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Thread: 2016 WEC, IWTSC, ELMS thread.

  1. #61
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    Home / IMSA / IWSC / IMSA Makes Significant BoP Changes for Rolex 24
    IMSA Makes Significant BoP Changes for Rolex 24

    IMSA has released the expected final Balance of Performance prior to next weekend’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, with significant changes having been made in all four categories.

    Here’s a rundown of the changes since the initial 2016 BoP, which was utilized at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 earlier this month.

    Prototype:

    *BR Engineering BR01 Nissan: 10kg weight reduction (890 to 880kg), confirmed fuel (76 liters) and refueling restrictor (33.0mm)

    *DeltaWing DWC13 Coupe: 5kg weight increase (515 to 520kg), 0.19 reduction in boost ratio

    *Ligier JS P2 Honda: 10kg weight increase (940 to 950kg), slight reduction in boost ratio at selected RPM levels

    *Ford Riley DP: Slight reduction in top-end RPM boost ratio

    *Lola B11/80 Mazda: Reduction (0.026-0.126) in boost ratio, 8-liter increase in fuel capacity and defined 33.0 mm refueling restrictor

    *Dinan Riley DP: 2mm larger restrictor (74 to 76mm x 2)and 2-liter increase in fuel capacity (79 to 81 liters)

    *Corvette DP: No changes

    Prototype Challenge:

    *Revised rear wing position (P6 to P4), new minimum angle of -9.8 degrees and -19.8 degrees for the flap. IMSA will issue a specific bulletin describing the rear wing measurement

    GT Le Mans:

    *BMW M6 GTLM: Reduction in boost ratios, larger Gurney (5 to 15mm), 9-liter increaase in fuel capacity (95 to 104 liters), 33.5mm refueling restrictor

    *Corvette C7.R: 0.2 mm smaller air restrictor (30.1 to 29.9mm x2), 6-liter increase in fuel capacity (86 to 92 liters), 32mm refueling restrictor

    *Ferrari 488 GTE: Slight reduction in boost ratios, confirmed 78 liters fuel capacity and 29.5mm refueling restrictor

    *Ford GT: Reduction in boost ratios, 3-liter increase in fuel capacity (95 to 98 liters), 35mm refueling restrictor

    *Porsche 911 RSR: 6 liter increase in fuel capacity (85 to 91 liters), 32mm refueling restrictor

    GT Daytona:

    *Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3: 10kg weight reduction (1260 to 1250kg), 1.3mm larger air restrictor (40.7 to 42mm x2 ), 13-liter increase in fuel capacity (90 to 103 liters)

    *Audi R8 LMS ultra: 10kg weight reduction (1300 to 1290kg), 1.7mm larger air restrictor (52.3 to 54mm x2), 3-liter increase in fuel capacity increase (104 to 107 liters)

    *Audi R8 LMS (new): 20kg weight increase (1280 to 1300kg), 2mm reduction in air restrictor (40 to 38mm x2), 4-liter increase in fuel capacity (86 to 90 liters)

    *BMW M6 GT3: 10kg weight increase (1300 to 1310kg), reduction in boost ratios, 9-liter increase in fuel capacity (95 to 104 liters)

    *Dodge Viper GT3-R: 20kg weight reduction (1340 to 1320kg), 1mm reduction in air restrictor (39 to 38mm x2), 4-liter increase in fuel capacity (103 to 107 liters)

    *Ferrari 458 Italia GT3: 20kg weight reduction (1300 to 1280kg), 200 rpm reduction (8400 to 8200 rpm)

    *Lamborghini Huracan GT3: 20kg weight increase (1260 to 1280kg), 2mm smaller air restrictor (39 to 37mm x2), 1 liter increase in fuel capacity (89 to 90 liters)

    *Porsche 911 GT3 R: 1 liter reduction in fuel capacity (85 to 84 liters)

    http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/im...-rolex-24-bop/
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  2. #62
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    Was speaking Gimmi, just after the Roar, and he said needed bit more speed, and hope the BoP would help us. Now, not sure it has. Unless we can run longer on a tank of fuel than all the others, we have just had one hand tied behind our backs. And with boost ratios reduced aswell
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  3. #63
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    Mabey Im readin ghtis wrong, but doesnt the corvette have a lot more fuel capacity than us?
    Thats America for ya. You wanna race here, sure, but understand that chevrolet owns just about everything.
    Ive always found the Euro series more interesting.

  4. #64
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    1966 - THE FIRST 24-HOUR RACE AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY.
    HISTORY HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF

    Next weekend, Daytona International Speedway unveils its $400 million motorsports stadium with the Rolex 24 At Daytona, an event featuring the awaited debut of the new Ford GT, taking on the new Ferrari 488, among others.

    History repeats itself.

    Fifty years ago, the battle between Ford and Ferrari for international sports car supremacy was at its zenith. Daytona promoter Bill France Sr. felt the time was right to extend the Daytona Continental to the now famous 24-hour distance on the unique circuit, which featured an infield road course tucked inside a high-banked 2.5-mile superspeedway.

    The move not only virtually doubled the 2,000-kilometer distance, it also elevated Daytona to one of the world’s top three endurance races, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring. The race also took its place towards the FIA World Manufacturer’s Championship.

    Not taking any chances, Ford brought two factory teams to the race. Shelby American brought three new GT40s, designated Mark IIs, for the driver pairings of Ken Miles/Lloyd Ruby, Dan Gurner/Jerry Grant and Chris Amon/Bruce McLaren. Ford’s main NASCAR team, Holman and Moody, entered a pair of Ford Mark IIs, for Walt Hansgen/Mark Donohue and Richie Ginther/Ronnie Peterson.

    Ferrari was represented by Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team, led by Mexican star Pedro Rodriguez and young American sensation Mario Andretti in an upgraded Ferrari 365P3, one of 10 Ferraris in the 59-car field.

    Chevrolet also attracted plenty of attention with Jim Hall’s Chaparral, driven by American F1 World Champion Phil Hill and Jo Bonnier. That car qualified second, featuring a unique automatic transmission and an air spoiler controlled from inside the cockpit.

    Bonnier led the first lap in the Chaparral, although the Swede pitted after only 16 minutes to repair a loose fan belt. One hour later, a steering malfunction dropped the team out of contention.

    Miles took the lead on the second lap, with Ford leading the remainder of the event. Hansgen managed to lead when Miles pitted, but the No. 98 GT regained the point eight laps later and led the remainder of the race.

    Gurney and Grant finished second, eight laps down, followed by Hansgen and Donohue.

    Some of the best racing came at dawn on Sunday, when Rodriguez challenged Gurney for third in a battle between former Daytona winners. Gurney held on, breaking Phil Hill’s race lap record in the process.

    It was the second consecutive Daytona victory for Miles and Ruby, who gave the Ford GT40 its first victory in the 1995 event. The team selected an aggressive 2:04 target pace and stuck to it throughout the race on the 3.810-mile circuit. They kept to a schedule of running double shifts (three hours), with no sleep for either driver.

    “The first 12 hours was just like last year,” Ruby said. “But the last 12 hours was sheer, grinding perseverance.”

    Rodriguez and Andretti finished fourth, with the Pennsylvanian competing in his first 24-hour race.

    Making his debut as a car owner in the event was Roger Penske, who gave up driving in order to purchase a Chevrolet dealership in Philadelphia. He fielded a Corvette in the race which finished 12th and won its class with Guldstrand, Ben Moore and George Wintersteen at the wheel.

    Other competitors included future NASCAR star Bobby Allison, who parked his Corvair after 63 laps; Jacky Ickx, whose endurance racing debut also ended early, and future Indy 500 groundbreaker Janet Guthrie, part of two three-woman teams in the race.

    The race featured extreme swings in temperature, starting at 47 degrees and dropping to a frigid 17 during the night. For the first time, a General Electric computer was used to time the race – although it ceased functioning due to the freezing conditions. Officially, a 120-person team scored the race.

    Also in the event was Scranton, Pa.’s Oscar Koveleski, who went on to race in Can-Am while launching the popular Auto World catalog store for slot cars and model cars. After he and Hal Keck dominated the 1965 Watkins Glen 500 by four laps, Carol Shelby persuaded Keck and Koveleski to try their luck at Daytona.

    “We felt if we could just stay on track, we could whip everybody,” said Koveleski, who continues to attend the event as a member of the Road Racing Drivers Club. “We had a crew of only five or six people, which included our wives. We were going good until our right-rear axle blew apart.”

    France was happy with the move to 24 hours, announcing that the attendance was a Daytona sports car record and tripled the 1965 figure.

    “We didn’t make a bundle on the 24-hour race, but we did start building towards a race that will become one of the great automotive events in the world,” France told the Daytona Beach Morning Journal – a statement proven accurate by 50 years of racing history.

    Source:
    IMSA
    - See more at: http://www.imsa.com/articles/1966-fi....gxF5vKXY.dpuf
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  5. #65
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rob View Post
    Was speaking Gimmi, just after the Roar, and he said needed bit more speed, and hope the BoP would help us. Now, not sure it has. Unless we can run longer on a tank of fuel than all the others, we have just had one hand tied behind our backs. And withboost ratios reduced aswell
    Lowest fuel capacity AND smallest refuelling restrictor! Yeowch!
    Forza Ferrari !
    "You need great passion, because everything you do with great pleasure, you do well." - Juan Manuel Fangio

  6. #66
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    Thats what IO call making the field even...
    And if I told you that wolverines make good house pets?

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    2016 Le Mans 24 Hours ,15 teams invited


    With just 12 days to go to the unveiling of the complete list of teams entered for the 84th Le Mans 24 Hours on 18-19 June, 15 teams have already won an invitation to take part in qualifying practice for the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours. These have been awarded taking into account the results of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the European Le Mans Series and the Tudor United Sportscar Championship in 2015 plus the 2015-2016 Asian Le Mans Series, which finished this weekend, as well as the allocation of the 56th garage by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

    One invitation for:

    Porsche Team: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM P1 category. One invitation in LM P1.

    KCMG: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM P2 category. One invitation in LM P2.

    Corvette Racing - GM: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM GTE Pro category. One invitation in LM GTE Pro.

    SMP Racing: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM GTE Am category. One invitation in LM GTE Am.

    Greaves Motorsport: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the LM P2 category. One invitation in LM P2.

    Formula Racing: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the LM GTE category. One invitation in LM GTE Pro or Am.

    BMW Team MarcVDS: 2nd in the European Le Mans Series in the LM GTE category. One invitation in LM GTE Pro or Am.

    TDS Racing: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the GTC category. One invitation in LM GTE Am.

    Team LNT: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the LM P3 category. One invitation in LM P2.

    Michael Shank Racing: selected by the Tudor United SportsCar Championship. One invitation in LM P2.

    Scuderia Corsa: selected by the Tudor United SportsCar Championship. One invitation in LM GTE Am.

    Race Performance: victory in the Asian Le Mans Series in the LM P2 category. One invitation in LM P2.

    Clearwater Racing: victory in the Asian Le Mans Series in the GT category. One invitation in LM GTE Pro or Am.

    DC racing: victory in the Asian Le Mans Series in the LM P3 category. One invitation in LM P2 or LM GTE Am.

    Each invitation will only be confirmed if the car in question is entered in one of the following three championships in 2016: Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

    The invitation for the 56th garage allocated by the ACO has been awarded to Frédéric Sausset’s project and the Sausset Racing Team 41 (SRT41). Technologies devoted to helping people with reduced mobility will be highlighted by this extremely innovative sporting project.

    This list represents a possible entry of 15 cars out of the 58 places on the grid on Saturday 18th June at 15h00.

    The complete list of entries for the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours will be announced in 12 days on 5th February in Paris.



    PRATICAL INFORMATION
    2016 LE MANS 24 HOURS
    84th event
    3rd round of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship

    Dates: 18 - 19 June 2016

    General enclosure tickets: 58.50 euros (ACO members) instead of 78 euros (non ACO members).

    Free for young people born after 19th June 2000 accompanied by an adult.

    Test Day: Sunday 5th June.

    Scrutineering and administrative checks: Sunday 12th and Monday 13th June.

    Free and qualifying practice. Wednesday and Thursday 15-16 June.

    Start of the 84th Le Mans 24 Hours: Saturday 18th June at 15h00.

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  8. #68
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    2016 ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA - GTLM PREVIEW
    A RACE ENGINEER'S PERSPECTIVE

    Risi Competizione Race Engineer Rick Mayer (left) with Ferrari driver Davide Rigon (right)
    (Houston, Texas, January 23, 2016)...Rick Mayer, race engineer of the Risi Competizione No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM team, takes a look ahead at this year's Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 30-31, 2016, at the newly renovated Daytona International Speedway.

    Pilots of the new Risi Competizione Ferrari for the 54th annual Rolex 24 include Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy), Toni Vilander (Finland), Davide Rigon (Italy) and Olivier Beretta (Monaco).

    General: The total car count of 54 cars is down one from 55 in 2015 on this 3.56 mile track. The four longer endurance series races always have a larger Pro-Am content than the shorter races, this makes getting through traffic and staying clear of trouble more difficult and risky. A driver's mental fatigue and any lapse of concentration could easily affect the outcome. Your concentration has to be high as traffic will be constant. The safety car and wave by rules will ensure a large lead lap car count for each class, as the rules make it easy to make up a small lap deficit. The IMSA WeatherTech specific balance of performance (BoP) GTLM rules evolved from the ROAR test earlier this month. All the GTLMs are new for this year, as there was a large rules change giving increased downforce across the class. This is a large reset in BoP from last year and the hope is all GTLM cars will be much closer in downforce and straight speed within the class. Clearing GTD traffic will be particularly difficult for GTLM as the GTDs have the equal or better banking speeds.

    The new Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM

    Setup: Daytona is a track that requires some reserve in setup to increase safety. Daytona setups only relate to Daytona. The mechanical setup and tire pressures we need to run (Daytona only pressure and Daytona only cambers) here are all in the direction of safety at the detriment to lap time and performance. We bias the setup to improve braking stability and traction and maximize banking speed. You don't setup for the infield as it's difficult to pass there. The required high tire pressures (+10%) reduce front and rear grip. The increased pressures tend to bias the deficit to the rear both at corner entrance and power down at the exit. The reduced camber safety requirements (more than one degree less negative camber) also decrease grip; all of these change the general setup and what you expect. We'll try and trim drag, to improve banking speed as much as you can, as IMSA rules stipulate a minimum wing angle. With 54 cars you'll be in traffic throughout the infield nearly every lap. The only legitimate passing areas are on the banking to clear slower cars, into braking at Turn 1, braking into the Bus Stop and occasionally into Turn 5. The better car to race is the low drag version (increased top speed) if the lap times are similar. Being fast in the infield section is of little advantage.

    The race: The Daytona 24 is the quintessential 'crap shoot' of endurance races. The field is packed and the pit lane boxes are the smallest of the season. You have to take as much care in the pits as on the track. Luck and patience pay large dividends here more than at other tracks. The wave by rules for cautions are likely to ensure a large number of lead lap cars in each class in the last stints of the race. After the opening hour, you need to stay in touch with the class leader, ideally BE the class leader, and be positioned for the 23rd-hour sprint to the finish. Any of the 11 GTLM cars could win this race. The 488 Ferrari, the M6 BMW and the Ford GT are all new cars and all turbo charged. This is the race debut for all three. The Porsche and Corvette are more an evolution of type; they have some proven durability. We have had great success with the long races at Risi Competizione. We have just been unlucky recently. Let's hope our luck changes this year starting at Daytona.


    Tune-In Information:
    In the U.S., watch the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m EST. on FOX Sports 1 and 4:00-10:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 2. Overnight viewing (Jan. 30-31) from 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. EST watch on IMSA.tv (live video streaming and commentary). On Sunday, Jan. 31, 7:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. EST the broadcast will be on FOX Sports 1, the 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 2, with the final two hours from 10:00-3:00 p.m. EST broadcast on FOX Sports 1. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is also available on the FOX Sports GO mobile app.
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    Interview with Ferrari GT star Gianmaria Bruni


    Gianmaria Bruni is one of the and fastest GT drivers worldwide. The Ferrari ace has won everything possible with the Maranello brand in GT racing. FIA World Endurance Championship, Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship, GT Open, ALMS and of course Le Mans 24 Hours.

    For the 2016 season "Gimmi" will compete again in the FIA WEC with AF Corse and the brand new Ferrari 488 GTE. The target will be a new GTE-Pro crown along with his new team-mate James Calado.


    You had a mixed year in FIA WEC with great performances and bad luck too, tell us more about your 2015 season.

    Yes it has been a very tough for us last season, we faced a lot of bad luck. If I look at all the races, I can definitely say that we could have won the championship if I could mention all the problems we had. In the end the result is a second place.

    I feel having done my work properly and my performances were always consistent. I can not blame myself with “ I could have done better”, sometimes things are not as you expect to be. That said, I am really proud of all my team [AF Corse] as we worked really hard. It's a team sport, we win and we lose together.


    How different is the new Ferrari 488 GTE compared to the all-conquering Ferrari 458 GT2?

    This is a new era with different regulations. We [Ferrari] have the turbo engine and the car is really different [compared to the 458 Italia].

    You will share the #51 AF Corse Ferrari with James Calado, what are your targets for 2016?

    James Calado has been outstanding in the last couple of years [with Ferrari]. I think he is fast and much more mature given his young age. We want to win as many races as possible for us and for Ferrari, we clearly want to fight for the title.


    How competitive is the GTE-Pro field in FIA WEC?

    The GTE-Pro level of competition is very high, it was very close in the last two, three years. As a driver I can tell you there is a high pressure every race. All of the 6-hour events are fought, you can win or a lose a race for just a couple of seconds.

    What do you think about IMSA GTLM level of competition?

    It is also very competitive, the level is high with pure racing.


    Who have won everything with Ferrari, what was your favourite title/race victory with Maranello?

    My best race victory is Le Mans 2014. The victory in Sao Paulo in 2013 was great too with very close battles with our rivals in GTE-Pro class.

    What is your favourite racing circuit?

    Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans, two unique racing circuits in the world.
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    Scuderia Corsa Targets Daytona Success With Five Ferraris.

    Scuderia Corsa leads world's racing debut of Ferrari 488 GTE.

    Team looks for 24 Hours of Daytona victory in GT-Daytona.

    Three Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Challenge Evos to compete in weekend's Ferrari Challenge races.

    January 26, 2016 (Los Angeles, Calif.) -At one of the world's biggest sports car races, Scuderia Corsa will target victory lane and begin a new chapter in the team's history at this weekend's 24 Hours of Daytona.

    This year's edition of the world famous endurance classic at Daytona International Speedway will mark the worldwide racing debut of the new Ferrari 488 GTE. The no. 68 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GTE will lead the charge for Ferrari in the GT-LeMans class, with the team and former Daytona 24 hour winner Alessandro Pier Guidi, LeMans and V8 Supercar veteran Alexandre Premat, Daniel Serra and three-time 24 Hours of Daytona winner Memo Rojas taking on several of the world's leading GT factory programs.

    In the GT-Daytona class, the drivers of the defending champion no. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia make up one the strongest lineups in the GT-Daytona field. Sports car standout Christina Nielsen will make her first start with Scuderia Corsa, and will be joined by Robert Renauer and former GRAND-AM champions Alessandro Balzan and Jeff Segal.

    And before the green flag drops on Saturday afternoon for the twenty-four hour classic, three Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Challenge Evos will compete in the Ferrari Challenge races. Drivers Darren Enenstein and Neil Lanberg, who are graduates of Scuderia Corsa's Driver Development Program, will be making their race debuts in Ferrari Challenge. Driving the third Scuderia Corsa Ferrari will be Martin Fuentes.

    "From top to bottom, the entire range of Scuderia Corsa's motorsports programs will be represented at Daytona" said Giacomo Mattioli, team owner of Scuderia Corsa. "With the worldwide racing debut of the Ferrari 488 GTE, this year's 24 Hours of Daytona is a historic event for Ferrari and we are honored to be a part of it. When I look at the lineup of drivers of our GT-LeMans and GT-Daytona Ferraris, I am very excited and confident. We anticipate a large amount of Ferrari fans to be attending this historic IMSA race, and we will give them many reasons to celebrate!"

    The 24 Hours of Daytona broadcast will begin on Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 PM ET on FOX Sports 1 before switching to FOX Sports 2 at 4:00 PM ET. At 10:00 PM ET, streaming of the race will begin on IMSA.com. Television coverage will resume on Sunday, January 31 at 7:00 AM ET on FOX Sports 1 before switching back to FOX Sports 2 at 10:30 AM ET. The conclusion of the race will be shown on FOX Sports 1 starting at 1:00 PM ET.
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    LEENA

    Leena Gade Q&A: Life as a top-level female race engineer



    Audi Sport's Leena Gade is one of the few female engineers who work at the highest level of motorsport. She spoke to Darshan Chokhani about the challenges involved in her role.

    Since 2003, UK-born Gade, who is of Indian descent, has worked in various forms of motor racing, progressing up the ranks from data engineer to assistant race engineer before becoming Audi Sport's No.1 race engineer in 2011.

    Under her guidance, Audi won the 2011, 2012 and 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours, along with the 2012 and 2013 World Endurance Championship titles.

    In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Gade talks about her career, the adjustment into a male-dominated sport, and the highs and lows she's experienced.

    How did you first get into engineering?

    From a young age along with my sisters, I was encouraged to learn how things worked. We used to fix our toys whenever we broke them, pull apart most electronic items in the house to see how they worked, played with chemistry kits and just generally took an interest in how stuff functioned.

    There was never a question about another career once I decided to pursue engineering and wanted to work in motorsport.

    It’s not true that motorsport PR and hospitality are easy to get into for women, because you have to love motorsport to want to do it and understand the business and what is needed.

    It also doesn’t make a difference if you are male or female, it’s about your attitude and you either want to do it or not.

    How was it adjusting to a male-dominated sport?

    It wasn’t difficult, because this is the field I wanted to work in and if you aren’t any good at it, you won’t make it. If there were any doubts about being a female in this business they came from me, not from anyone here.

    Again, it’s about attitude – you will find it hard if you don’t enjoy it or want to be doing it and that goes from being male or female.

    What have been the highs and lows of your career?

    The high points have included the building up of a successful car crew with engineers, mechanics and drivers that has led to some great racing, a die-hard attitude and some race wins.

    There are always low points every year and they weren’t just at the start of my career – life isn’t always perfect! A low point is always when we as a team do not perform to our best, because in such a competitive field it leads to race losses.

    However, you have to turn low points into learning and improvement, and that is something I always strive to do.

    What are the differences between working in single-seaters and sportscars?

    The basic difference is that with sportscars, it’s about a whole team and every individual contributing and succeeding, whereas with single seaters a lot of focus is put on just the driver. There are complexities in both, different approaches to racing, different goals even.

    My preference is sportscars at the moment, because I have a huge amount of experience in this field and for me there is something very satisfying about a team working at its optimum.

    But as I haven’t experienced single-seaters, I can’t say whether I wouldn’t enjoy it – it’s different and maybe in there is a challenge that could be enjoyed.

    Is there any chance you could work in F1 in future?

    I don’t know where my career will end but F1 is a very different field to the WEC. The LMP1 cars we race are much more complex than an F1 car due to the open regulations and that presents a different challenge.

    F1 is in everyone’s sight because of the TV coverage that makes it seem like it is the place to be, but just take a look at some of the races in the WEC [in 2015] and you will see that the open regulations, the people and the cars have made it much more interesting that F1.

    So, if I wanted to I could look into F1, but that is not where my challenge lies. I’m sure F1 fans will disagree with me and although I do watch F1 races sometimes, I have to say I usually take a nap when they are on!

    What more is there left for you to achieve?

    If I’d achieved everything I wanted to, I wouldn’t still be doing this. There are many more motor racing challenges ahead as a race engineer, in technical roles and in other fields. I want to be able to encourage kids into science and engineering as well as encouraging their peers to see what opportunities that brings in every field.

    Motor racing is seen as the cool part of engineering, but that is not the only engineering field that exists – if anything, regulations in motorsport can sometimes curtail creativity. Society needs enthusiastic scientists and engineers to help fix the problems we have either created for future generations or that we find along the way in our evolution.

    If I can help people to see the importance of that, I think I will have put a little something back into a field that has given me a lot of pleasure over the last 17 years.

    What's your message to budding motorsport engineers, especially female ones?

    If you want to do it, you have to make it happen on your own. I have so many people asking me if they can come and work for Audi Sport but my question to them is, what can you offer us? If you can’t answer that question, that means you need to go out and get experience at club level racing and find out what types of racing you like.

    A 24-hour race is not easy from a mental and physical point of view for everyone involved. That means some people won’t like it, and perhaps they would be happier at, for example, a single-seater or touring car race.

    Unless you know what is involved, you won’t know if you can do it or will like it. You need to be confident you can make it in this game and that means jumping in and helping at every level when it’s needed – I’ve cleaned cars and tyres, built up dampers, helped replace gearboxes and made the tea!

    I never treated any task as beneath me or as a chore, it was something I had to do and each time I made sure I came away learning something. If you believe you know it all, I can guarantee you will fall flat on your face.

    Experience as much as you can, because the motorsport business is a wide-ranging and competitive one with places for people of all backgrounds and interests.
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  12. #72
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    Bruni mentions that the 488 is quite different than the 458..I wonder in what ways.
    Also, great posts Rob, thx.

  13. #73
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nova View Post
    Bruni mentions that the 488 is quite different than the 458..I wonder in what ways.
    Also, great posts Rob, thx.
    No worries.

    The 488, is of course turbo, and the whole car is more based on aero than the 458, especially at the rear (thats all i can say )
    Last edited by Rob; 27th January 2016 at 20:37.
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    BMW art car for this weekend...

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    RISI COMPETIZIONE READY TO INTRODUCE FERRARI 488 GTLM AT 54TH ANNUAL ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA


    Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62:
    Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN), Davide Rigon (ITA), Olivier Beretta (MCO)

    Daytona Beach, Florida (January 27, 2016)...Risi Competizione will kick off the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series inaugural race, the historic Rolex 24 At Daytona, with a brand new Ferrari 488 GTLM. The car just arrived a few days ago from Italy, where it was built by Ferrari supplier Michelotto Automobili for the team's specs for the U.S. sports car series regulations.

    Risi Competizione's driver line for the 54th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 30-31, 2016, will feature all Ferrari factory drivers. Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA) and Toni Vilander (FIN) will be the full season drivers for the year. Joining them for the twice-around-the-clock endurance race are Davide Rigon (ITA) and Olivier Beretta (MCO), both team drivers for last year's Rolex 24.

    This year will be the fourth time that Risi Competizione has debuted a new Ferrari race car model for the Ferrari factory for North American sports car racing. Other models were the Ferrari 360 GT in 2002, the Ferrari 430 GT in 2006 and the Ferrari 458 in 2011.

    In last year's Rolex 24 the Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 Italia stayed atop the GTLM class until just before the 11-hour mark when an electrical engine misfire problem caused an early retirement. The team's best finish was a class victory in 2002 in the early SRPII Grand-Am class and they captured another podium in 2003 with a second place GT class finish in a Ferrari 360 GT. In 17 years of racing, Risi Competizione has only competed at the Rolex 24 At Daytona seven times. For the team who has won every major race in the U.S. and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Daytona 24 hour victory is a must!

    Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
    Talk about how building the new car went with Michelotto and how it all came together:
    "It starts off with picking the options you want on the car -- 24 hours lights, data system components, etc. The car would normally get delivered with a standard set of ratios, which would be one of the homologated sets and not the Daytona ratios. A gear change on this new car is very time consuming, so we sent over the ratios for Daytona and we also sent over all the various IMSA specific loggers, caution light system etc. We also installed the IMSA window nets, which are different than the FIA/ACO nets. The crew was able to decal the car at Michelotto and install items like the drivers drink system, car radio, and our telemetry car side system. We had three drivers do a seat fit check, as the seat is no longer on rails and you need to use inserts and this would be time consuming to do at the event. We sent two mechanics and our electrical/data engineer to ensure we had the best chance to get all the primary and secondary systems, mechanical and electrical, installed and operational. They set the fuel capacity to the IMSA BoP, another time consuming process you don't want to do at the track. We hand-carried over the pit side telemetry electronics to verify the system worked at the Fiorano shake down. We put the starting Daytona setup (in total) on the car at Michelotto. We basically tried to do everything possible to have the car roll off the plane, get to Daytona in a truck, unload the car and put it on track ready to race."


    Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
    You are joining Risi Competizione for the entire IMSA season. How do you feel about being back and what are the things you are looking forward to the most this year?

    "I obviously know the team. I did the Petit Le Mans last year with the team and in 2011 I raced the full season. It is an honor to be back. It will be a difficult season during the year; we have many different types of race tracks. The team knows the championship really well, which is needed to get the 488 in a good group straight away and then build the season on it."

    You will be introducing the new Ferrari 488 GTLM to the world this weekend. Talk about your thoughts and expectation of the new Ferrari model.
    "First of all, we start from Daytona, it will be a tight one. We all know the schedule when we came into this race. It's a pretty unique way to approach one of the most difficult races of the season. Saying that, it does not mean that we are not giving it everything we've got. We need to have a good, solid run during the practice and then we will be as well prepared as we can for the race.

    "The 488 came well prepared by Michelotto straight away out of the box. Then it is really up to the reliability. We've seen the story of the (Ferrari) 360, 430, 458 and now the 488. It takes a little time once you get it racing and running on your own with some of the fine tuning and last details to go through, and especially during the first part of the season. We are really relying on a good support from Ferrari and Michelotto, and together with our very professional crew, so I'm really confident on that. Then again it's up to IMSA to have a good BoP (balance of performance). I'm normally not a BoP crier, but now is one of those times they need to work to get it spot on. We have new competitors in the championship. We have guys updating their race cars and one of the first times we have a big variety between the race cars, different technology. It's pretty important to get that BoP stuff together as well. I'm not asking to have more than the others but we need to have the same stop speed and same acceleration as the others and let's hope that IMSA does a good job and professional job during the year. I don't want it to be like a circus going back and forward. That makes it also a little painful for us drivers, so hopefully they get that sorted as well."

    You have competed in many endurance races around the world. How many times have you raced at Daytona and what makes Daytona special?
    "I don't remember the exact number but I've been here probably four to five times, with always really good speed at the Roar and good speed through the qualifying, and then somehow really lacking at the end of the race. I think I have never yet finished the race. It's a demanding race by the number of cars on the track and the different categories. The track itself is not the most difficult. I still remember the first day I hit the banking for the first time. That is something really unique for the European drivers but once you get a few laps under your belt, that's really smooth as well. The infield itself is not that difficult.. You need a consistent race car to stay out of trouble, especially at the night time and in case of rain, because that makes the life really difficult. You need to have a fast car on that banking and the end of the straight, but you can maybe sacrifice a little bit of the balance on the infield to have a better run on the long straight line.



    Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:

    You are returning to Risi Competizione this season and with a new Ferrari. How do you feel to be back with Risi and introducing the new Ferrari 488 GTLM to the world?
    "I'm really happy. It was my dream, my aim, to do another season with Risi Competizione, and with the new car, the new 488. It is a very good looking car and a step up from last year. I'm also happy to share the car with Toni Vilander for the season. I think he is one of best drivers in this category (GTLM). I have a very good feeling with him. We did Le Mans together four or five times. I'm sure it's going to be a great season for us. I'm also happy to race with Davide and Olivier for this race. We have a fantastic group, so we can do well."

    You have said that you love the history and atmosphere of the Rolex 24? Tell us about your favorite memory at Daytona.
    "I don't really have great memories because I never scored a good result here. We always seem to have some problem with the car. Last year we were leading the race after 11 hours and had an electrical issue. I really want to do well. I want to push for one target and you know what the target is."

    This year you have a new model Ferrari, the 488, to compete in all season but there are many other new cars in the GTLM class. How does the competition look this year?

    "It is going to be very tough competition. BMW has a new car. Corvette has upgraded again from last year's car, and especially there is a new car from Ford, which is good for the championship. It's going to be very tough for everybody. It makes a nice championship though for all of us and for the spectators. I think it's going to be an exciting championship season."

    This will be your eighth year as a Ferrari factory driver, undoubtedly a special honor for any driver. What makes the Ferrari brand so special and revered around the world?

    "It's very special around the world and especially for an Italian driver. That was my dream when I was young -- to become a Formula One driver and to become a Ferrari factory racing driver. I have been with them since 2009, so my dream became true and I'm very pleased about it. I'm happy and proud to be a Ferrari factory driver and to be with Risi Competizione again."

    Davide Rigon, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:

    You have rejoined Risi Competizione for the Rolex 24 this year and will be introducing the new Ferrari 488 GTLM to the world this weekend. What do you think about returning to the 24 hours of Daytona race with Risi again this year?

    "For sure it is a pleasure to drive again for Risi. I'm very happy. Last year I had a really good feeling with them. We were leading when we had a problem, so we were very close to be on top at the end. It was very good to work with them so I'm happy to be back and with the new car. Unfortunately we didn't do the test (Roar Before the 24), so there was not a lot of time to work with the guys and the team. It would have been very nice to do a test but there was no time. I'm feeling really good about the new car. I've been testing quite a lot in Italy. I think it is born as a good car but we'll have to see when we compare against the others. I think the BoP (Balance of Performance) is not fantastic for us but we'll try to do our best. We'll push together with my teammates. It's a pleasure to drive with Toni, Giancarlo and Olivier. I think we are a good crew and I'm happy."

    You have done some of the testing and recently participated in the Risi Ferrari 488 shakedown. Talk about your thoughts and expectation of the new Ferrari model.

    "We did a shake down just to check the car. It was a really cold day in Italy so it was not possible to really push the car because it was new, but we checked everything and it was good and we prepared properly for here (Daytona). I think it was good but it was a different track; it was Fiorano. We didn't do many laps and it was Fiorano. At Daytona it is different. We'll see with the weather, although they say the first days will not be so good, as there may be rain. I think we just need the confidence of driving on the track. I think the car is well prepared."

    How would you feel if you were able to add a victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona to your resume?

    "Every time I come here it is fantastic...to see the banking is a good sensation. I love to drive here. It's a different track for me because I'm used to driving in Europe and those tracks are a completely different shape. Driving here with the high speed corner and also in the evening when there is not so much grip, it is completely different but I like the sensation. To win here for me would be like a dream. I really work a lot physically to be ready here to be good with the team and everything because it would be really a good sensation. To win here would be fantastic!"



    Olivier Beretta, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:

    You have rejoined Risi Competizione for the Rolex 24 this year and will be introducing the new Ferrari 488 GTLM to the world this weekend. What do you think about returning to the 24 hours of Daytona race with Risi again this year?

    "First of all, I am always very happy when I have the opportunity to race for Giuseppe. It's a team I have know for a long time. Last year we had a good race, we were fast, the pit crew did a fantastic job in every pit stop and we were leading the race at one point. This year is a new year with a new car and most of the crew guys are the same. We have four drivers and we know each other very well. We are friends and we have the same target, every one of us. We are here to have a great race. We want to finish what we started last year. We'll see during practice and then we'll think about the race."

    You have done some of the testing and recently participated in the Risi Ferrari 488 shakedown. Talk about your thoughts and expectation of the new Ferrari model.
    "It's a beautiful car but it's also a fantastic car to drive. It's a fast car and we have been testing a lot so the reliability has been great so far. What can I say?

    It's a totally different car than the 458. It's difficult to say where we are because we have to see what the others have done during the winter. In talking about ourselves everyone has have done everything they can do. I'm sure we have a great car."

    You're back at Daytona driving the new 488 against some tough competitors in the GTLM class. How does the competition look this year?

    "Daytona is always very hard in the GT category because there are many manufacturers. Of course the 24 Hours is a long race, anything can happen. The key is to never give up, to be focused on what you do and to do your job when it is your time to do. The crew are fantastic at Risi. They always do a great pit stop every time. I think we have everything, including a great car, to do well. We just have to see about the weather conditions. It should be sunny. . And we have to see how many yellows we have during the race but the strategy is always perfect. I'm very confident and really happy to race with Risi and my three friends and to finish the job we started to do last year."

    Practice session one begins Thursday morning, January 28 at 9:25 a.m. EST with GTLM class qualifying scheduled for 4:25-4:40 p.m. EST. The race starts Saturday, January 24 at 2:40 p.m. EDT. Live timing and scoring is available for all on-track sessions at IMSA.com and the IMSA Smartphone app.

    Tune-In Information:
    In the U.S., watch the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m EST. on FOX Sports 1 and 4:00-10:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 2. Overnight viewing (Jan. 30-31) from 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. EST watch on IMSA.tv (live video streaming and commentary). On Sunday, Jan. 31, 7:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. EST the broadcast will be on FOX Sports 1, the 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 2, with the final two hours from 10:00-3:00 p.m. EST broadcast on FOX Sports 1. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is also available on the FOX Sports GO mobile app.
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  16. #76
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rob View Post
    No worries.

    The 488, is of course turbo, and the whole car is more based on aero than the 458, especially at the rear (thats all i can say )
    Aha, I sense something else going on here...

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    TANDY SETS QUICKEST OVERALL TIME IN ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA QUALIFYING
    PORSCHE SWEEPS FRONT ROW IN GTLM QUALIFYING AT DAYTONA

    Nick Tandy captured the GT Le Mans pole for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

    Driving the No. 911 Porsche North America with teammate and last year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTLM champion, Patrick Pilet, Tandy – a two-time GTLM pole winner in 2015 and the reigning 24 Hours of Le Mans overall champion – posted a best time of 2:01.408 (105.561 mph).

    Frédéric Makowiecki qualified second in GTLM with a time of 2:02.364 (104.737 mph) in the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR, making an all-Porsche front row for Saturday’s starting lineup. The qualifying session was interrupted by a red flag for an incident involving Gianmaria Bruni in the No. 72 SMP Ferrari 488 GTE and was extended by a few minutes to satisfy the minimum guaranteed green-flag time requirement of 10 minutes.

    “In the end it was a really interesting qualifying session,” said Tandy, who also won the GTLM class in the 2014 Rolex 24. “When we went out after the red, there was only time for one flying lap. The risk of going off and getting higher on the grid was really high. We got the cars one-two on the front row, and that’s what we wanted.”

    John Edwards qualified third in the No. 100 BMW Team RLL IHG Rewards Club BMW M6 GTLM with a time of 2:02.497 (104.623 mph).

    NOTEBOOK

    - The Ford GT made its qualifying debut at Daytona, with Joey Hand clocking in ninth fastest in the class. “The conditions were treacherous,” Hand said. “The Bus Stop is usually third or fourth gear, and this was first gear. A lot of guys took it easy. Our main goal with this car is not really to throw down the ultimate lap in this first race, it’s to finish 24 hours.”
    - See more at: http://www.imsa.com/articles/tandy-s....BVzufcSF.dpuf
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  18. #78
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    Quali from yesterday..

    Last edited by Rob; 29th January 2016 at 10:05.
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    REBELLION RACING CONFIRMS 2016 FIA WEC AND LE MANS 24 HOURS EFFORT


    The Swiss team REBELLION Racing is pleased to confirm that their 2016 racing programme will centre around running a pair of upgraded Rebellion R-One AER LMP1 cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the prestigious 24 Heures du Mans.
    REBELLION Racing have submitted their application forms for two cars to the FIA WEC and ACO.

    REBELLION Racing will be looking to re-confirm its status as the best privateer sportscar team at the highest level of endurance racing. In 2015, the Swiss team extended their domination in the category by winning their fourth straight FIA WEC Endurance Trophy for LMP1 Privateer Teams.

    The REBELLION Racing cars will continue to be powered by AER engines in 2016, for the second year in a row. Both AER and the team have gained experience and knowledge to improve reliability and efficiency of the P60 V6 twin turbo engines.

    The REBELLION Racing driver squad will remain the same as Nick Heidfeld, Nicolas Prost, Mathias Beche, Dominik Kraihamer, Alexandre Imperatori and Mathéo Tuscher will share driving duties in the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship.

    REBELLION Timepieces will remain as primary sponsor for the Swiss team in the FIA WEC and Le Mans 24 Hours as the watch brand and the team pride themselves on competing against the best sports car manufacturers and teams in the world.

    Bart Hayden – REBELLION Racing Team Manager : "We have submitted entries for two cars for the full FIA WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans. We will continue to use the AER P60 engine; last season it was a new installation in the Rebellion R-One chassis and whilst we achieved our target of taking the titles, there was still a lot of room for improvement on the reliability of the package. Together with AER we have been working hard on addressing the issues that came up in 2015 and we will make the necessary steps forward. We have a testing programme scheduled already and, unlike last year where we missed the opening rounds of the season, this year we will be ready from the beginning and we will be at the WEC Prologue at Paul Ricard HTTT in March."
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    RISI COMPETIZIONE QUALIFIES FIFTH IN RAIN FOR ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

    Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62:
    Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN), Davide Rigon (ITA), Olivier Beretta (MCO)

    Daytona Beach, Florida (January 28, 2016)...Toni Vilander qualified the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE to the fifth position on the GTLM class grid for this weekend's 54th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 30-31, 2016.

    His best time of 2:03.386, at an average speed of 103.869, was performed on the fourth and final lap of a rainy afternoon qualifying session. The GTLM pole was set by Nick Tandy in the No. 911 Porsche 911 RSR with a time of 2:01.408 and a speed of 105.561 mph. The 15-minute qualifying window was shortened by a red flag when the No. 72 Ferrari 488 GTE hydroplaned off the circuit.

    Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
    "All of our running so far has been in the wet. Toni and Fisichella, the only two guys who have driven the car yet today, say that it was good in the wet for them. We'll wait until tomorrow until we get in the dry. Qualifying was pretty treacherous because it started raining pretty hard once we went out. Then one of our sister cars had an accident, which caused a red flag, so we really only got two timed laps. Then at the end we got slowed by the Ford that spun in the 'busstop' on the lap that would have been Toni's quickest lap. It doesn't really matter in this condition. We're lucky to have a car in one piece. We'll go into night practice and tomorrow's morning practice hoping to get some dry running, do a couple of little tweaks and start the race."


    Risi Competizione qualifying driver Toni Vilander debriefs with teammates

    Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
    "First of all we had a good two sessions on wet conditions. The amount of water for qualifying increased quite a bit. At the beginning of the session it was really difficult. I could go up to third and fourth gear on the straight lines and really be on the edge and I didn't know when I was going to lose the car. Then they stopped the qualifying with a red-flag, so I thought there was probably a little less water. (Race Engineer) Rick (Mayer) informed me really well about how much time was left so I could pace myself and on the last lap I could improve the performance. But we would have needed another five to ten minutes to really cover it. The car felt goodon the infield, but high speed still had some aquaplaning issues. We have had similar things in the past so there is some margin for improvement. I'm really happy the car is in one piece and we are going for the race start on Saturday. Tonight and tomorrow we will start rotating all four drivers and get into the real team effort and then start looking forward to the race."

    Joining Vilander in the cockpit of the Risi Competizione Ferrari for the inaugural 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be fellow Ferrari factory drivers Giancarlo Fisichella, who also drove briefly on Thursday Davide Rigon and Olivier Beretta.

    Practice session on Friday, January 29 runs from 10:25 a.m. EST for one hour. The race starts Saturday, January 24 at 2:40 p.m. EDT. Live timing and scoring is available for all on-track sessions at IMSA.com and the IMSA Smartphone app.

    Tune-In Information:
    In the U.S., watch the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m EST. on FOX Sports 1 and 4:00-10:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 2. Overnight viewing (Jan. 30-31) from 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. EST watch on IMSA.tv (live video streaming and commentary). On Sunday, Jan. 31, 7:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. EST the broadcast will be on FOX Sports 1, the 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 2, with the final two hours from 10:00-3:00 p.m. EST broadcast on FOX Sports 1. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is also available on the FOX Sports GO mobile app.
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    IMSA: Bentley evaluating return to Prototypes
    Friday, 29 January 2016
    Marshall Pruett

    Bentley is once again considering a return to prototype racing. Advanced plans were in place to join IMSA's 2017 P2-based Prototype field, but with the breaking VW diesel scandal in North America in 2015, the program was effectively axed before it began.
    A renewed interest has emerged from the British marque--an apparent reversal to the VW-related decision, which could lead to it joining the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

    "We are interested, it is something we're investigating, we're doing our due diligence, we enjoy racing in America, but we haven't honestly made a decision," Bentley's Mike Sayer told RACER. "We are fully committed to GT3 racing with the Continental, and we hope to have a decision [on P2] soon."

    RACER has tracked the British firm's behind-the-scenes P2 plans since last summer. Despite the quiet scuttling of the IMSA P2 effort, Bentley is known to have continued an engine development program aimed for use in a prototype. Custom bodywork, which is required in the new-for-2017 IMSA P2 regulations, is also known to have been partially completed before the initial project cancellation.

    Ongoing searches for a project leader with prototype development experience from within Bentley's parent company, the Volkswagen Audi Group, have continued, and with both Audi and Porsche fully engaged in large FIA World Endurance Championship LMP1 programs, more than one name from within its WEC teams has been suggested as a possibility for the role.

    Despite another report suggesting Bentley has committed to a P2 program, Sayer insists the company has yet to make that determination.

    "It's not there yet, but again, we can confirm our interest," he said. "We are still at the talking stage."

    http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/12567...-to-prototypes
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    Ok lets wait and see. I hope so

    Westbrook: Ford “on the back foot” going into Rolex 24

    Richard Westbrook says Ford’s target for this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona is to finish with as few problems as possible, rather than setting ambitious goals for GTLM honors.

    Ford is returning as a factory team to international sportscar racing in the twice-around-the-clock American sportscar classic. It won the race 50 years ago with its iconic GT40 racer.

    The new GT model echoes that glorious past but instant success is unlikely, according to Westbrook, who was 10th fastest in GTLM after Friday’s dry final practice session, driving the car he shares with Ryan Briscoe and Stefan Mucke.

    “It’s a new chassis, new crew, new everything – something pops up and puts you on the back foot,” said Westbrook, who has previously been a contender for overall honors in the Daytona Prototype division.

    “As a standalone event, you can’t treat this as a test. As soon as that green flag drops we’re racing to get to the front as soon as possible. Honestly, if we get to the finish without that many issues, that will be a dream.

    “It’s too big a race to ignore, that’s our problem. I’d like to be able to say ‘we can treat this like a test’ – but it’s the Daytona 24, and with Ford having won before here, before they won Le Mans, it would be great to do that. But, honestly, we want to get to the finish with as few issues as possible – that has to be the goal.

    “With our calendar, it’s not ideal for your first race to be 24 hours. It would’ve been a lot easier to go into a regular 2hr45m event. There are things like the internal lights at night and LEDs on the inside of the arches to do the brake changes… Little things like that, we’re having to prepare at the track because we haven’t had time before.”

    GT is “really well balanced”

    Westbrook’s #67 chassis will start 31st overall, one place behind its sister car driven by Joey Hand, Dirk Muller and Sebastien Bourdais, after qualifying ninth and 10th in class.

    “Qualifying was definitely not a reflection of where we are,” said Westbrook. “We’re probably not good enough to be at the very sharp end of the grid, but pace-wise we’re pretty comfortable actually.

    “The car is really well balanced; it’s a very neutral car to drive. It doesn’t behave like other GTs I’ve driven – you’re very aware that the weight is in the middle of the car, where it should be. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it feels like a prototype, but it does feel very good.

    “We haven’t had the chance to unlock the Ford's full potential, but it seems to have a big operating window for setup, which is really encouraging.”

    Sebring testing suggests reliability

    Westbrook is buoyed by recent pre-event testing at Sebring, which is a renowned car-breaker of a track.

    “We had a good test at Sebring," he remarked. "There were a few issues, so we didn’t get the full 12 hours in, but the issues that occurred were very small problems.

    “The car does run very well, like a road car – you turn it on, and it just goes. But it’s getting everything ready, that’s the issue, that’s why I'd say we’re on the back foot. But it’s not like the car is breaking down, that’s not the problem.

    "After this, there's two months to reset between now and Sebring. That gives us time to get back on the front foot.”
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    Hey Rob, our Ferrari's are looking great, lets hope we get the class win. Can't wait to see the 488's in full flow. Our Ferrari season starts now on all fronts.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ForzaJay View Post
    Hey Rob, our Ferrari's are looking great, lets hope we get the class win. Can't wait to see the 488's in full flow. Our Ferrari season starts now on all fronts.
    hasnt been to bad a start really. Cars look great.
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    CAVALLINO RAMPANTE PER SEMPRE

  28. #88
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Dulwich, London
    Posts
    76
    Quote Originally Posted by Rob View Post
    hasnt been to bad a start really. Cars look great.
    The IMSA handicap system sure did handicap our Ferrari teams, they favored the Corvettes. Can't say I'm a big fan of US racing, our European circuits are way better. Can't wait for the European racing to start.

  29. #89
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Stowmarket. U.K
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    18,334
    Imsa SportsCar Championship - Encouraging début for the 488 GTE in Daytona

    Daytona Beach, 31 January 2016 – The racing journey of the 488 GTE started with a fourth place earned by the Scuderia Corsa team. The 24 Hours of Daytona was a true baptism of fire and the new Ferrari intended for GT competitions displayed great speed, finishing at the top among the first-time participants, as two other models of competing manufacturers had their début in the same race.

    The race. As is often the case in Daytona, the first hours of the race were not especially meaningful, although they were enough to demonstrate the potential of the 488 GTE: in fact, all three Ferraris competing in the GTLM class led for at least one lap during the first 12 hours of the race, and this although car number 68 of Scuderia Corsa did not have an easy start, due to a fuel pressure problem that forced Alessandro Pier Guidi to start from the back of the field. On the other hand, the 488 number 72 of SMP Racing team had a great start: after disappointing qualifications, Gianmaria “Gimmi” Bruni was able to gain one position after another, even taking the lead a number of times while being driven by Bruni himself, but also by James Calado, Viktor Shaytar, and Andrea Bertolini. Car number 62 of Risi Competizione team was also constantly among the leaders, being able to keep first place for several laps with Toni Vilander, but also being competitive with Giancarlo Fisichella, Davide Rigon, and Olivier Beretta. The race of this car was affected by a rear-end collision caused by one of the Fords early in the morning. The accident wrecked the Ferrari’s diffuser and caused a long stop at the box that irreparably compromised the final outcome. In the end, it finished sixth, a useful result in terms of the championship. On the other hand, the car of SMP Racing did not finish the race, which seemed to lead to a certain podium position until it was interrupted by the breakdown of a turbine. The Chevrolet of Gavin-Milner-Fassler won the race.

    GTD. Two Ferrari 458 Italia raced in the other GT class and turned out to be very competitive. However, both crews were unlucky in their strategies, as they ended up paying too heavily for some pit stops made under the green flag. Both car number 63 of Scuderia Corsa and number 51 of the Spirit of Race team led the race for at least one lap, but slipped to the back of the field towards the end of the race. At the finish, the car driven by Christina Nielsen, Jeff Segal, Alessandro Balzan and Robert Renauer was in seventh place, while car number 51 of Peter Mann, Raffaele Giammaria, Marco Cioci and Matteo Cressoni was just out of the top ten. The Ligier of Sharp-Brown-Van Overbeek-Derani won the overall race. The second event of the championship is scheduled for mid-March, when another great classic of American motorsport will take place: the 12 Hours of Sebring.
    CAVALLINO RAMPANTE PER SEMPRE

  30. #90
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Stowmarket. U.K
    Posts
    18,334
    #72 was running well. Berto crashed into another car. And after that incident it was loosing speed. The #68 crew ran good aswell, so did Risi. Not bad debut of 488. Just the IMSA BoP didnt give us much of a break. Could see that on fast banking, we could make ground up under braking and acceleration, but then lost out on top end. I was really surprised at how Ford GT40s were not living upto all the hype they built up. Few electrical gremlins got be sorted. Well hope not to soon

    The DeltaWing, what a surprise, great to see that running and leading on pure pace. And for Katherine to come from the back of the P class to lead, great stuff. Wouldnt be surprised to see at Spa for WEC and Le-Mans this year.
    CAVALLINO RAMPANTE PER SEMPRE

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