A ‘Meet the Team’ media session will be held in the team catering area in the paddock on Thursday 12 June from 16.00 to 17.00. The traditional pre-race press conference will take place on Friday 13 June at midday at the TOYOTA hospitality building in the Parc du Raccordement. All accredited media are invited on a first come, first served basis.

About TOYOTA Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship:
TOYOTA first competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 1983, marking the start of a long period of participation in endurance racing. TOYOTA cars have raced in 15 Le Mans 24 Hours races, achieving a best result of second place on four occasions (1992, 1994, 1999 & 2013). TOYOTA entered the revived WEC in 2012, as TOYOTA Racing, with its first hybrid LMP1 car, the TS030 HYBRID. That car competed for two seasons, winning five races. It was designed and built by TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG), where the race team is based. TMG is the former home of TOYOTA's World Rally and Formula 1 works teams, and was responsible for design and operation of TOYOTA's TS020 Le Mans car in 1998-99. TMG now combines motorsport participation with work as a high-performance engineering services provider to third party companies, as well as the TOYOTA family.
www.toyotahybridracing.com / www.toyota-motorsport.com www.facebook.com/toyotamotorsport / @Toyota_Hybrid

Media contact: Alastair Moffitt, Marketing & Communications Manager

[Rob]

NEWS ALERT
Le Mans - 01 June 2014
Hello Mr Robert Allum,


TOYOTA THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET



FIA World Endurance Championship leader Toyota Racing has thrown down the gauntlet to rivals Audi and Porsche ahead of the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans by setting the top two fastest laps at today’s one-day Official Test.

The no8 TS040 Hybrid of Sébastien Buemi posted a lap of 3m23.014 in the second of two 4-hour test sessions, 0.7 seconds quicker than the quickest time in the morning set by the no3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Buemi’s time was just 0.142s faster than the no7 Toyota of Kazuki Nakajima. The no3 Audi finished the day with the third quickest time thanks to the 3m23.799 set in the morning, with Marco Bonanomi posting a 3m24.453 lap in the second session, exactly the same time as teammate Loïc Duval in no1 Audi.

The two LMP1-H Porsches were split by the no2 Audi of André Lotterer, just 0.065s behind the no14 919 hybrid of Neel Jani, who posted a 3m24.692 lap. Jani was 0.2s faster than team mate Timo Bernard in the no20 Porsche.

The no12 Rebellion R-One LMP1-L class car was 1.3 seconds ahead of the no13 R-One at the end of the day, with Mathias Beche posting a 3m31.700 lap, 8.6s behind the lead Toyota on the 13.629km long Le Mans circuit.



Like Toyota, the LMP2 championship leader G-Drive Racing got its Le Mans challenge off to a great start with Roman Rusinov in the no26 Morgan-Nissan posting the quickest lap in the class with a 3m37.795 lap, 0.3s faster than the no48 Murphy Prototypes Oreca Nissan and a futher0.8s ahead of the no36 Signatech Alpine. The no47 KCMG Oreca was the second quickest of the five LMP2 runners entered from the FIA WEC, posting the 5th fastest time in LMP2 but just 1.68s behind the time set by Rusinov in the G-Drive Racing Morgan.


After Ferrari dominated the morning test session it was Porsche that topped the times at the end of the day, with Fred Makowiecki setting a 3m57.260 lap to top the time sheets, 3 seconds quicker than the best time set by the no92 Team Manthey Porsche in the morning. It was a bitter sweet afternoon for the Porsche team as the no91 911 was forced to miss the afternoon session after Jorg Bergmeister’s car flew across the gravel trap at the final corner earlier in the day.


The leading Ferrari was not a LMGTE Pro class car but the LMGTE Am 8 Star Motorsports 458 of Paolo Ruberti, the Italian posting the second fastest time across the whole of the two LMGTE classes with a 3m57.403, just 0.143s behind Makowieki’s LMGTE Pro spec Porsche and ahead of the works Ferraris run by AF Corse, the nr51 AF Corse Ferrari of Giancarlo Fisichella finishing 0.08s behind Ruberti’s 458.

The Official Test is now over for another year and the teams are looking forward to the start of Le Mans week on Sunday 8 June when the teams and drivers head to the Place de la Republique for two days of scrutineering in the centre of Le Mans. The track action begins once again with Free Practice on Wednesday 11 June.

[Rob]

Onroak Automotive Press Release – 06.02.14
Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day – 1st June

Strong lineup for Onroak Automotive at the Le Mans Test Day

Onroak Automotive’s cars shone on Sunday under the sun of La Sarthe for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Test Day. The manufacturer’s seven cars, all entered in LM P2, performed well on the circuit, making their final preparations for the big race in two weeks time.

With four Morgan LM P2 and three Ligier JS P2 to manage this weekend, and also for the 24 Hour race, Onroak Automotive affirms its status when it comes to building endurance prototypes.

The new Ligier JS P2 cars are doing well on their first official outing. The Thiriet by TDS Racing Team in particular put this day to good use to get to grips with their new prototype, fitted with a Nissan engine and Dunlop tyres. The Ligier JS P2 – Nissan #35 of G-Drive Racing by OAK Racing, also running on Dunlop tyres, was the fastest of the three Ligier JS P2 on track Sunday, 4th quickest of the LM P2 cars (3:39.191).
The Morgan LM P2, although already well run cars with a successful track history, having proved themselves last year at Le Mans with a 1-2 victory, took the opportunity to fine tune their setups in preparation for their biggest endurance challenge of the year. For the teams, three of them running on Dunlop tyres, and the fourth out on Michelin tyres, the priority on track was to make sure their cars were running well and that the drivers were ready for the upcoming challenge; they weren’t out to set the fastest times. The #26 G-Drive Racing Morgan - Nissan LM P2 was the quickest of the LM P2 category on Sunday, with a lap of 3:37.795, a good show of strength from the manufacturer.

Without any problems or major issues, the result of the day has been very positive for Onroak Automotive, and for the teams who are running its prototypes. This bodes well for the main event of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, coming up fast in two weeks time!
Jacques Nicolet, Président : “Onroak Automotive is present this year at Le Mans with seven LM P2 cars: three Ligier JS P2 and four Morgan LM P2. This test day was industrious for the six teams who are entering our prototypes, which is above all destined to work on the setups and prepare for the 24 Hour race, and which has nevertheless ended with the best time of the class! Indeed, G-Drive Racing has confirmed the potential of the Morgan LM P2, which triumphed during the 2013 race, by setting a lap of 3:37.795. They continued tuning the Ligier JS P2, fitted with the HPD engine, the last car to come out of our workshops, and this, despite an issue with the clutch. All of the teams were very satisfied last night, and that’s what counts the most for us.”


Test Day – LM P2 Classification :

1- #26 G-Drive Racing / Morgan – Nissan LM P2 - 3:37.795
2- #48 Murphy Prototypes / Oreca 03 – Nissan - 3:38.286
3- #36 Signatech Alpine / Alpine A450 – Nissan - 3 :39.026
4- #35 OAK Racing / Ligier JS P2 – Nissan - 3 :39.191
5- #47 KCMG / Oreca 03 – Nissan 3 :39.475
…
9- #46 Thiriet by TDS Racing / Ligier JS P2 – Nissan - 3 :40.908
…
12- #43 Newblood By Morand Racing / Morgan – Judd LM P2 - 3 :41.656
13- #29 Pegasus Racing / Morgan – Nissan LM P2 - 3 :43.156
…
16- #50 Larbre Competition / Morgan – Judd LM P2 - 3 :43.924
17- #33 OAK Racing Team Asia / Ligier JS P2 – HPD - 3 :45.260

[Rob]

#46 looks really good. Nice livery.

Counting down the days now till the big race. Better start stocking up on beer and snacks (diet and gym may get hit hard the following Monday)

[Rob]

24H DU MANS: LMGTE BALANCE OF PERFORMANCE


Prior to yesterday's official test day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 2014 regulations required that one car from each of the LMGTE manufacturers had to be present at Michelin’s high-speed Ladoux test track at Clermont Ferrand in France for a Balance of Performance test.

This took place last week, and an Aston Martin Vantage V8, Corvette C7.R, Ferrari 458 Italia and 911 RSR and 911 GT3 RSR Porsches took part with FIA/ACO test driver Jean-Marc Gounon driving them all over a four-day period.

This was the first time that the Corvette has appeared in Europe so it was the first opportunity to measure it up against the regular FIA WEC competitors. A new Le Mans aerodynamic package from Ferrari was also evaluated – this latter being approved by the regulatory body and pressed into immediate use by the Ferrari teams for the Le Mans test day.

The Endurance Committee has now published its findings and the changes have been relatively few. The Aston Martin Vantages gain an additional 5 litres fuel capacity in both LMGTE Pro and Am, the change being applicable only to 2013 models in LMGTE Am.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and 911 RSR remain at 90 litres capacity, while the Ferrari 458 Italia and Corvette C7.R are allowed to carry 85 litres. The Corvette C7.R has been given an increase of 1.3mm on each of its two restrictors, while its rear wing has been lowered by 25 mm, and the FIA and ACO are confident these all these published changes will allow all LMGTE challengers a fair chance to fight for class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14/15 June and beyond.

[fratelliferrari]

Really looking forward what we can achieve in both classes! I definitely have to go there one day!

[Rob]

TEAM NEWS RELEASE: MIXED EXPERIENCES FOR REBELLION AT LE MANS TEST DAY

03/06/2014 - 10h09

The official Test Day for Le Mans 24 Hours was a productive one as the Swiss team increased their understanding of their new REBELLION R-One LMP1-L cars on the particular and unique Le Mans layout. The team’s cars, #12 and #13, were dedicated to two specific working programmes focused on setup and fuel efficiency.

The pace of the cars improved through the day as both cars reduced their lap times, the engineers and drivers were pleased with the setup changes. Both cars’ fastest laptimes were achieved during the afternoon session with a 3:31.700 for car #12 and 3:33.042 for car #13.

The endurance range of the Michelin tyres was evaluated and the team have a clearer view regarding tyre compound and construction choices for the race week.

The aerodynamics of the REBELLION R-One at the Le Mans circuit proved to be efficient with the top speed of the cars being very close to the Factory cars. REBELLION R-One #13 was recorded with a top speed of 331.8 km/h and #12 at 326.8 km/h, compared with the 339.1 km/h maximum top speed of the Test Day by the Porsche 919 Hybrid #20 of Mark Webber.

As the afternoon session neared the end, the team was in a positive mood, but a few minutes before the checkered flag, the REBELLION R-One #12 in he hands of Nick Heidfeld crashed into the wall at the entry to the Porsche curves. The German driver was not injured and got out of the car unaided, but the car suffered quite a lot of bodywork damage. Fortunately, the chassis was not damaged and the team started the rebuild of the car as the Test came to an end.

A shakedown of both cars with their race engines and gearboxes had been scheduled for Tuesday 3rd June, and that plan is unchanged.

From Rebellion Racing

[Rob]

NEWS ALERT
Paris - 03 June 2014
Hello Mr Robert Allum,


DOUBLE POINTS AWARDED FOR 24 HOURS OF LE MANS


Aside from it being the biggest and most famous sportscar race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is for the third consecutive season the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

As the longest race of the year, it carries a double allocation of points compared to the seven other rounds on the calendar, and success here can have a significant effect on a team or driver’s world championship title hopes.

In LMP1, Toyota and its No.8 driver line up of Davidson-Lapierre-Buemi are currently at the head of the World Endurance Championship classifications, with Rebellion Racing being uncontested in the bid for another FIA Endurance Trophy for LMP1 Privateer Teams. G-Drive Racing, having won at both the 6 Hours of Silverstone and WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, lead the LMP2 standings with Rusinov-Pla-Canal all hoping that the 24 Hours will deliver as positive a result for them.

While the above mentioned teams and drivers have a clear lead in their respective categories, the classifications for the LMGTE classes are a lot tighter. Just one point separates Ferrari and challenger Porsche in the LMGTE Manufacturers’ World Cup, and AF Corse’s Bruni-Vilander pairing have a 3 point lead over Bergmeister-Pilet of Porsche Team Manthey in the GT Drivers’ Championship. Drivers from Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari follow in close succession, and there’s all to play for at Le Mans.

In LMGTE Am, Aston Martin Racing’s Heinemeier Hansson-Poulsen duo hold a 9 point lead over AF Corse’s Luis Perez-Companc-Cioci-Venturi but the challenges from Danes’ Aston Martin Racing team mates is fierce.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is notoriously challenging for both men and machines, but the rewards are high…not least in points towards a world championship title!

[Rob]

24 HOURS OF LE MANS IN 2014 - WEIGHING SCHEDULES.

After the test day, we give you an appointment for the second phase of the 24 Hours of Le Mans: the technical and administrative scrutineering, Place de la République.

Traditionally, weighing launches great week 24 Hours of Le Mans. The famous race moves into the center of the host city for the delight of spectators and competitors.

This year, the prototype cars, GT, and drivers will travel Republic Square to make the administrative and technical controls.

This will happen Sunday 8 and Monday, June 9, here below transit schedules.

[Rob]

Really looking forward what we can achieve in both classes! I definitely have to go there one day!

i was hoping to of gone last year with Tobes, but £££ issues came up and couldnt go.

[fratelliferrari]

i was hoping to of gone last year with Tobes, but £££ issues came up and couldnt go.

That's sad! But looking at the practices so far we are looking good right? I sadly follow Endurance racing only since a few years because when I was young I always thought F1 was the only real deal but Iam a real fan of endurance now eventhough we don't participate in LMP1 (yet)! I have to drink a lot of energy drinks I think to stay awake LOL!

[Rob]

CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS TOYOTA RACING SET FOR LE MANS
Wednesday 4 June 2014

TOYOTA Racing is fully prepared as it heads to the Circuit de la Sarthe aiming to win the Le Mans 24 Hours (14-15 June), the highlight of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.

Two previous visits to Le Mans have seen impressive progress which culminated in last year’s second place, but with the 1,000PS TS040 HYBRID having won both WEC races so far this season, expectations are high for Le Mans.

Those victories, in six-hour races at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, give the team a 48-point lead in the eight-round World Championship which it aims to extend in Le Mans against strong competition from Audi and Porsche.

TOYOTA Racing will again compete with two TS040 HYBRID cars at Le Mans, showcasing cutting-edge hybrid technology which delivers more power whilst reducing fuel consumption by 25% compared to 2013.

A total of 480PS boost comes from electric motors on the front and rear axle, with energy stored in a super capacitor. The remaining 520PS is generated by the new-for-2014 3.7litre, normally-aspirated petrol engine, which drives the rear wheels.

The #7 car, a fourth-place finisher last year, is driven by Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin and Kazuki Nakajima while #8, the 2013 runner-up, is driven by Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre and Sébastien Buemi.

All six drivers experienced the 13.629km Circuit de la Sarthe, which is part permanent circuit and part public roads, during the official test day last Sunday.

A true endurance event, Le Mans is more than the challenge of a 24-hour race. In total there is almost 35 hours of driving, starting on Wednesday 11 June with a four-hour practice session at 16.00 before two hours of qualifying begins at 22.00.

Qualifying continues on Thursday with a pair of further two-hour sessions (19.00 & 22.00). The starting grid is decided by the fastest single lap from any of the qualifying sessions.

The traditional drivers parade in the city centre on Friday afternoon give fans a unique chance to get up close and personal with the drivers before race weekend, which begins with a 45-minute warm-up at 09.00. The race starts at 15.00 on Saturday.

While this year is TOYOTA Racing’s third visit to Le Mans, it is the 16th time TOYOTA cars have entered the race. Over the past 15 attempts, starting in 1985, 40 separate cars have raced, with a best finish of second place (1992, 1994, 1999 and 2013).

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President: “Our journey with the TS040 HYBRID began a year ago, after the 2013 Le Mans; since then everyone in the team has put in a huge amount of effort. The whole team has worked extremely hard to be ready and we believe we have done all we can so far to prepare for the challenge of Le Mans. We are going there with one target in mind; victory. Many factors are out of our control - our rivals’ performance, luck and the weather - but we have done our homework and now we need to continue this through the race week. With the return of Porsche, to win Le Mans this year is even harder than before; but that also means it would be even sweeter.”

Hisatake Murata, General Manager, Motor Sport Unit Development Division: “This year’s new regulations mean we can finally show all of our hybrid technology, which means delivering hybrid boost to all four wheels. This is the system we developed from the beginning so we are happy to utilise it this year. Le Mans is a different circuit compared to Spa and Silverstone in terms of energy recovery. The hybrid system is designed to be most effective at Le Mans and we know from previous years that it makes a very significant contribution to lap time. With heavy braking at the chicanes on the Mulsanne straight we can recover the full 6MJ and this is a very positive aspect for us. As always, fuel economy is a big topic in Le Mans and we will use our hybrid energy carefully to give us fuel efficiency and optimum performance.”

Pascal Vasselon, Technical Director: “We are better prepared than in 2012 or 2013. We go to Le Mans with no regrets but it is impossible to be confident for obvious reasons. There are many elements which are out of our control, not to mention the traffic risks over 24 hours, the performance factors are different and we are racing against very strong competition who did not stand still after Spa. Le Mans is a different track compared to others on the calendar and we have to prepare accordingly. Outright top speed is a more significant factor than anywhere else and we have to carefully analyse fuel and tyre strategy to find the best compromise between time spent in the pits and our lap time on the track. Still, with two wins in our first two races, we are where we want to be and we are very much looking forward to it.”

Alex Wurz (TS040 HYBRID #7): “I can’t wait to get started with race week; we have been waiting all year for this. Le Mans feels like nothing else you have driven before because it is ultra high speed on average and has no real run-off areas, especially in the forest section and the Porsche curves. I expect it will be a tough race, Le Mans always is, but I have high expectations. If I am on the podium I want to be on the top step. But Le Mans is always unpredictable so we have to do our job correctly at every step and keep fighting.”

Stéphane Sarrazin (TS040 HYBRID #7): “Le Mans is the absolute highlight of the year for me. It is just an amazing feeling to drive an LMP1 at Le Mans. They are so fast, it is like a dream. As a driver you are excited every time to drive there; it is a very special feeling compared to other tracks. So I am really looking forward to race week. We had very strong preparation; the team, mechanics, drivers, everybody is ready. I feel this year our car is so special, so good and I am sure both cars have a good chance. I will do my best to put us on top.”

Kazuki Nakajima (TS040 HYBRID #7): “It is the third time for me to race at Le Mans so I have more experience now. In 2012 I didn’t have any expectations and last year we knew before the race it would be difficult, but this year is different. We feel we have done all the preparation and we showed strong performance in the first two races. I feel a lot more ready to challenge for victory. Because we have prepared to the best of our ability I feel less stress, I am calmer. I try to take it like any other race, my preparation is very similar, and I think this is a good sign.”

Anthony Davidson (TS040 HYBRID #8): “I came to TOYOTA to win Le Mans; that has been my ambition since I came to endurance. This year I feel we are in a pretty good position and I would be disappointed if we do not have the performance to fight for the win in the ‘big one’, especially after the first two races. But at Le Mans you never know. Even if you have the fastest car, there are no guarantees. I will try my best to drive like I did last year because I think it was the ideal way to approach the race weekend and then we will see where we are at the end.”

Nicolas Lapierre (TS040 HYBRID #8): “Le Mans is probably the track which gives me the most pleasure as a driver. I know every centimetre of it and every time I come back to Le Mans it is very special. It is so specific and so different from the other circuits that you can only have special feelings. Coming to this race as World Championship leader and having a great car this year, the logical ambition is to win. But I also know this race is not a standard race, the Le Mans 24 Hours requires you to stay humble. Even if we do everything well, you have to beware of the unexpected.”

Sébastien Buemi (TS040 HYBRID #8): “This is the biggest event of the year where anything can happen. There is huge pressure for the whole team. Even if we are fighting for the WEC title too, the main event is Le Mans and everybody works so hard for this race. It is difficult but if you want to get a good result, you have to go into details. The objective is clearly to win Le Mans but no one can predict how the race will unfold. It is a long and tough race full of surprises, so we will do the job in the best way we can and then we will see where we are. I’m pushing for the centre of the podium.”

TOYOTA Racing at Le Mans:
2012: #7: Qual. 5th; Race DNF (engine). #8: Qual. 3rd; Race DNF (accident)
2013 #7: Qual. 5th; Race 4th. #8: Qual. 4th; Race 2nd.

A ‘Meet the Team’ media session will be held in the team catering area in the paddock on Thursday 12 June from 16.00 to 17.00. The traditional pre-race press conference will take place on Friday 13 June at midday at the TOYOTA hospitality building in the Parc du Raccordement. All accredited media are invited on a first come, first served basis.

A Lap of Le Mans with Nicolas Lapierre:

“After the Dunlop Curve, the braking into the Dunlop Chicane is tricky. All of the car’s weight is on the front; the back is very light and can spin off so this is one of the hardest parts to manage.
“Coming out from the right turn you can accelerate to attack the descent leading to the Esses. The right can be driven flat out before shifting down to third gear for a left turn with a slight banking.

“Tertre Rouge corner is important because it determines the speed with which you attack the Hunaudières Straight. This turn is relatively simple but it can become tricky when it rains. You really need to focus on the exit, even if it means sacrificing the entry.
“Braking at the first chicane is quite hard. You can enter the turn fast enough however, you need to be careful on the left curve, which can really slow you down if you don’t get it right.

“We keep a good speed in the left turn of the Ralentisseur Michelin. The next right can be very tricky, especially on the rain. Then you reach Mulsanne corner for a little blind braking where it is not easy to find the right landmark. There is a slight right bend before the 90° turn which is pretty tight, but you can go over the curb outside to keep some speed.

“The sequence of Indianapolis is a challenge and braking is not easy. You arrive at high speed for a left turn where you have to shift down to second gear. Straight afterwards, there is the right of Arnage which is easy to get wrong and is always slippery.

“Then you reach the Porsche Curves, certainly the most beautiful section of the circuit in terms of driving. You shift down to fourth for the first right, before keeping a relatively high speed for the left, where you have to watch out because it is relatively bumpy.

“The sequence of the Karting is rather tricky, with a curb inside the left turn. It is important not to touch it, otherwise you end up on the other side of the track, in the wall! We finish the lap with the Ford Chicanes which can be driven without difficulty.”

About TOYOTA Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship:
TOYOTA first competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 1983, marking the start of a long period of participation in endurance racing. TOYOTA cars have raced in 15 Le Mans 24 Hours races, achieving a best result of second place on four occasions (1992, 1994, 1999 & 2013). TOYOTA entered the revived WEC in 2012, as TOYOTA Racing, with its first hybrid LMP1 car, the TS030 HYBRID. That car competed for two seasons, winning five races. It was designed and built by TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG), where the race team is based. TMG is the former home of TOYOTA's World Rally and Formula 1 works teams, and was responsible for design and operation of TOYOTA's TS020 Le Mans car in 1998-99. TMG now combines motorsport participation with work as a high-performance engineering services provider to third party companies, as well as the TOYOTA family.
www.toyotahybridracing.com / www.toyota-motorsport.com www.facebook.com/toyotamotorsport / @Toyota_Hybrid

Media contact: Alastair Moffitt, Marketing & Communications Manager

[Rob]

24H DU MANS: SAFETY CHANGES TO THE TRACK FOR 2014

04/06/2014 - 17h35

Every track experiences changes and evolutions during its working life, and the Circuit des 24 Heures is no exception. Since the first 24-hour race was held in 1923 the circuit used has changed no fewer than 14 times, the most recent incarnation being introduced in 2007.

This year, with safety very much at the forefront of the ACO’s mind, the following changes have been carried out – all without affecting the length of the circuit which remains at 13.629 km.

- Pits straight and pit lane: resurfaced.

- Virage de la Chapelle: the link between the Bugatti circuit and the full 24-hour layout has been resurfaced.

- Tertre Rouge corner: The exit from Tertre Rouge has been improved from a safety point of view with re-positioned Armco barriers widening the track by approximately 1.5 metres towards the inside of the corner; two new rows of tyres in front of the guardrail and resurfacing.

- Les Hunaudières straight: Protection of the residents’ houses completed, improved safety on exit from the two chicanes thanks to the addition of two rows of tyres.



- Porsche Curves: Extra safety measures in the first Porsche corner with the addition of new TechPro barriers.

- Corvette/Karting corner: Creation of a new run-off area consisting of a gravel trap measuring 188m in length at the back of which two rows of tyres have been installed in front of the protective wall. The layout of the corner remains unchanged.



- Ford Chicane: New kerbing and stabilisation of the hard shoulders.

- Improved lighting, by introduction of strong, LED lights, in the both chicanes and at the entry to the Porsche and Ford corners. Also, introduction of new marshal lights around the circuit.

[Rob]

24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2014 - THREE VARIATIONS ON THE 24
Beyond the duration of the race itself, 24 is indeed the number symbol of the Sarthe in June.

The 24th week of the year - The 24 Hours of Le Mans took place in June, coinciding with the closest 24th week of the year. This will be the case in 2014 for the week of June 9 to 15 But some competitions of dates with the international sporting calendar can move this golden rule. This was for instance the case in 1998, when the race was brought forward to June 6 and 7 due to World Cup Football held in France. Three editions of the 24 Hours have not occurred in June, 1923 for the first (26 and 27 May), 1956 (July 28 and 29, for the great work on the circuit following the accident June 11, 1955) and 1968 (29 and 30 September, in the wake of political and social unrest of May).

The number 24 race - To date, never a hit number 24 car has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His best race result is a second signed in 1963 by the 250 GTO, one of the most famous Ferrari history. Initiated by the Belgian National Team Jacques Swaters, the largest importer of Ferrari in Europe, it was led by Gerald Langlois and John von Ophem Blaton, committed under the pseudonym "Beurlys." This year, the Prancing Horse brand has completed the first six places in a race won by the Italian duo Ludovico Scarfiotti Lorenzo Bandini race, with the presence of two other GTO fourth and sixth positions.

Number 24 in 2014 - After another second place in the LMP2 category in 2013 with the Morgan-Nissan Heinemeier Hansson David Alex Brundle-Olivier Pla (Oak Racing), a rookie team at the 24 Hours wear number 24 this year : Champion of the nine-time World Rally Sébastien Loeb, who commits an Oreca-Nissan driven by Jan Charouz, René Rast and Vincent Hair. Although Sébastien Loeb himself is not driving (his last in the 24 Hours back in 2006, where he finished second), his car will probably be one of the most followed by the French public.

[Rob]

Le Mans Debut for ELMS Champions Ram Racing

MEDIA RELEASE: 6th June 2014

The 82nd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship is nearly underway (14/15 June 2014) and it’s an important event for the Ram Racing team which will make its debut in the world’s most prestigious international sports car event.

Acknowledged as the toughest test for both man and machine, the Circuit des 24 Heures is a mixture of closed public roads and purpose-built motor racing circuit, and is without doubt the most gruelling race for any driver or team.

In the two LMGTE classes Ram Racing will field a pair of Ferrari 458 Italia entries, one in each category. The No.52 Pro car will be in the fast and capable hands of regular team drivers Matt Griffin, Alvaro Parente, and rookie Federico Leo, whilst the No.53 Am sister car will be piloted by the experienced Johnny Mowlem, Mark Patterson and new recruit Archie Hamilton.

Matt Griffin: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the biggest race in the world. It is also the most difficult race. While Ram Racing is a fairly new team they have a huge amount of experience and talent within the team and they know what it takes to be successful. We had a very positive test at Le Mans last Sunday. We were fast all day and got a lot done in terms of working towards our race strategy. We ended the day third in the GTE Pro class, which was encouraging. I finished third last year so I am hopeful of a similar result but, as with all endurance races, the first goal is to finish."

Alvaro Parente: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be a very special race for Ram Racing and for me. We had a positive test so we are all looking forward to what the world’s most exciting event will bring.”

Federico Leo “We had a very positive test where we all worked well and formed a plan. The team are doing a great job and I am really looking forward to joining them at Le Mans. It will be a fantastic event and one that any driver would be proud to be involved in.”

Archie Hamilton: “We had a successful Le Mans test. It was very productive and our pace was good. We managed to work through a number of different set-ups and also focus on race runs. I feel right at home with Ram Racing, and I have every faith that we can all achieve a good result.”

Mark Patterson: “I missed the test weekend unfortunately due to a Silverstone race conflict, so I couldn't be keener to get back into the Ram Ferrari on this unique track. The team was very satisfied with the progress made and I'm looking forward to making the best "Am" contribution possible for the team.”

Johnny Mowlem: “I’m delighted to be taking part in my 10th Le Mans. I am even more proud to be returning as ELMS Champion with Ram Racing. Le Mans is always a very special event. It’s tough and very challenging. It never gets any easier but that’s what makes it so special.”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will begin on Saturday, June 14th at 3.00 pm around the 8-mile Le Mans street course in France, and end at 3.00 pm on Sunday. Official practice/qualifying takes place on Wednesday, June 11th and Thursday, June 12th, starting at 4.00pm on Wednesday.

[Rob]

That's sad! But looking at the practices so far we are looking good right? I sadly follow Endurance racing only since a few years because when I was young I always thought F1 was the only real deal but Iam a real fan of endurance now eventhough we don't participate in LMP1 (yet)! I have to drink a lot of energy drinks I think to stay awake LOL!

I know i was gutted. Yeah, we looking good. But, its 24hrs, just as long as we have great reliablity and dont spend to much time in pits. The big unknown, is the Vettes. They been looking good in USC, they always go well at Le-Mans. But they have brand new car. We will see, we coud have Ferrari 1,2,3 in Pro and AM classes.

Cannt see us in LMP1 anytime soon, we it would eat away the F1 programme aswell. I been fan of enduros, sportscars for alot of years. Watching ALMS 10 years ago got me hooked, and now we have WEC, just couldnt get any better. Proper racing, flat out and no silly politics and gizmos to make the "show" better.

[fratelliferrari]

I know i was gutted. Yeah, we looking good. But, its 24hrs, just as long as we have great reliablity and dont spend to much time in pits. The big unknown, is the Vettes. They been looking good in USC, they always go well at Le-Mans. But they have brand new car. We will see, we coud have Ferrari 1,2,3 in Pro and AM classes.

Cannt see us in LMP1 anytime soon, we it would eat away the F1 programme aswell. I been fan of enduros, sportscars for alot of years. Watching ALMS 10 years ago got me hooked, and now we have WEC, just couldnt get any better. Proper racing, flat out and no silly politics and gizmos to make the "show" better.

A 1,2,3 in both classes would just be amazing! But you are not afraid of the Porsches or Aston's?

And you are right about our LMP1 program but I really would like to see it! I have been in the Ferrari museum in Maranello and I saw some LeMans winners there and these cars are beasts! That's why I would like to see that we build an LMP1 car in the future. Wishful thinking!

[Rob]

Nice touch from Audi - "Welcome back"

[Rob]

Report: FIA WEC Considering Montreal Round for 2015
By John Dagys

The FIA World Endurance Championship could be headed to Montreal next year, potentially as a second round in North America, it has been revealed.

According to a report in Le Journal de Montreal, talks are underway to host a round of the globe-trotting sports car championship in Canada, with all signs pointing towards Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the only FIA Grade 1 circuit in the country.

Circuit promoter François Dumontier declined comment on this matter, while FIA WEC CEO Gerard Neveu told reporters in March that he was open to additional rounds next year, including exploring options in North America.

“It’s a question of opportunity,” Neveu said. “We don’t want to make one more date just to do one more date. We have to do one more date if there is a very good opportunity.

“It means a good race track, good market, good fan base, good financial interest, good media interest and good interest for the manufacturers.”

Home to the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, the 2.709-mile circuit on the Île Notre-Dame had played host to a round of the FIA World Sports Car Championship, the precursor to the FIA WEC, in 1990.

More recently, the NASCAR Nationwide Series, GRAND-AM and CART/IndyCar have all held events there, with ongoing efforts having been made by the city to secure a second event alongside F1 since NASCAR’s exit in 2012.

It’s believed the possible Montreal FIA WEC race could take place prior to series’ U.S. round at Circuit of The Americas in mid-September.

The series’ contract with COTA, however, expires at the end of this year, leaving an option open should the event, which struggled with attendance numbers, not see an improvement in 2014.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/r...ound-for-2015/