2017 WEC, IMSA&ELMS thread.

[Rob]

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Ginetta has a longstanding relationship with the ACO, having been the founding manufacturer of the hugely successful LMP3 class in 2015. Despite their contemporaneous LMP2 chassis bid being unsuccessful, the Ginetta design team has remained a powerful force in prototypes, moving toward P1 spec having released the powerful G57 in 2016. With both the Ginetta LMP3 and G57 securing their position as some of the most competitive prototypes in the world, Ginetta has seized the chance to add a LMP1 car to their range.

The ACO has fixed the LMP1 rules for five years and offers an open forum for design comparative to the more controlled formula of P2. The Ginetta LMP1 design has therefore started from scratch, allowing Ginetta to partner with world-class designers and supply partners to create an extremely competitive car.

Building on their current in-house expertise, Ginetta has brought legendary car manufacturer Adrian Reynard on-board to lead the aero development, along with a newly recruited Head of Aerodynamics who brings LMP1-H experience and will be named in due course. Paolo Catone, who previously designed the Le Mans winning Peugeot 908, will also be heavily involved in Ginetta LMP1 design.

Lawrence Tomlinson, Ginetta Chairman: “I’m hugely thankful to the ACO for the opportunity to run at the front and challenge for overall podiums. The Ginetta design team’s ability has already been proven by the class dominating Ginetta LMP3 and G57. With Adrian and Paolo on board, the performance of the Ginetta LMP1 is going to be amazing. We are now offering a genuine ladder for our customers all the way from first race to Le Mans which is incredibly exciting for me.”


Ginetta has further confirmed they are in advanced talks with engine supplier MECACHROME as well as gearbox manufacturers Xtrac for the drive train. The car will be around 60kg lighter than a P2 and have up to 200BHP more. Accompanied with the huge downforce that their new aerodynamic team will develop, Ginetta is confident this will be a class-leading car.


Pierre Fillon, ACO President: “More great news for endurance racing! Ginetta has proven its expertise in creating successful high performance chassis in G57 and Ginetta LMP3 categories and entering LMP1, the top tier category of endurance racing, appears now to be an obvious move for Ginetta as it moves forward. The valued expertise of Ginetta’s partners for this programme is also very promising for the 2018 FIA World Endurance Championship.”

Adrian Reynard, Owner ARC: “This certainly appeals to my competitive nature. Aerodynamics, drive-ability and fuel efficiency dominate race car performance in this category. With the highly talented team of experienced engineers that Ginetta has available, this LMP1 contender will be designed and developed to challenge at the highest level. Lawrence has a strong desire to create the very best LMP1 car available for the privateer and he has the commitment to deliver a production run of these”

Ginetta will not be running a factory team but will be looking to build ten chassis to support three, two-car teams run by customers. Significant interest has already been expressed from both new and existing customers, including G57 customers PRT Racing and ARC Bratislava for their 2018 WEC campaigns.


Miro Konopka, ARC Bratislava Team Owner: “After competing for many years in worldwide GT racing, Ginetta gave me the opportunity to move into prototypes with their LMP3. We are incredibly excited about this new chassis which will allow me to expand my motorsport platforms to include the WEC and every team and driver’s ambition, to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Initial testing of the Ginetta LMP1 is expected to begin after this year’s Le Mans 24hrs.

[Rob]

Andre Lotterer testing new Porsche 919. His first outing in the 2017 car.
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[Rob]

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Scuderia Corsa Announces Driver Lineup for 24 Hours of Daytona

GT-Daytona champions Nielsen and Balzan to be joined by Ferrari Factory driver Sam Bird and Matteo Cressoni
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Ferrari 488 GT3 to make its debut at Daytona.

January 4, 2017 (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Scuderia Corsa, the defending champions of the IMSA and North American Endurance Cup GT-Daytona championships, has finalized its driver lineup for the 24 Hours of Daytona as well as the NAEC rounds of the 2017 IMSA championship.



At Daytona, Christina Nielsen and Alessandro Balzan - who captured the IMSA and NAEC GT-Daytona driver's titles in 2016 - will be joined by Ferrari factory driver Sam Bird. Bird captured two victories in the 2016 World Endurance Championship driving the Ferrari 488 GTE and in his first year with Ferrari has greatly contributed to the WEC Manufacturer win.

In the North American Endurance Cup, which is made up of the endurance races at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans, Nielsen and Balzan will be joined by Matteo Cressoni. Cressoni, a veteran of international sports car racing, previously drove for Scuderia Corsa in the team's no. 64 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia at the 2014 Petit Le Mans.

This year's 24 Hours of Daytona will also mark the debut of the Ferrari 488 GT3 in the endurance classic. The reliability and speed of the turbocharged Ferrari already well-proven, and with the demonstrated strength of the drivers, the team is aiming for a victorious debut for the car - similar to it's debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring last season.



"With this driver lineup and the proven success of the 488 GT3, I am confident that Scuderia Corsa will defend our Championships this year. The GTD field has expanded this season to factory entries and we welcome the challenge" said Giacomo Mattioli, Scuderia Corsa Team Owner. "2017 marks the 70th anniversary for Ferrari and there is no better way to celebrate than success at the race track, where it all began"

Scuderia Corsa will take part in this week's Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 6th - 8th.

24 Hours of Daytona Technical Analysis - Joe LaJoie, Scuderia Corsa Engineer

The Rolex 24 Hour is a pure endurance race so the racecar handling takes a backseat to other aspects. The planning and preparation is critical and starts in November. The crew must completely refurbish the car and prepare spares. The crew must prepare for more than 28 stops in the race while each driver will run more than 5 hours each and the first twenty-one hours must be error free in order to race the last three as a sprint race.

In past races at Daytona, most teams would sacrifice the infield in order to run low drag to assure being fast down the straights while keeping the braking excellent in order to pass. Trim the car out too much and the car can be difficult to drive - especially for 24 hours. The arrival of the GT3 specification has altered this tactic somewhat.

Top speed has not been one of our strengths relative to the competition. The car has always shown competitive lap times while being well balance throughout the fuel load and life of the tire. This means the car is easier to drive than others, a good strength to have for the 24 Hour.

[Rob]

Can see this year going to yet another good year of sportscar racing. Hope FIA/ACO can sort out all the BoP shambles from last year and the WEC GTE can race fair and even. Talking of that, still waiting to hear on 1 driver announcement in GTE Pro. Just hope he doesnt move :-(

Hope Toyota can carry on the performance we saw at the end of last year to take a good fight to Porsche, And in IMSA, with all new DPi cars, i can honestly say thats going to be an exciting series this year. Cannt wait for Daytona 24.

Im off to Silverstone again in April for WEC, this year im going to the Friday practice. Will do Facebook live thing from the AF pits on the friday.

[wisepie]

I will really try to get to grips with WEC and sportscar racing in general this year, so thanks for keeping us updated, Rob, and let's hope that the Ferrari teams can give us something to celebrate. Always best to have a plan B in case F1 lets us down....again!;-)

[Rob]

I will really try to get to grips with WEC and sportscar racing in general this year, so thanks for keeping us updated, Rob, and let's hope that the Ferrari teams can give us something to celebrate. Always best to have a plan B in case F1 lets us down....again!;-)

No problem Andy. If want ask question or anything else you always drop me a PM on FB any time mate.

[Rob]

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RISI COMPETIZIONE RETURN FOR THE 2017 IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE ROAR BEFORE THE 24

Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62: Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN), James Calado (ENG)
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Daytona Beach, Florida (January 5, 2017)...Risi Competizione kicks off the New Year at the Roar Before the 24, the pre-race test event for all Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona entrants, on January 6-8, 2017. The pairing of drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander return for the Rolex 24 and are joined by James Calado in the Ferrari 488 GTLM for the season's inaugural Daytona race. Off the back of an impressive win at last year's final event, Petit Le Mans, the three return to the team determined to collect the one global sports car victory that has eluded the Risi Competizione team.

Last year the team received delivery of its brand new Ferrari 488 just days prior to the 54th running of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and managed a sixth-place finish in the highly competitive GTLM class. This year the team start the year with a full season of successful racing behind them with the Ferrari 488 including a win, three podiums and seven top-five finishes.

Having run at IMSA's manufacturer's two-day test in December, the Risi team will be using the upcoming Roar Before the 24 to perfect their set up for the best performance and make sure they are well-prepared ahead of the twice-around-the-clock enduro at the end of the month.

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The No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 at the 2016 Rolex 24 at Daytona race event

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
What are your goals for the ROAR Before the 24?
"There is limited track time at the race event later this month. You never know what the weather will do for race week. We have the time to get Giancarlo and James comfortable with the car and back in 'race mode' after the break between Petit and the ROAR. Toni just completed the mandatory manufacturer's two-day test in December, so we don't need to run too many laps in the 14 hours of available track time. We'll try and put 'polish' on race related items; drivers' changes, radio communication, pit work, etc."

How does the competition look to stack up in the GTLM class this year in IMSA?
"Every car/manufacture will be fast and capable of winning the race.No team/car/manufacturer is trying to go fast from a fear of a balance of performance change against them. We really won't know the competitions true pace until a few hours into the race. We'll have to wait and see how the balance of performance is set for the race."

What's new for 2017?
"No changes to the proven seasoned Risi Competizione crew. No changes to the F488 GTLM car or car systems for Daytona. This is the same spec car we raced at Petit. There are no endurance concerns for any component. All the GTLM cars are running this year on the same spec of Michelin tires we finishing the year with, or what they chose at the Michelin test in October. This is a different spec of tire than we raced at Daytona with last year but the same spec tires we all tested on in last month's December test."

You'll have Toni, Giancarlo and James back together again for the Rolex 24. Their last race together was the victory at Petit. How strong do you think the pairing of the three drivers is for a difficult race like the Rolex 24?

"It has to be one of the best, if not the best, driver pairings in the field. They all know how to win long endurance races. They get along well on and off track; such a key component. They are all quick, focused, know the car and Daytona and work well in the Risi environment. You can't ask for more than that."

Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
Welcome back to Risi Competizione as you prepare for the Rolex 24 this week. What have you been doing since your victory at the season finale at Petit?
"After Petit, the last IMSA race of season, I raced at Vallelunga for the 6 Hours and we won. I also went to the last couple of F1 championship races. Since November until now I was a bit free. I did some training and went on holiday for the new year and Christmas to Zanzibar with my family, which was nice. I continue to do training, as usual, to keep fit. The season is starting soon with the Rolex 24 at Daytona the end of January. I'm looking forward to it and with Toni and James. I'm really looking forward to the same Risi Team. We had such a fantastic end of season last year so I would like to start again with another great result. We have a good crew and car and drivers so I'm very happy for this."

What are your goals for the Roar Test at Daytona this week?
"The goal is obviously to run a lot. We want to get lots of data, try to find the best set up for the race weekend, try some different materials, springs, develop the right downforce for the race, turn lots of laps, see the tire behavior, etc. for consistency, and generally prepare well for the race."

How well do you think you work with Toni and James and what are you hoping to achieve for the Rolex 24?
"It's been great with Toni all season together last year. Toni's a nice guy, a really professional driver. We developed a good friendship and he speaks good Italian. We did one race together with James together last year and we won -- at Petit Le Mans. He's really great driver. He had a fantastic race with us, with not one mistake. I'm looking forward to having him with us again for the Rolex 24 and maybe more."

How does the competition look to stack up in the GTLM class this year in IMSA?
"It will be very tough. Corvette is very strong, and Ford as well, and BMW. There is a new Porsche for 2017 and it will be good to see how it does. All the best manufacturers are in this category, so we will be fighting. It will be quite tough!"

Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
Welcome back to Risi Competizione as you prepare for the Rolex 24 this week. What have you been doing since your victory at the season finale at Petit?
"Not much. I have been relaxing with my family and training. We had the Ferrari World finals in Daytona and we did the IMSA test. It was good to have a little break. I'm ready to go now."

What are your goals for the Roar Test at Daytona this week?
"Just to be in the car again. We will do the test schedule planned by Rick and we go from there."

How well do you think you work with Giancarlo and James and what are you hoping to achieve for the Rolex 24?
"We have a very good driver line up. I would love to win this race and if we get a trouble-free run, everything is possible."

How does the competition look to stack up in the GTLM class this year in IMSA?
"GTLM is very tight and tough. There are strong race cars with best crews in the world. It will be difficult!"

James Calado, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
Welcome back to Risi Competizione. What were your thoughts when you were asked to join the Risi Competizione team again for the Rolex 24?
"Well firstly I would like to thank Risi Competizione and Ferrari for giving me the opportunity to come back and race for the second time. It's great to know the team have confidence in me after our great result in Road Atlanta. I am really looking forward to working with everyone again and of course we will be fighting for another win."

I believe last year was your first Rolex 24. What did you learn from then that you will take with you into the Test this weekend and into the race the end of the month?
"Last year's Rolex 24 was certainly an experience. Unfortunately, we retired with mechanical problems. It's an extremely long race and very demanding on the car. I learned that we need to preserve the car, the race really opens up towards the end and obviously we need the car in good condition to be able compete for a good result. I think the key is to stay out of trouble, maintain concentration and stay out of trouble."

How well do you think you work with Giancarlo and Toni?
"Both drivers have huge amounts of talent. Both on and off the track. We worked well together in Atlanta and they really helped me get up to speed. I will take their advice and experience on board and we will see how it goes. We have fairly similar feedback with regards to the car set up, so this helps a lot going forward."

What are your goals for the Roar Test at Daytona?
"The main goal is to check the car is running well and set up properly for the race itself. We will see where we need to improve compared to our competitors and see what we can do to maximize our performance ready for the race. We will play around with different set ups and see where we are by the end. I think it's important we maximize the time available and concentrate on some race running and getting used to managing the traffic as best as possible. We know last years' winners will be strong, so it will be interesting."

[Rob]

BREAKING NEWS: CLEARWATER AIMS FOR FIA WEC
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 2017
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We are pleased to announce that Clearwater Racing have made the decision to apply for a full season entry in the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship season, with the same team and drivers that are currently taking part in the 2016/2017 Asian Le Mans Series.

This means that Clearwater Racing, with a Ferrari 488 LM GTE, in the same livery as the current car, with drivers Mok Weng Sun, Keita Sawa and Matt Griffin, along with their Asian crew, supported by AF Corse, will hopefully be joining the FIA World Endurance Championship, competing in the GTE Am class. Clearwater Racing have already taken part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year, finishing fourth in class, having won a place thanks to their GT championship title in the 2015-2016 Asian Le Mans Series. After that first taste, it looks like the team are ready to take their next step.

This goes to show that the ACO’s goal with the Asian Le Mans Series, that it would be a platform for Asian teams to get onto the endurance racing ladder, is working and giving the teams that opportunity to compete at a higher level.

Clearwater Racing would be the first Southeast Asian team to take part in the FIA WEC for a full season. Eurasia, the team behind Wineurasia that also takes part in the Asian LMS, have competed in the European Le Mans Series.
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Cyrille Taesch Wahlen, Asian Le Mans Series Managing Director: “It’s great to see one of our teams taking the next step on the endurance racing ladder. It goes to show that the Asian Le Mans Series is doing what it set out to do, which is to give teams the opportunity to work their way up to competing in a World Championship. We will of course miss them in our paddock, but we wish them the best of luck with their endeavour.”

Mok Weng Sung, Clearwater Racing Team Principal: “We’ve been thinking about this for a while, but it’s a big commitment, financially as well as time wise. I’ve been waving back and forth on the idea, and then this weekend I just had a good chat with the team and said ‘Let’s go do it’. I was actually planning on retiring from racing after this season in the Asian Le Mans Series; I’ve been doing it for 11 years and I’ll be turning 50 next year, so I thought I’d wind it back. But the lure of being able to race in the premier GT championship in the World was just too much of a lure, and of course I want to go back to Le Mans, and so to have a guaranteed entry as well as the ability to race on the greatest circuits on the planet with top rated teams, I just said – Let’s go do it!”

[Rob]

Fassler Escapes Major Fire During Roar Before 24 Session
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#4 Corvette in major drama
Marcel Fassler was fortunate to escape unhurt after the #4 factory Corvette C7.R suffered a major fire on track during Sunday’s penultimate track session.

The Swiss driver was running at speed when the fire started coming into NASCAR Turn 2, Fassler able to pull the car onto the infield and rapidly decamp, shaken but uninjured.

Martin Spetz’s pictures taken as the heavily damaged Corvette was returned to the paddock show clearly that the major damage occurred around the front left corner, drivers side.

The session was red flagged as a result of the incident.

A statement issued later by Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S Vice President, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports:

During this morning’s practice session at Daytona, the No. 4 Corvette C7.R experienced an issue with a fuel line that allowed fuel to escape, contact a hot surface and ignite. The fire was quickly extinguished. The damage was limited to the engine compartment of the car.

The driver, Marcel Fässler, was taken to the infield care center as a precaution; he was evaluated, released and cleared to drive.

[Rob]

SCOTT DIXON PACES GTLM ON SECOND DAY OF ROAR

Multi-time IndyCar champ Scott Dixon, who races in that series for team owner Chip Ganassi, has been a part of Ganassi’s development of the Ford GT from the start. So it isn’t surprising that the open-wheel expert is just as impressive in a car with a roof. Dixon laid down a lap of 1:44.558 in the number 67 Ford GT in Saturday’s morning session, the quickest overall of anyone in GTLM.

“Yeah, it was good,” he said. “I think the whole program – especially with the mix of four cars here now – everybody’s been meshing quite well, trying to get through the test plan. Lap times are always funny, especially running here. It’s just maybe you’re in the right spot at the right time.”

After strong storms moved through Friday night and Saturday morning, temperatures dropped from the mid-70s Friday to the mid-40s Saturday afternoon. “Yesterday was a perfect day,” he said, but being able to run on a wet track, and in much cooler temperatures, is good preparation for what could happen in the Rolex 24.

“I think it’s good to have the opportunity to run the car in those options,” he said. “That’s a bonus of having a four-car team – you can really look into those options. But any weather condition, anytime you can be on the track, it’s a good time.”

JANI AT EASE ON HIGH BANKS: Before this week, Swiss driver Neel Jani, pilot of the Gibson-powered No. 13 Rebellion Racing ORECA LM P2 car, had never seen Daytona International Speedway, and had never driven the car he is racing.

But he went out Friday, the first of the three-day Roar Before the Rolex 24 pre-season practice session, and set the fastest overall time.

So we shouldn’t be surprised that Jani also was fastest in two of the three practice sessions on Saturday for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and he didn’t participate in that third session, which was run in the rain. In fact, only 32 of the 55 cars in attendance left the garage to run on the wet pavement. In that session, Ricky Taylor was quickest in the No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi that he is sharing with brother Jordan, Max Angelelli and four-time NASCAR champ Jeff Gordon.

Jani’s quickest time of the two days came in Saturday’s night practice, where the much cooler air resulted in a best lap of 1 minute, 38.944 seconds, making him the only driver to lap at under 1:39.

Even so, Jani isn’t ready to declare a sure victory in the Rolex 24. “To be honest, I’m not reading too much into it yet. We’ve just been focusing on getting to know the car – it’s completely new,” he said. “Working with the team’s engineers, we’ve made a lot of changes on the car. There’s still some room to improve, but that’s normal. But I don’t think everyone else is really showing what they can do. The main thing for us was working on reliability, and so far it’s great – knock on wood.”

Second-quickest in the night session was Nicolas Lapierre, with a lap of 1:39.461 in the DragonSpeed Oreca P2, followed by Tristan Nunez in the No. 55 Mazda DPi, with a lap of 1:39.612.

In the Prototype Challenge class, Kyle Masson had the best time in the night session with a lap of 1:43.119 in the No. 38 Performance Tech car. In GT Le Mans, Andy Priaulx was fastest in the No. 69 Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT with a lap of 1:44.785. And in GT Daytona, the class was led by the number 29 Audi R8 LMS GT3 with a lap of 1:47.723 by driver Christopher Mies.

Two more practice sessions are scheduled for Sunday. It’s the final chance teams to shake down their cars prior to the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 28 and 29.

CONTI CHALLENGE CARS TAKE TO THE TRACK: Twenty-one Grand Sport and 10 Street Tuner cars from the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge series are entered in the Roar, preparing for the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge season opener at Daytona on January 27, the official start to Speedweeks.

The size of the GS field suggests that recent rule changes regarding the cars that qualify for the class is a success, as entries include new McLarens, Aston Martins, Porsches and Ford Mustangs.

In the four sessions the Continental Tire Challenge cars have participated in so far, the fastest lap on the 3.56-mile track was a 1:56.125 set in the opening session by Charles Espenlaub in the No. 99 Automatic Racing Aston Martin Vantage. Sessions two and four were led by the number 15 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT4, which is the defending champion. Session three, run in the rain, was led by the No. 77 C360 McLaren GT4.

In Street Tuner, the fast lap also came in the first session, where Connor Bloum turned a best lap of 2:04.238 in the RS1 Porsche Cayman, which also led session four, with co-driver Nick Longhi Sessions two and three were led by the No. 56 Murillo Racing Porsche Cayman.

MAZDAS BOUNCE BACK: The two Mazda DPis may bear some resemblance to last year’s cars, but they are all new, and consequently are suffering some teething pains. Suspension and gearbox issues sidelined one of the cars on Friday, necessitating an overnight fix of one of the components for both Mazdas, as well as the No. 90 Visit Florida Racing Multimatic/Riley P2 car, which shares the same chassis.

But both Mazdas bounced back on Saturday, with the best showing coming in the fourth session when the No. 55 car, driven by Tristan Nunez, was the second-fastest car in the field, with a best lap of 1:39.157, right behind Neel Jani’s 139.017 in the same session.

In the night session, the No. 55 Mazda was third fastest, and the No. 70 team car was 10th quickest. The new car “is very different to drive,” said Tom Long, who drives the No. 70. “From the way it accelerates, to the way it brakes, it feels very different. It’s a lot of fun, especially at night here at Daytona.”

[Rob]

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REBELLION Racing Media Team

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REBELLION RACING UNVEIL FULL 2017 FIA WEC DRIVERS SQUAD
JULIEN CANAL AND DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON JOIN THE SWISS TEAM

REBELLION Racing is pleased to announce today its full 2017 driver line-up for the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours.

During December 2016, four of the REBELLION Racing drivers were already confirmed: Nicolas Prost, Mathias Beche, Nelson Piquet Jr and Bruno Senna.

Alongside this quartet, REBELLION Racing have selected Julien Canal and David Heinemeier Hansson to join the team. With the high level of competition in LMP2 in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours, the choice of the mandatory « Silver » categorised drivers is a strategic one.

Julien Canal has strong experience in the FIA WEC and at Le Mans 24 Hours with already having made seven starts and the famous endurance race. Julien won the GTE-AM World title in 2012 (Corvette), he won the FIA WEC LMP2 World championship in 2015, and was runner-up in 2014. At Le Mans 24 Hours, Julien has won three times in GT classes (GT1 and GTE) and secured a podium finish in LMP2 in 2015.

David Heinemeier Hansson has also been a regular of the FIA WEC for the last four years. David finished the 2013 FIA WEC in second place of the LMP2 drivers classification, he won the GTE-AM Championship with Aston Martin in 2014 and finished runner-up in 2016 in the GTE-AM class with Porsche. At Le Mans 24 Hours, David won the GTE-AM class in 2014 with Aston Martin. He secured a second place finish in LMP2 in 2013 and an additional podium in GTE-AM in 2016 with Porsche.

REBELLION Racing will ask the FIA WEC to run with race car numbers 13 and 31 for the 2017 season. Mathias Beche, Nelson Piquet Jr and David Heinemeier Hansson will compete together in car #13 and in car #31, Nicolas Prost, Bruno Senna and Julien Canal will share driving duties.

Julien Canal : "REBELLION Racing is a leading team and as soon as they announced their LMP2 program I contacted them. In addition, I know many drivers in the team who are also my friends and I had for several years positive feedback on the value of the team. After winning the FIA WEC LMP2 in 2015, my desire to return to this championship was very high and I wanted to come back with a strong team, a team with the will to win and positive vibe. I cannot wait to drive the new Oreca “07” LMP2 car. I know Bruno Senna, we get on very well, and with Nico our friendly relationship goes back for many years, I'm looking forward to sharing this car with them both. A great 2017 season awaits us !”

David Heinemeier Hansson : "I'm thrilled to be part of REBELLION Racing's new focus on LMP2. Since I started racing at a top level, REBELLION Racing has stood at the pinnacle of the privateer tradition with pace, style, and a determination to see things through.
I couldn't wish for a better team to begin my fifth full season in the FIA WEC and my sixth crack at the 24 hours of Le Mans. The competition is tougher than ever in LMP2, the cars are more exciting than ever, and together we will be ready as a team."

Bart Hayden, REBELLION Racing Team Manager: “We are looking forward to a great season of racing in 2017 in the FIA World Endurance Championship and in June we hope to have another strong showing at Le Mans. We are fortunate to benefit from a talented and experienced pool of drivers again this year. I’m convinced that they will all do a great job and work well together.”

[Rob]

New Year, New Regulations for LMP2
ELMS

2017 is the year the new LMP2 regulations come into effect with teams now being able to choose to run a car from four chassis manufacturers, all powered by a single engine supplier which offers a significant increase in performance while at the same time reducing the running costs.

The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) is defined as a closed racing car, destined only to teams independent from chassis constructors and the engine supplier. The new regulations aim to ensure long-term success for the category with a reduction in costs and the guarantee of stability in the regulations.

The four constructors who will supply chassis for the cars that will compete in the LMP2 category are: Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca and the joint-venture Riley Tech/Multimatic.

In the European Le Mans Series, FIA World Endurance Championship and Asian Le Mans Series all LMP2 cars will be equipped with Gibson Technology engines. The 4-litre V8 engine, which was unveiled at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, delivers around 600bhp, an increase of approximately 100bhp on engines run in 2016. In addition to the power increase, teams will be able to reduce their engine costs, taking advantage of all the services linked to running an engine without significant extra charges - such as technical service and presence at the track.

Cosworth Electronics will be the single electronics supplier. The unique Cosworth electronic unit will also provide a more efficient level of service (equipment, etc.), while enabling the performance of the engines run in the ELMS, FIAWEC and Asian LMS and in the American series to be managed.

The weight and dimensions of the 2017 LMP2 cars have changed from the closed cockpit cars run previously with the maximum measurements of the new cars being longer, narrower, slightly taller and 30kg heavier.

The new 2017 LMP2 cars will first race in Europe at the opening round of the European Le Mans Series on Saturday 15 April 2017 at Silverstone in the UK. The public will be able to see the new cars on track during The Prologue, the official pre-season test for ELMS (28/29 March) and the FIA WEC (1/2 April) at Monza in Italy.

[jgonzalesm6]

Thanks Rob on the updates.....nice to see an entry in the LMP1(Ginetta) class at 24 Heurs of Le Mans while Audi pulls out. I am sure they(Ginetta) will have its first couple of years of hick-ups and speed bumps.

[Rob]

LM GTE Pro at Le Mans 2012-2016 (1) - Drivers and achievements The 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans press conference will be held on Thursday 2 February. In the meantime, let’s look back at the winners in the LM GTE Pro class since the World Endurance Championship was introduced in 2012.
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Exclusively composed of factory teams, the LM GTE Pro class boasts top notch competitors including some of the world's leading GT experts as well as former F1 drivers (Giancarlo Fisichella, Sébastien Bourdais), and one two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner named Romain Dumas.

- Twelve drivers representing seven nations have won in the LM GTE Pro class since 2012: Italy (Gianmaria Bruni and Giancarlo Fisichella in 2012 and 2014), Finland (Toni Vilander in 2012 and 2014), Germany (Marc Lieb in 2013, Dirk Müller in 2016), France (Romain Dumas in 2013, Sébastien Bourdais in 2016), Austria (Richard Lietz in 2013), Great Britain (Oliver Gavin in 2015) and the U.S. (Tommy Milner and Jordan Taylor in 2015, Joey Hand in 2016).

- Gianmaria Bruni, Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander are the only driver line-up to win twice in the LM GTE Pro class (2012 and 2014) since the creation of the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

- In 2014, Gianmaria Bruni also won the FIA World Endurance Championship GT Drivers Cup, which he had already won in 2013, along with Toni Vilander.

- Winner in LM GTE Pro at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans, Richard Lietz also won the FIA World Endurance Championship GT Drivers Cup, in 2015.

- LM GTE Pro winner in 2013, French driver Romain Dumas has two overall victories (in 2010 with Audi and 2016 with Porsche), including a new distance record in 2010 shared with Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller, his teammates at the time. He also became the 2016 World Endurance Drivers Champion.

- Among other exploits, Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans together in two different classes: LM GTE Pro in 2013 (with Richard Lietz) and overall in LM P1 in 2016 (with Neel Jani).

[Rob]

Thanks Rob on the updates.....nice to see an entry in the LMP1(Ginetta) class at 24 Heurs of Le Mans while Audi pulls out. I am sure they(Ginetta) will have its first couple of years of hick-ups and speed bumps.

Be good to see them in 2018. Need more manufacturers.

[Rob]

In two weeks’ time the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship full season entry list will be revealed in an online conference live from Le Mans on Thursday 2nd February at 4:00 pm CET

[Rob]

TEQUILA PATRÓN ESM DEBUTS 2017 LIVERIES FOR NISSAN ONROAK DPI MACHINES
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Seven years ago, Tequila Patrón ESM arrived on the sports car racing scene in the American Le Mans Series, boasting its bold green and black liveries. Since 2010, the Florida based team has claimed victory nine times, earning an additional twenty podiums in professional competition. Today, Tequila Patrón ESM has returned to full-time competition in the United States, entering two Nissan Onroak DPis in the Prototype class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The 2017 race season begins this week at Daytona International Speedway for the 55th annual Rolex 24 at Daytona, where Tequila Patrón ESM will debut its new liveries for the two machines. Both cars will be donned in a striking black, lime green, and chrome livery, complete with the Tequila Patrón bottles, representing the eight year partnership between the premium tequila brand and Extreme Speed Motorsports. The bold green and chrome lines start at the nose of the Nissan machines, dynamically flowing with each piece of bodywork. Below the No. 2 and No. 22 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship number plates on each nose, sits a bottle of Patrón Silver, one of the brand’s most popular spirits. The rear of the cockpits are adorned with a bottle of Patrón Silver on each side, followed by the Patrón logo on the fin, and the notable bee on the end plates.

“We are especially excited to welcome Tequila Patrón back to ESM for our eighth season together and celebrate this with an exciting, new livery to kick off the DPi program,” said team principal and driver Scott Sharp. “As electric as the cars can be visually, we are working overtime to equal that in speed.”

“We're so excited to be back in the United States racing,” said Ed Brown, President and CEO of the Patrón Spirits Company, and driver of the No. 22 car. “The new DPI cars are amazing. Our livery is amazing on our new Ligier Nissan NISMO can't wait for all our fans to see our cars!”

The team took delivery of the first car shortly before Christmas 2016, immediately traveling to Sebring International Raceway for a two day test with full time drivers Scott Sharp, Ed Brown, Ryan Dalziel, and Johannes van Overbeek. Following delivery of the second car a week later, the team packed up the transporters and kicked off the New Year with the first official test of the season, the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway. While the team received their cars later than other competitors running DPi machines, they were not to be deterred, efficiently using every minute available to their advantage. From there, the team journeyed to Sebring International Raceway to conduct a third test in preparation for the approaching race season.

“As expected with any new car program, we’ve been working our way through the usual teething issues,” said Sharp. “Our complete team—ESM, Onroak, and Nissan-NISMO—have put forth a gallant effort to cure all of these and properly prepare both cars for a grueling 24 Hours of Daytona. We know we’re lacking in test time and miles to our competitors, but we’re excited about the potential of our package in the future!”

The pressure is on for the Rolex 24 Hours to Daytona, where last year Tequila Patrón ESM performed flawlessly to capture its first 24 hour victory. The longest race on the IMSA schedule, the 24 Hours demands the top levels of endurance from man and machine, making the event a true team effort from every crew member involved. Scott Sharp, Ryan Dalziel, and Pipo Derani will pilot the No. 2 car, with Ed Brown, Johannes van Overbeek, Bruno Senna, and Brendon Hartley fielding the No. 22 entry. The first on track sessions begin Thursday, January 26, and the competitors will take the green flag Saturday, January, 28th at 2:30PM Eastern. For more information, visit imsa.com.

[Rob]

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2017 Le Mans 24 Hours - 14 teams invited With just 10 days to go to the announcement of the complete list of teams selected for the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours on 17-18 June, 14 teams have already won an invitation to participate in qualifying for the 2017 Sarthe Classic. These have been awarded taking into account the results of the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours, European Le Mans Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Asian Le Mans Series, the last round of which took place this Sunday, and the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup.
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2017 Le Mans 24 Hours - 14 teams invited

One invitation for:

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

Signatech Alpine: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM P2 category. Invitation in LM P2.

Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM GTE Pro category. Invitation in LM GTE Pro.

Scuderia Corsa: victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LM GTE category. Invitation in LM GTE Am.

G Drive Racing: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the LM P2 category. Invitation in LM P2.

Aston Martin Racing: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the LM GTE category. Invitation in LM GTE Pro or Am.

JMW Motorsport: 2nd in the European Le Mans Series in the LM GTE category. Invitation in LM GTE Pro or Am.

United Autosports: victory in the European Le Mans Series in the LM P3 category. Invitation in LM P2.

Keating Motorsports: designated by IMSA for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Invitation in LM P2.

Scuderia Corsa: designated by IMSA for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Invitation in LM GTE Am.

Algarve Pro Racing: victory in the Asian Le Mans Series in the LM P2 category. Invitation in LM P2.

DH Racing: victory in the Asian Le Mans Series in the GT category. Invitation in LM GTE Pro or Am.

Tockwith Motorsports: victory in the Asian Le Mans Series in the LM P3 category. Invitation in LM P2 or LM GTE Am.

TF Sport: victory in the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup. Invitation in LM GTE Am

Each invitation will be confirmed only if the car in question is entered in one of the following three championships in 2017: Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

This list represents the possible entry of 14 cars out of the 60 places available on the grid on Saturday 17th June at 15h00.

The entries for the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours, FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and European Le Mans Series have been open since Friday 16th December. The closing date is tomorrow Tuesday 24th January.

The complete lists will be announced live from Le Mans on Thursday 2nd February at 16:00 in exclusivity on the internet in a totally new innovative format. As of now the media and surfers can pose questions via the social networks using the hashtag #Endurance2017.

Rendezvous on our internet sites and social networks on 2nd February!

[Rob]

I think 2rd of Feb, we will hear publicly and officially where Gimmi will be driving this year. Been alot of chat and rumours of him leaving to join Porsche. I have been told some information about the situation and Gimmis future already, and Im been sworn to secrecy.

[Rob]

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RISI COMPETIZIONE SEEKS TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS FOR 55TH ANNUAL ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62: Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN), James Calado (ENG)
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(Houston, Texas, January 24, 2017)...The Risi Competizione Ferrari GTLM team bring their 2016 Petit Le Mans winning driver line-up to Daytona for the 55th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 28-29, 2017, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The outstanding trio of Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy), Toni Vilander (Finland), and James Calado (Great Britain) will drive the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM in the inaugural race of the 2017 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series.

As 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of Ferrari, Risi Competizione hopes to start the year with a strong victory in one of the most challenging races of the season. A victory at Petit Le Mans and second-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year proved the small independent team out of Houston, Texas could hold its own in the toughest endurances races in the world against the GT Le Mans class factory teams of Ford, Corvette, BMW and Porsche.

At last year's Rolex 24 Risi Competizione had just taken delivery from Michelotto of their Ferrari 488 just days before the 24-hour race. Their debut of their new twin-turbo 488 produced a strong sixth-place finish despite damage to the diffuser and being down on power for the final six hours of the race. This year will be Risi Competizione's 14th time to enter the Rolex 24 twice-around-the-clock race with their best finishes in second place (1999 and 2003).

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Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
Were you able to achieve all you set out to complete during test days at Roar Before the 24? "I think we did for the most part. The weather wasn't ideal but we also attended the mandatory manufacturer's test for Ferrari in December where we did the majority of the setup work. It was good to get all three drivers through the car and start working on fine tuning and ergonomic items. During race week, there isn't much testing time to do much and you can't control the weather. The Roar is really your last chance to change anything significant."

Do you feel you have your setup well sorted going in to the week or do you still have some work to do this week before race start?
"We mainly just have small items to work on. The crew completely stripped the car after the Roar, changed the engine and completely rebuilt the car to be race ready. All the parts are very consistent for this car (part for part), but there's always a small difference build to build. The track is always evolving as well, but I think we're close to where we want to race."

What are you most looking forward to about this first race of the race season...and a 24-hour one?
"For me personally, the best part about the 24 Hours of Daytona is when it's over! It's a gruelling race for everyone. People who know me well know 24-hour races are not at the top of my 'fun to do' list. There are huge challenges on many fronts; mental, physical and machinery. It takes a specific mindset and approach to 24-hour races that's much different than races that are 12 hours and shorter."

The GTLM class is always a challenging class. How are things shaping up for the Rolex 24 competition this year?
"Every manufacturer ran competitively at the Roar, but certainly all have a bit in their pocket. For sure some more than others, whether that's 2% or 10%, we might not know until noon on Sunday starting the final stints. I think we have a meticulously prepared and competitive car, a great driver line-up, and a very seasoned and experienced crew/team."

At last year's 24 Hours of Le Mans it was a Ferrari vs. Ford battle. Do you see more of the same at Daytona this weekend?
"Any of the 11 GTLMs can win this race. We hope to be in the mix for a win with the Risi Ferrari. Historically Risi Competizione has been very strong in 10, 12 and 24 hour races. We don't expect that to change. Ford has four cars, with Ferrari having one. Statistically Ford would have an advantage but we'll see where we are come Sunday morning in race. A lot can happen in 24 hours, and a lot you can't control."

This is the same compound tire you raced with later last year but not at Daytona. How do you think these Michelin tires will be for this year's Rolex 24 race?
"The current spec of Michelin tires started at Laguna last year. We feel the current Michelin tires suit our car a bit better than the options at last year's Daytona. It's the same for all GTLMs as we're all on Michelin's, each manufacturer has tested and picked their tire options for the season. From our two tests at Daytona I think we are in good shape and happy with what we have."

You've chosen to use three drivers instead of four. Do you think this will help or could it maybe be more of a challenge at the Rolex 24 when most other teams are using four drivers? "Most of our GTLM competitors have selected three driver line-ups. All three of our drivers get on so well together. They really are a coherent group; that's rare and we're very lucky. Le Mans is always a maximum of three drivers and all our drivers are used to this format. It requires a certain mind set and discipline to pace yourself (driver and crew). All three drivers have won major endurance races and all know what it takes. We're very happy with the driver line-up we have."

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(L-R) Risi Competizione Drivers: James Calado, Toni Vilander, and Giancarlo Fisichella

Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
The Rolex 24 At Daytona is the most prominent race in this series. What expectations do you have going into the event?
"I would love to win this race. It is a tough one with traffic and it takes a lot of patience to get through the night. We have very strong line-up and the team has one full season with the 488 so on paper everything looks good."

What are your favorite things about the Daytona race and the race circuit? Do you like driving on the banking?
"It is a different kind of race track and a lot of the lap is on full throttle. You need to have a fast car on the long straights; the banking is quite easy flat but it always takes some extra concentration."

The Risi Competizione team has won Le Mans, Sebring and Petit but never Daytona. How special would it be to bring a victory home for Mr. Risi as you nearly did at Le Mans and you did at Petit last year?
"It would be really special for all of us, to everyone at Risi, Ferrari and Michelotto."

You and Giancarlo have won several 24-hour races together. What makes a good teammate in endurance racing?
"A consistent, not selfish; adapt quickly to changing situations; calm and team work type of driver."

This is the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. What makes the Ferrari brand so special and loved by so many people and Tifosi around the world?
"History, passion for racing, great drivers and great battles for the titles. The heart of Ferrari is about racing."

After running the Roar Test earlier this month, what new things did you learn to help in either the set up or your personal race craft for this year's race?
"We did less laps but more quality. We went through the whole test program Rick had made for us. Small changes on the set-up were made but nothing radical. Let's see when the race starts and everyone is on the top of their game."

Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
This is the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. 2017 is your ninth year as a Ferrari factory driver. What makes the Ferrari brand so special and revered around the world by so many Tifosi?
"It's great. The Ferrari brand one of the most important brands in the world. It's nice to celebrate Ferrari's long history this year and to start the season at Daytona. We had a new Ferrari 488 last year and we're back with the same car and hope to have a great result."

You obviously know how to win long endurance races. Does any special preparation go into an event like this?
"Team work obviously is the most important factor...good crew work. We all together need to build a reliable car. All the crew needs to be fit and ready for the race, for the pit stops. All the drivers must be physically and mentally ready and have a good relationship each other. You have to find the right set up to suit all three drivers. It's very difficult preparation mentally and physically. It's nice to start the first race with the Daytona 24 Hours. I think we have a good, reliable car. On the last day of the Roar Test we found a good setup. Hopefully the BoP (Balance of Performance) is good. We will try to fight and get on the podium, or better yet, win the race."

You and Toni have won several 24-hour races together. What makes a good teammate in endurance racing?
"Good teammates are very important. It's important to find a good relationship and friendship with your teammates. I'm very happy to work with Toni again this year and with James for Daytona. In the last race at Petit last year was the first time we raced together but we found a good friendship and we won the race! For a first race as teammates that is a fantastic result. We hope to continue like that. I'm really looking forward to it."

The Risi Competizione team has won Le Mans, Sebring and Petit but never Daytona. How special would it be to bring a victory home for Mr. Risi as you nearly did at Le Mans and you did at Petit last year?
"Yes, it's a difficult race and we will try to score a good result. I've never had a good result at Daytona before either. We really want to start the season with a good result. To win the race means a lot for the team, the drivers and the start of season. Apart from that there is the Rolex watch!"

This is the same compound tire you raced with later last year but not at Daytona. How do you think these Michelin tires will be for this year's Rolex 24 race?
"We are quite happy with the Michelin tires. Last year we switched the tire compound in the middle of the season and it was much better for us. Even in the recent January test at the Roar we felt a better car balance and the tires were working much better than last year at Daytona. We are quite happy to work with the new compound again this year and at Daytona for the 24-hour race."

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James Calado, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
You have competed in many endurance races around the world. What makes Daytona special?
"Mainly the atmosphere is what's special; Daytona has a great turn out of fans. The track itself is quick and it's difficult to judge the braking points."

How do you physically prepare for a 24-hour race?
"I have been testing a lot recently and just back from Abu Dhabi. Track time is the best preparation but I have also done some work on the bike and in the gym. In the lead to the race I'll eat a bit more as I will burn a lot of energy throughout the week.

Racing on the oval banking of a NASCAR track is a bit different that most of your experience back in Europe. Tell us what that's like for you?
"It's good but the novelty wears off after a while. Most of the fun comes from the infield, especially when you need to push. I'm sure it would be great in a NASCAR car where you really need to be brave. For us it's easily full throttle, even in the rain."

Toni and Giancarlo have been teammates for many, many races. How do fit in when it's a pair of drivers so in synch?
"Very well. We all have similar feedback about the car set up. It's a relaxed atmosphere and this is what you need for a 24-hour race."

This is the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. What makes the Ferrari brand so special and loved by so many people and Tifosi around the world?
"To represent Ferrari is a dream come true. Since I was small I always wanted to drive a Ferrari and to get to do this as my job, I can't complain. Let's hope we can start the year off with a win."

Tune-In Information:
Qualifying for the 55th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, Thursday, Jan. 26 can be viewed from 3:00 p.m.-4:40 p.m. on IMSA.TV.

[Rob]

FORD, FERRARI TAKE GT CLASS POLES FOR ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA THANKS TO HAND, PIER GUIDI

The world debut of the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT race car came at the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona, but it was a race Ford would rather forget, as both cars suffered from mechanical issues that ruined their chances for a solid finish.

Of course, the team made up for that with a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the 50th anniversary of the race victory of the original Ford GT, and put together a solid 2016 season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

For the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona, Ford and Ganassi are serious about winning. How serious? Not only did they bring the two U.S.-based cars – the Le Mans-winning No. 66, and the team car, No. 67 – they brought the two Europe-based Ford GTs, No. 68 and No. 69.

And it appears they are ready for the challenge, qualifying first, second, third and sixth in the 11-car field Thursday afternoon.

On the pole was the No. 66 driven by Joey Hand, one of the drivers who won at Le Mans. “We feel like we’re more prepared this year,” he said. And how does he feel about the fact that his central competition may be his three teammates? “Well,” he said, “you just want to be the fastest bullet in the gun!” Hand’s best lap was 1:43.473 seconds, just ahead of Richard Westbrook’s 1:43.704 in the No. 67. Third was Olivier Pla in the No. 68, whose best lap was 1:43.987. Pla’s best lap was on the fourth tour around the circuit, which was lucky, as he later spun off the track and sat in the grass for most of the session.

Fourth was the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE, with a lap of 1:44.121 by Toni Vilander. He said he well realizes the challenge the Ford contingent presents, but says, “We have a strong lineup of drivers, and we’re looking forward to the race. We won Petit Le Mans last year,” referring to the WeatherTech Championship 10-hour season finale at Road Atlanta, “And everything we have is the same or better. We’re the lonely riders – the only Ferrari in the class.”

The GT Le Mans class is mechanically much the same as it was in 2016, with one major exception. The No. 911 and No. 912 Porsche 911 RSRs run by the Porsche GT Team are all-new, with the most significant change being a shift from the traditional 911 rear-engine configuration to more of a mid-engine layout.

The rest of the cars – the Ford GT, Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, BMW M6 GTLM and the Ferrari 488 GTE are expected to benefit from having at least a year of competition behind them.

The Porsches were quick, but not quick enough: Patrick Pilet was fifth in the No. 911 car, and Kevin Estre was eighth in class in the No. 912.

In GT Daytona, it was Ferrari, Ferrari and Aston Martin. The front row in the class will be the No. 51 Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GT3, courtesy of Alessandro Pier Guidi, whose best lap was 1:47.099. “Ferrari and the team did a great job for me,” Pier Guidi. “I’m here for them.” He was not able to make pre-season testing at Daytona, so the pole win was impressive.

Close behind – very close, in fact – was the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 driven by Alessandro Balzan who, with co-driver Christina Nielsen, won the 2016 WeatherTech Championship season GTD title. The veteran Balzan’s best lap was 1:47.117, which he set in a Hail-Mary last lap that nearly earned him the top spot. “Scuderia Corsa gave me a really good car for qualifying, Balzan said. “There’s a good energy here for the team.”

Third was the No. 98 Aston Martin Racing Vantage, driven by Marco Sorensen to a lap of 1:47.734. His Aston Martin was followed by the No. 59 Porsche 911 GT3 R driven by Matteo Cairoli, the No. 11 Lamborghini Huracán of Christian Engelhart, and the No. 29 Audi R8 LMS GT3 piloted by Connor De Phillippi.

The new Michael Shank Racing Acura NSXs were seventh and ninth. The similarly new 3GT Racing Lexus RCFGT3s were 13th and 20th. And the three Mercedes AMG GT3s – while not an all-new car, are new to the GT Daytona class – were 18th, 19th and 24th in the field of 27 entries.

[Rob]

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[Rob]

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RISI COMPETIZIONE QUALIFIES ON SECOND ROW FOR ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62: Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN), James Calado (ENG)

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(Houston, Texas, January 26, 2017)...Toni Vilander qualified the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari GTLM on the second row, in fourth position on the grid, for the 55th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 28-29, 2017, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

His best lap time of 1:44.121, at an average speed of 123 mph, was achieved on his sixth lap of the 15-minute qualifying session for just GT Le Mans (GTLM) class cars. The Risi Ferrari will start 18th overall with the combined 55-car field of four classes (Daytona Prototype, Prototype Challenge, GT Le Mans (GTLM) and GT Daytona (GTD)

The Risi Comp driver lineup includes fellow Ferrari factory drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and James Calado for the first race of the 2017 International Motor Sport Association (IMSA) season during the 70th anniversary year of Ferrari.


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Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"Obviously it's good to have one full season of working with the car with the whole team. It feels like a really small transition from the end of last year to coming to the opening race of 2017. We did some testing prior to the race, the mid-December test, and we did the Roar (Test). I spent quite a lot of time in the car. But it's difficult here, the track condition changes a little bit each time. The session before qualifying I felt a little bit more confidence in the car. In qualifying the balance changed a little bit so we will do a little setup work, with the engineer, as it is all part of preparing for the race. We are quite happy with P4. We will keep analysing the data. We see what we could have done differently. We'll give more track time to Giancarlo and James in the night session, and we can see how the car is handling with a little bit cooler conditions, and tomorrow we have another session, and then we are ready for the race."

Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"This morning I did just three laps so I can't say a lot about the car. We are fourth on the grid, which is not bad. The car looks competitive. Ford looks a little bit too strong maybe with three Fords in front of us. Obviously, we tried to do our best and we're fourth, but we also qualified on our race setup. We will try to improve the car a little bit more for the next two sessions and just keep the car on the ground for the race and go to the end of the race."

James Calado, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"It's the first qualifying of the year so it's not too bad to be starting P4. The balance of the car changed a little bit during qualifying compared to this morning, so we need to investigate that now and see what we can do to improve the car for the race. Ford seems to be quite strong so it gives us a challenge. Giancarlo and I will get a few more laps under our belt and then see where we are. You know, it's not a bad place to start and it's a long race so the key thing is just to make sure the car finishes and keep the car in one piece to fight for the end."

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
"Fourth is about where we thought we'd qualify. The balance changed a little bit between sessions unfortunately, but we have what we have and I think we have a good race car. We didn't make any qualifying adjustments or changes so we basically have our race setup. We're quite happy with that and we'll continue, maybe make a couple small tweaks in night practice and be ready for the race on Saturday."


Risi Competizione qualifying driver Toni Vilander

Practice session on Friday, January 29 runs from 10:00 a.m. EST for one hour. The race starts Saturday, January 28 at 2:30 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:
Qualifying for the 55th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, Thursday, Jan. 26 can be viewed from 3:00 p.m.-4:40 p.m. on IMSA.TV.

In the U.S., watch the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on FOX Network then from 5:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. and overnight from 11:00 p.m. -12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29 on FOX Sports 2. Final hours of the race can be viewed from 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 1. (All times Eastern.) The Rolex 24 At Daytona is also available on the FOX Sports GO mobile app and IMSA.TV.

[Rob]

CADILLAC DPI-V.RS SWEEP FRONT ROW FOR ROLEX 24 AS BARBOSA TAKES POLE

Despite a test in December followed by the Roar Before the Rolex 24 after the New Year, it wasn’t clear who would be fastest in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s premier class, Prototype (P), when they hit the track this weekend.

Sometimes teams and drivers are reluctant to show their hand too early, a game of motorsports poker that is especially telling in this case. For the first time in WeatherTech Championship history, the P-class cars are all-new for 2017. And they finally showed what they are capable of Thursday afternoon in qualifying for the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race that will be broadcast on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday.

In those pre-season practice days, the No. 13 Rebellion ORECA was consistently the quickest, but in qualifying, driver Neel Jani was only able to run the third-quickest lap.

The quickest two cars? The two-car team formerly known as Action Express Racing, which won the WeatherTech Championship Prototype title all three years since the series was formed, gave the new Cadillac V-8 engine the front row in its first time out. On the pole was the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPI-V.R driven by Joao Barbosa with a blistering lap of 1:36.903.

Right behind Barbosa was Dane Cameron, driver of the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac, just 0.070 seconds back. And third was the Rebellion car, thanks to Jani’s best lap of 1:37.123. Fourth was the No. 10 Konica Minolta Cadillac of Ricky Taylor, who had the fastest car for most of the qualifying session before pitting before time ran out. NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon will serve as a co-driver on the No. 10.

Barbosa, who hasn’t qualified on a WeatherTech Championship pole since 2014, was a bit surprised. “We generally race better than we qualify,” he said, which could be a cautionary warning to the rest of the field. “This is going to be a tremendous race with the new Prototypes.”

There are 12 cars in the Prototype field – there were 11 qualifiers, as the very fast No. 81 DragonSpeed ORECA uncharacteristically crashed in practice earlier in the day with Loic Duval behind the wheel, and couldn’t be fixed by qualifying.

The Prototype Challenge (PC) class is making its final appearance at the Rolex 24 before it is discontinued at the end of the season.

James French was fastest in the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA FLM09, with a lap of 1:42.559. Second was veteran Johnny Mowlem in the No. 26 BAR1 entry with a best lap of 1:43.396, snapping Mowlem’s Rolex 24 pole-winning streak at two consecutive races. Third was 1994 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice with a lap of 1:43.515 in the second BAR1 car.

[Rob]

Full on Racing in LMGTE

In 2016 the LMGTE class in the European Le Mans Series provided some of the most exciting racing, with the drama not ending until the final chequered flag in Portugal. While the Le Mans Prototypes are built for the race track, the LMGTE category are for cars that are based on road cars and with cars from aspirational brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin and Porsche, these are cars the fans can easily identify with.

While there are two LMGTE classes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am, the cars that run in the ELMS are run to LMGTE Am rules.

The official definition from the regulations are - The "Le Mans" Grand Touring Endurance car ("LM" GTE) is a car having an aptitude for sport with 2 doors, 2 or 2+2 seats, opened or closed, which can be used perfectly legally on the open road and available for sale thanks to the dealer network of a manufacturer recognised by the Endurance Committee.

In this group only cars having 1 year old or fully in compliance with the specifications of the previous year car - unless specified in these regulations - will be admitted. This means that the cars that ran in the LMGTE Pro class in 2016 will be eligible to be entered for the 2017 ELMS.

Manufacturers must be able to show that they produce a minimum number of road cars (100) to be in compliance with the homologation (25 for “small manufacturers”). The engine must also be based on a road going unit that has a production minimum of 300 units.

Other global specifications covered in the regulations are:

Overall length: 480cm
The minimum weight is 1245 kg.
The maximum amount of fuel is 90 litres maximum on board whatever the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
The gearbox must have a maximum of 6 forward ratios and one reverse gear.
Dunlop has been designated as the only tyre supplier for this category. Two specifications of tyres for a dry track (slicks), one intermediate tyres specification and one specification of wet-weather tyres are allowed for each model of car for each event of the 2017 ELMS season.

There are no limits on the number of tyres.

At the end of the season the LMGTE Champions and Vice Champions will be invited to the 2018 24 Heures du Mans. However, the Selection committee will confirm the 24 Heures du Mans invitations only to the competitors who took part in all the 2017 ELMS events.

The first opportunity to see the cars on track will be during The Prologue, the official pre-season test, at Monza on the 28/29 March 2017.

[Rob]

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TOYOTA GAZOO RACING CONFIRMS 2017 WEC PLANS
Thursday 2 February 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing can confirm an expanded driver line-up for the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) as part of its three-car entry in selected races.

To demonstrate its commitment to endurance racing, and to enhance its chances of victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours, TOYOTA will enter three TS050 HYBRIDs in the races at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans.

José María López joins for 2017 and will compete alongside WEC race winners Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi. José María, 33, competed in GP2 before moving to the World Touring Car Championship where he won the last three titles.

The 2014 drivers’ World Champions Sébastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson will again team up with Kazuki Nakajima, the only Japanese driver to earn pole position at Le Mans, to compete together for a full season in the other TS050 HYBRID.

Stéphane Sarrazin, part of the TOYOTA WEC team from the start of the project in 2012, retains a significant role and will bring the benefit of his experience to the team’s third car entry as lead driver. The team is still assessing its options for his two team-mates, with a decision expected soon.

Race numbers for the forthcoming season will be announced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), along with all confirmed Le Mans and WEC entries, on 2 February at 4pm French time.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will present its 2017 team, including an updated TS050 HYBRID, on 31 March at Monza, prior to the two-day official test for all WEC participants at the Italian circuit.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “I believe this is an exciting time for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in endurance racing. Entering three cars for Spa and Le Mans represents a new challenge for our team. We are working hard to be prepared and we are inspired to win. I would like to welcome José María to our team; I am confident he will fit in well as he is quick, intelligent and a strong team player. Our existing drivers have already proven their abilities in endurance racing; all are race winners and we are very happy to work together again.”

José María López: “It’s great to be part of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. This is a dream come true for me and I can't wait to get to the first race. Mike and Kamui are both great team-mates; I will learn plenty from them I am sure. Driving an LMP1 car is very different compared to WTCC cars but I am enjoying this challenge. The power and grip of the TS050 HYBRID is incredible and TOYOTA’s hybrid technology is impressive. I am looking forward to my first experience of WEC and particularly Le Mans which is a very special race.”

Driver Profiles

Sébastien Buemi
Born 31 October 1988, Aigle, Switzerland
Le Mans debut 2012
Le Mans starts 5
Le Mans best result 2nd (2013)
WEC starts 34
WEC wins 5
WEC best season 1st (2014)

Anthony Davidson
Born 18 April 1979, Hemel Hempstead, Great Britain
Le Mans debut 2003
Le Mans starts 9
Le Mans best result 2nd (2013)
WEC starts 33
WEC wins 5
WEC best season 1st (2014)

Kazuki Nakajima
Born 11 January 1985, Okazaki, Japan
Le Mans debut 2012
Le Mans starts 5
Le Mans best result 4th (2013)
WEC starts 28
WEC wins 2
WEC best season 7th (2015)

Mike Conway
Born 19 August 1983, Sevenoaks, Great Britain
Le Mans debut 2013
Le Mans starts 3
Le Mans best result 2nd (2016)
WEC starts 28
WEC wins 2
WEC best season 3rd (2016)

Kamui Kobayashi
Born 13 September 1986, Hyogo, Japan
Le Mans debut 2013
Le Mans starts 2
Le Mans best result 2nd (2016)
WEC starts 17
WEC wins 1
WEC best season 3rd (2016)

José María López
Born 26 April 1983, Río Tercero, Argentina
Le Mans debut 2017
Le Mans starts 0
Le Mans best result n/a
WEC starts 0
WEC wins 0
WEC best season n/a

Stéphane Sarrazin
Born 2 November 1975, Alès, France
Le Mans debut 2001
Le Mans starts 15
Le Mans best result 2nd (2007, 2009, 2013 & 2016)
WEC starts 41
WEC wins 3
WEC best season 3rd (2013 & 2016)

[Rob]

FERRARI READY TO GO WITH ELEVEN CARS
media

– The list of crews who will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 17 and 18 June has been unveiled in Paris. Ferraris will account for eleven of the 60 cars lining up at the start. The provisional list includes three Prancing Horse cars in the GTE-Pro class while eight will battle it out in the GTE-Am class, where Ferrari arrives as defending champion after Scuderia Corsa’s triumph in the 2016 edition with Bill Sweedler, Jeff Segal and Townsend Bell.

GTE-Pro. The GTE-Pro class will of course include the two AF Corse 488 GTEs, which, as usual, will bear the numbers 51 and 71. The cars will compete in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship in which last year Maranello won the World Cup for Manufacturer and that from 2017 will become a real World Championship title. The Sarthe classic will also see the 488 GTE of Risi Competizione, second last year with Toni Vilander, Giancarlo Fisichella and Matteo Malucelli.

GTE-Am. Eight Ferraris will take part in the GTE-Am class. Two will compete for the full season: that of Spirit of Race, with Switzerland’s Thomas Flohr as a gentleman driver, and the Clearwater Racing car with Singapore’s Mok Weng Sun driving. Three other 488 GTEs and one 458 Italia GTE will join them for the French marathon in June. Two cars will compete under the flag of the US team Scuderia Corsa: with Denmark’s Christina Nielsen, winner in the GTD class of the 2016 IMSA SportsCar Championship, on her second outing at Le Mans, while the other will be driven by the USA’s Cooper MacNeil, who competed in the Ferrari Challenge at the Finali Mondiali in Daytona.

Asia and Europe. The four remaining Ferraris represent two Asian and two European teams. Clearwater Racing will redouble its efforts for the 24 Hours race while China will be represented by DH Racing, which has just won the Asian Le Mans Series championship with Italy’s Michele Rugolo. The European teams will be Spirit of Race, with a second car for Duncan Cameron, and JMW Motorsport, with a 458 Italia driven by Robert Smith.

ELMS. The cars competing in the European Le Mans Series were also announced. Three Ferraris will race in this championship, which gives the winning team the right to compete at Le Mans. There will be two 488s of Spirit of Race, that of Cameron, and another for Gianluca Roda, plus the 458 Italia of JMW Motorsport.

[Rob]

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TOP CLASS COMPETITION IN STORE ACROSS 2017 WEC GRID

Toyota take the fight to Porsche in LMP1 in battle of hybrid technology

LMP1 Privateer ByKolles looking for competitive 2017 season

ORECA 07s go head-to-head in LMP2 in hands of teams old and new

Porsche GT returns in strength to contest GT World Championship with Aston Martin, Ferrari and Ford

Singapore-based team makes WEC debut in multi-marque LMGTE Am class

The full-season entry list for the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship was today revealed during an online press conference broadcast from the home of endurance racing, Le Mans.

The 2017 grid will be made up of 28 cars from 11 different nations, offering proof that the WEC continues to attract teams from across the globe wishing to compete at the highest level in endurance racing. A well balanced, stable calendar is one of the keys to this magnetic appeal for manufacturers and teams, as are regulations which promote strong technological competition and innovation, at the same time as controlling any escalation of expenditure.

Toyota take the fight to Porsche in battle of hybrid technology

Two-time World Champion in the top LMP1 category, Porsche, never sits back on its laurels – no matter how successful it is, and the German manufacturer will be more than prepared for the battle ahead with Toyota in 2017. The highly-sophisticated prototypes which feature complex, state-of-the-art hybrid systems will see drivers of the highest calibre in both teams, and the level of competition will be intense and unrelenting. The widely differing technology and operating systems developed and used by Porsche and Toyota for their motorsport programmes form part of the crossover of technology to the manufacturers’ production vehicles, reinforcing the relevance of the WEC within today’s world of motorsport.

LMP1 Privateer ByKolles looking for competitive 2017 season

Joining the factory competitors will be the Austrian ByKolles Racing Team which shows great fidelity to the WEC. After a challenging 2016, the team has worked hard over the winter on chassis developments and mechanical reliability, and has forged a new partnership with NISMO to power the ENSO CLM P1/01-Nismo.

ORECA 07s go head-to-head in LMP2 in hands of teams old and new

The LMP2 grid will, for the third year in succession, consist of 10 entries but in contrast to previous seasons there is one chassis of choice from the teams entered: the ORECA 07. For 2017 the regulations offer a significant increase in performance to entice competitors, and there are names across the category both familiar and new to the WEC. Joining 2016 LMP2 champions Signatech Alpine Matmut will be multiple-WEC-championship-winning Rebellion Racing, the Swiss team this year re-named Vaillante Rebellion. Manor returns to consolidate its claim on victory in the WEC, planning to use all it learned in its debut year and operating two cars under the name of CEFC Manor TRS Racing. Also returning and strengthening China’s presence in the WEC is Jackie Chan DC Racing team which increases its commitment to the WEC with a two-car team. A new team is welcomed to LMP2 from the ELMS ranks – TDS Racing from France, and it will be collaborating on an operational level with Russia’s G-Drive Racing.

Porsche GT returns in strength to contest GT World Championship with Aston Martin, Ferrari and Ford

Boosted by the creation of the FIA World Endurance Championship for GTE Drivers and Manufacturers, the competition in the LMGTE Pro class will be hotter and tighter than ever. Porsche’s new generation 911 RSR is a mid-engined design, a big evolution in the history of the marque’s top GT model, and there is much anticipation about the yet-to-be announced drivers who will be joining Richard Lietz and Michael Christensen. Returning to challenge for championship victory will be two Ferrari 488 GTEs from AF Corse, looking to repeat the Italian manufacturer’s success of recent years, two of the radical Ford GTs from Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK which were introduced in 2016 and which achieved several triumphs in their debut year, and two Aston Martin Vantages from the British manufacturer for the model’s final year before a new one is introduced in 2018. All are experienced WEC race winners.

Singapore-based team makes WEC debut in multi-marque LMGTE Am class

The LMGTE Am class features three different marques among the five entries, and includes Clearwater Racing from Singapore which has moved to the WEC from the Asian Le Mans Series and which will run a Ferrari 488 GTE. Alongside Aston Martin Racing, Gulf Racing and Dempsey-Proton Racing (both racing Porsche 911 RSR 991s), one further new name will be seen on the entry lists. The AF Corse-supported Spirit of Race team will also compete with a Ferrari 488 GTE.

The WEC calendar features nine rounds across five continents, with the third round being the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the jewel in the crown of international endurance racing. The season opens with the 6 Hours of Silverstone on 16 April, moves on to Spa-Francorchamps (6 May), Le Mans (17-18 June) and the Nürburgring (16 July) in Europe before heading overseas to Mexico (3 September), Circuit of The Americas, Austin (16 September), Fuji (15 October), Shanghai (5 November) and Bahrain (18 November) for the second half of the season.

Key Facts and Figures on 2017 FIA WEC Grid

28 entries representing 11 nations: Germany (5), Austria (1), Japan (2), Switzerland (3), Russia (1), USA (2), China (4), France (3), Great Britain (4), Italy (2), Singapore (1)
5 entries in LMP1, 10 in LMP2, 8 in LMGTE Pro and 5 in LMGTE Am

5 manufacturer entries with Porsche represented in both LMP1 and GTE Pro

Close co-operation between Promoter, regulators and manufacturers to maintain consistency and stability, with working groups focussed on safety, new energy technologies and cost controls

Three-time World Touring Car champion José Maria Lopez joins Toyota

2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber move from Porsche GTE competition to LMP1

New ORECA 07 is the chassis of choice in LMP2, all 10 entries being on Dunlop rubber

All LMP2 cars will be powered by the new Gibson GK428 4.2 litre, V8 engine

Championship-winning Rebellion Racing ready for new challenges in LMP2 with two entries and a famous French racing name!

France’s TDS Racing moves up from European Le Mans Series and collaborates with G-Drive Racing; TDS line-up includes 2016 LMGTE Am champion drivers Perrodo and Collard

2016 LMP2 Champions Signatech Alpine looking to retain title via two Alpine A470 entries

Commitment from Jackie Chan DC Racing sees two Chinese entries in LMP2, joined by CEFC Manor TRS Racing

New Porsche GT 911 RSR lining up with Aston Martin Vantages, Ferrari 488 GTEs and Ford GTs for World Championship title

Both Michelin and Dunlop tyres being used in LMGTE Pro offering open tyre competition

Dempsey-Proton Racing, Gulf Racing and Aston Martin Racing show loyalty to LMGTE Am, joined by Swiss Spirit of Race and Singapore-based Clearwater Racing

Quotes on 2017 WEC grid:

Jean Todt, President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile: “The 2017 season will be the sixth of the successful partnership between the FIA and the ACO which has seen the FIA World Endurance Championship grow to the prominent position it holds today in world motor sport. The strong grid announced today will strengthen this position further and will undoubtedly be the focus of some intense battles and drama over the coming nine races.

“In LMP1 Porsche will defend their world and 24 Hours of Le Mans titles, while Toyota is looking to build on the successes of 2016. In addition, four manufacturers will be competing for the new FIA World Endurance Championship for GTE and LMP2 is revitalised with the new technical regulations coming into effect this season.

“I would like to thank Pierre Fillon, Lindsay Owen-Jones and Gérard Neveu for their continued hard work. The great cooperation of the teams at the FIA and the ACO is what makes the FIA World Endurance Championship the success it is today. I am looking forward to what is sure to be another exciting season.”

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Endurance is in very good health and the 2017 season looks full of promise. Today, we discovered the three great entry lists for the ELMS, the FIA WEC and of course the Le Mans 24 Hours. The on-track spectacle will be absolutely fantastic with duels among top-class drivers and all-out rivalry between the competitors. All the ingredients that make up the DNA of endurance have been combined for 2017. The field for the Le Mans 24 Hours is particularly rich with 16 nationalities from the four corners of the world and a host of teams, most of which race in our continental series in Europe, the United States and Asia thanks to the Asian Le Mans Series, which has really taken off! It is all proof of the success of the endurance pyramid so dear to the ACO. The 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours promise us a great spectacle on the track as well as a week’s festivities to be enjoyed to the full!”

Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, President of the FIA Endurance Commission: “As the FIA World Endurance Championship begins another exciting season the announcement of another large grid is testament to the job the regulations are doing in attracting the best teams and drivers to compete in a championship that encourages the advancement of new technologies, promotes safety in all areas and controls costs. There is a new world championship for GTE with Porsche competing with the new 911 to take on Aston Martin, Ferrari and Ford and BMW has announced its participation in 2018. This season we will see the implementation of the new LMP2 technical regulations, with four chassis manufacturers and one single engine suppler that will increase performance and intensify competition between the teams.”

Gérard Neveu, CEO of the World Endurance Championship:“We approach our sixth WEC season in a very good position, with a solid base of manufacturer and stakeholder support, world-class partners and teams, and the best sportscar drivers in the world. The stability of our calendar offers relevance to the manufacturers in terms of their key markets outside Europe, such as North and Central America, China, Japan and the Middle East. It also allows us to continue growing our fan base around the world, as witnessed already by the number of fans who have already purchased tickets in advance of the season. Motorsport enthusiasts know there will be entertainment for the whole family, great access to the cars and drivers and that, no matter where in the world they are, they will witness non-stop drama and competition on track.”

[Rob]

Season 6 of WEC looking good. Yes, no Audi but hey. Never mind. GTE AM, 2 more Ferrari teams, Spirit of Race and Clearwater Racing :clap Spirit of Race will have Francesco Castellacci, so happy for him. His time to step up. Speak to him now and again and he lovely guy, and super quick. Plus, in LMP1 we got Robert Kubica in the ByKolles car.

[Rob]

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24 Hours of Le Mans - A fabulous field ! Today, Thursday 2nd February, live from Le Mans the Automobile Club de l’Ouest unveiled in exclusivity in an innovative interactive format on the internet the list of the 60 cars invited to take part in the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours. The 85th race promises a thrilling duel between Porsche and Toyota in LM P1. A unique record field is entered in LM P2 and no-holds-barred battles are expected in the LM GTE Pro and LM GTE Am categories. All these ingredients that are part of endurance racing’s DNA will be combined to make the Le Mans 24 Hours the pinnacle of the motor racing season.
24 Hours of Le Mans - A fabulous field !

The ACO launched the 2017 endurance season in a totally new conference format. More than 75 000 web spectators followed the unveiling of the lists of entries for the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours. Above all, surfers were able to interact live in the studio through their comments and questions posted via the social networks.

On 17th June 60 cars will be at the start of the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the high point of the world motor racing calendar. They will be split up into four categories: 6 LM P1s (Le Mans Prototype 1), 25 LM P2s (Le Mans Prototype 2), 13 LM GTE Pros and 16 LM GTE Am.

In the blue-riband LM P1 category, Japanese giant Toyota has stacked all the odds in its favour by entering three TS050-Hybrids to counter the attacks of its German rival, Porsche, take its revenge on 2016, emerge victorious from this duel and score that long-awaited victory in the Sarthe. But Porsche is gunning for a hat trick with its 919s to bring the mythical Le Mans 24-Hours trophy back to Stuttgart for good, and rack up the 19th win in the race in its history. Completing the LM P1 field is the non-hybrid Enso CLM P1/01 entered by ByKolles Racing team with former F1 ace Robert Kubica as the lead driver.

2017 looks like being the year of the LM P2 due to a record field of 25 new cars! A new set of technical regulations came into force on 1st January 2017 and these prototypes all have improved performances, capped costs and a quality service linked to the fact that they all have the same engine. The aim is to ensure long-term success for this category destined for private teams, young chargers and gentlemen drivers thanks to a reduction in costs and stability in the regulations. The work is already paying off in the first year! The on-track spectacle will be guaranteed thanks to these very quick machines in the baby prototype category. Oreca has a numerical advantage with no fewer than 15 cars: 13 Oreca 07s and two Alpine A470s developed by the Signes-based constructor. Then comes Ligier with six JS P217s, Dallara with 3 P217s and Riley with a single MK30. In compliance with the new regulations all the cars will be powered by the Gibson engine. Quality and quantity are the two watchwords in a category that is rapidly expanding on the international scene. Signatech Alpine Matmut will have its work cut out to retain its title in the 24 Hours. There is a nod to the new Michel Vaillant comic book, which is being published in the near future, as the two Oreca 07-Gibsons entered by Rebellion Racing bear the name Vaillante Rebellion in homage to the famous cartoon hero, Michel Vaillant.

In LM GTE Pro the new Porsche 911 RSR, two of which have been entered by the eponymous Stuttgart firm, looks like it will pose a serious threat. Corvette Racing-GM, AF Corse and Aston Martin will also bring along two cars each so they will be fighting on a level playing field. Ford is again doing everything in its power to repeat its victory in the Sarthe with an impressive armada of four cars! In addition, 2017 has got off to a great confidence-boosting start for the American make with a win in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. American team Risi Competizione will complete this high-quality field. Remember that this year the teams entered in the FIA WEC will be battling for the World Endurance Championship GT Manufacturers title.

As laid down in the regulations, only cars over one year old are eligible to compete in the LM GTE Am category, thus the Ferrari 488, which appeared in 2016, will race in the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time in this class. JMW Motorsport has entered an older Ferrari 458 so the Italian firm provides 50% of the field with a total of eight cars. For the moment the only woman driver in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours is to be found in LM GTE Am with Christina Nielsen from Denmark who, in 2016, became the first woman to win a title in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship!

Thus the field for the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours breaks down as follows: 31 prototypes and 29 GTs proving once again the incredible attraction exercised by this event with 39 teams representing 16 different nationalities from the four corners of the world expected in the Sarthe in June.

On the reserve list are two teams, one in the LM P2 category and the other in LM GTE Am. They will be allowed into the race in case of withdrawal of another entrant in keeping with the order on the list. During this press conference Mark Webber was named Grand Marshall of the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours following in the footsteps of Henri Pescarolo, Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Alexander Wurz.

The ACO used the web conference to announce some innovations for this year’s event, in particular the Race Pavilion, which helps people to follow the race in a real race control ambience, gain a greater understanding of what’s going on and miss nothing of the spectacle unfolding on the track. Other surprises are being prepared and will be announced in the near future.

This innovative web conference launched the 2017 endurance season, which looks like being a real cracker. The first step on the road to the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours on 17-18 June has already been taken!



2017 Entry list

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Endurance is in very good health and the 2017 season looks full of promise. Today, we discovered the three great entry lists for the ELMS, the FIA WEC and of course the Le Mans 24 Hours. The on-track spectacle will be absolutely fantastic with duels among top-class drivers and all-out rivalry between the competitors. All the ingredients that make up the ADN of endurance have been combined for 2017. The field for the Le Mans 24 Hours is particularly rich with 16 nationalities from the four corners of the world and a host of teams, most of which race in our continental series in Europe, the United States and Asia thanks to the Asian Le Mans Series, which has really taken off! It is all proof of the success of the endurance pyramid so dear to the ACO. The 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours promise us a great spectacle on the track as well as a week’s festivities to be enjoyed to the full!”

“Endurance is in very good health and the 2017 season looks full of promise.

Pierre FILLON
Vincent Beaumesnil, Sport Manager of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Once again this year the field entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours is an exceptional one. Thirty-one prototypes and 29 GTs will be at the start on 17th June. In the blue-riband category there will be a duel which, I’m sure, will mark the history of the race as so many others did in the past. This year the Le Mans 24-Hours entry is an exceptional one. There are 31 prototypes and the field in LM P2 is a really impressive one with 25 cars, a record in terms of numbers. We’re very happy with this success that’s been made possible by an innovative set of regulations and very quick cars. Porsche with its new GT will get involved in the battle with the other four manufacturers in LM GTE Pro. And LM GTE Am devoted to gentlemen drivers has attracted 16 cars. From a sportsmanlike point of view the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours look like providing a race packed with excitement.”

Once again this year the field entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours is an exceptional one.

Vincent BEAUMESNIL

entry list...
http://www.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2017/24-heures-du-mans/entry-list-24-heures-du-mans-2017.pdf

[Rob]

http://i67.tinypic.com/1zlvp85.jpg
24 Hours of Le Mans - A fabulous field ! Today, Thursday 2nd February, live from Le Mans the Automobile Club de l’Ouest unveiled in exclusivity in an innovative interactive format on the internet the list of the 60 cars invited to take part in the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours. The 85th race promises a thrilling duel between Porsche and Toyota in LM P1. A unique record field is entered in LM P2 and no-holds-barred battles are expected in the LM GTE Pro and LM GTE Am categories. All these ingredients that are part of endurance racing’s DNA will be combined to make the Le Mans 24 Hours the pinnacle of the motor racing season.
24 Hours of Le Mans - A fabulous field !

The ACO launched the 2017 endurance season in a totally new conference format. More than 75 000 web spectators followed the unveiling of the lists of entries for the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours. Above all, surfers were able to interact live in the studio through their comments and questions posted via the social networks.

On 17th June 60 cars will be at the start of the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the high point of the world motor racing calendar. They will be split up into four categories: 6 LM P1s (Le Mans Prototype 1), 25 LM P2s (Le Mans Prototype 2), 13 LM GTE Pros and 16 LM GTE Am.

In the blue-riband LM P1 category, Japanese giant Toyota has stacked all the odds in its favour by entering three TS050-Hybrids to counter the attacks of its German rival, Porsche, take its revenge on 2016, emerge victorious from this duel and score that long-awaited victory in the Sarthe. But Porsche is gunning for a hat trick with its 919s to bring the mythical Le Mans 24-Hours trophy back to Stuttgart for good, and rack up the 19th win in the race in its history. Completing the LM P1 field is the non-hybrid Enso CLM P1/01 entered by ByKolles Racing team with former F1 ace Robert Kubica as the lead driver.

2017 looks like being the year of the LM P2 due to a record field of 25 new cars! A new set of technical regulations came into force on 1st January 2017 and these prototypes all have improved performances, capped costs and a quality service linked to the fact that they all have the same engine. The aim is to ensure long-term success for this category destined for private teams, young chargers and gentlemen drivers thanks to a reduction in costs and stability in the regulations. The work is already paying off in the first year! The on-track spectacle will be guaranteed thanks to these very quick machines in the baby prototype category. Oreca has a numerical advantage with no fewer than 15 cars: 13 Oreca 07s and two Alpine A470s developed by the Signes-based constructor. Then comes Ligier with six JS P217s, Dallara with 3 P217s and Riley with a single MK30. In compliance with the new regulations all the cars will be powered by the Gibson engine. Quality and quantity are the two watchwords in a category that is rapidly expanding on the international scene. Signatech Alpine Matmut will have its work cut out to retain its title in the 24 Hours. There is a nod to the new Michel Vaillant comic book, which is being published in the near future, as the two Oreca 07-Gibsons entered by Rebellion Racing bear the name Vaillante Rebellion in homage to the famous cartoon hero, Michel Vaillant.

In LM GTE Pro the new Porsche 911 RSR, two of which have been entered by the eponymous Stuttgart firm, looks like it will pose a serious threat. Corvette Racing-GM, AF Corse and Aston Martin will also bring along two cars each so they will be fighting on a level playing field. Ford is again doing everything in its power to repeat its victory in the Sarthe with an impressive armada of four cars! In addition, 2017 has got off to a great confidence-boosting start for the American make with a win in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. American team Risi Competizione will complete this high-quality field. Remember that this year the teams entered in the FIA WEC will be battling for the World Endurance Championship GT Manufacturers title.

As laid down in the regulations, only cars over one year old are eligible to compete in the LM GTE Am category, thus the Ferrari 488, which appeared in 2016, will race in the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time in this class. JMW Motorsport has entered an older Ferrari 458 so the Italian firm provides 50% of the field with a total of eight cars. For the moment the only woman driver in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours is to be found in LM GTE Am with Christina Nielsen from Denmark who, in 2016, became the first woman to win a title in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship!

Thus the field for the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours breaks down as follows: 31 prototypes and 29 GTs proving once again the incredible attraction exercised by this event with 39 teams representing 16 different nationalities from the four corners of the world expected in the Sarthe in June.

On the reserve list are two teams, one in the LM P2 category and the other in LM GTE Am. They will be allowed into the race in case of withdrawal of another entrant in keeping with the order on the list. During this press conference Mark Webber was named Grand Marshall of the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours following in the footsteps of Henri Pescarolo, Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Alexander Wurz.

The ACO used the web conference to announce some innovations for this year’s event, in particular the Race Pavilion, which helps people to follow the race in a real race control ambience, gain a greater understanding of what’s going on and miss nothing of the spectacle unfolding on the track. Other surprises are being prepared and will be announced in the near future.

This innovative web conference launched the 2017 endurance season, which looks like being a real cracker. The first step on the road to the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours on 17-18 June has already been taken!



2017 Entry list

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Endurance is in very good health and the 2017 season looks full of promise. Today, we discovered the three great entry lists for the ELMS, the FIA WEC and of course the Le Mans 24 Hours. The on-track spectacle will be absolutely fantastic with duels among top-class drivers and all-out rivalry between the competitors. All the ingredients that make up the ADN of endurance have been combined for 2017. The field for the Le Mans 24 Hours is particularly rich with 16 nationalities from the four corners of the world and a host of teams, most of which race in our continental series in Europe, the United States and Asia thanks to the Asian Le Mans Series, which has really taken off! It is all proof of the success of the endurance pyramid so dear to the ACO. The 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours promise us a great spectacle on the track as well as a week’s festivities to be enjoyed to the full!”

“Endurance is in very good health and the 2017 season looks full of promise.

Pierre FILLON
Vincent Beaumesnil, Sport Manager of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Once again this year the field entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours is an exceptional one. Thirty-one prototypes and 29 GTs will be at the start on 17th June. In the blue-riband category there will be a duel which, I’m sure, will mark the history of the race as so many others did in the past. This year the Le Mans 24-Hours entry is an exceptional one. There are 31 prototypes and the field in LM P2 is a really impressive one with 25 cars, a record in terms of numbers. We’re very happy with this success that’s been made possible by an innovative set of regulations and very quick cars. Porsche with its new GT will get involved in the battle with the other four manufacturers in LM GTE Pro. And LM GTE Am devoted to gentlemen drivers has attracted 16 cars. From a sportsmanlike point of view the 85th Le Mans 24 Hours look like providing a race packed with excitement.”

Once again this year the field entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours is an exceptional one.

Vincent BEAUMESNIL

entry list...
http://www.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2017/24-heures-du-mans/entry-list-24-heures-du-mans-2017.pdf

[Rob]

Autosprint Report Bruni In Ferrari ‘Divorce’

But Porsche move not confirmed

The long-running saga of Gianmaria Bruni’s potential move from Ferrari to Porsche has been exploded by Italian magazine Autosprint who have revealed with much background detail that Bruni is no longer a Ferrari driver.

That comes despite a long-term (believed to be 5 years) contract issued only at the end of 2015 to Bruni, that coming after an approach from Porsche to bring the Italian star to a full Porsche GT driver contract, sweetened by the offer of an LMP1 test.

Bruni though is reported by Autosprint as having been unhappy with developments at Ferrari, in particular feeling as if his number 1 status was threatened by the arrival in the team of Sam Bird for the 2016 season.

Currently unconfirmed though is whether Bruni would be free to join Porsche, Ferrari sources having made it clear that a clean contractual break was not on their immediate agenda, and clearly having a known quantity aboard one of their strongest potential rivals is not in their competitive interests, particularly when there is a possible contractual obligation that might prevent the move from occurring immediately.

A not dissimilar situation occurred just a few years ago with Fred Makowiecki when he opted to move from Aston Martin to Porsche despite an existing contract being in place, the subsequent legal and contractual ripples taking some time to settle before Mako could drive for his new employer.

[Rob]

well the news has, sort of been confirmed now. I have known about this since, December. It not great, but Gimmi has got to do what he feels is best for him. I know more about the goings on in the backrooms, but i will not say. Not my place to. Its a sad situation. But we got James, super quick, now on Gimmis level, Sam and Davide are super quick aswell. Just want to hear who will be alongside James this year.

[dfunk257]

Meanwhile.... in AUSTRALIA.
Ferrari have just won the Bathurst 12hr race in the Maranello Motorsport Ferrari 488GT3.
The perfect way to start Ferrari's 70th anniversary celebrations. I will be posting photos from this event in a couple of days.
http://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/news/12-hour-run-done-maranello-ferrari-wins/

[Rob]

http://i66.tinypic.com/2i9h4lz.jpg

[Rob]

http://i67.tinypic.com/2jfgkd0.jpg

[Rob]

Bruni set to miss full WEC season for Porsche switch
http://i66.tinypic.com/15qozma.jpg
Gianmaria Bruni is set to have to sit out the entire FIA World Endurance Championship season in 2017, after officially terminating his Ferrari contract in order to move to rival GT squad Porsche.

The Italian driver has been part of Ferrari's works AF Corse operation in the global sportscar series since its inception in 2012, winning the GTE Pro class title in both 2012 and 2014.

But Bruni has been working to find a way out of his long-term agreement with the Prancing Horse in order to join Porsche, which returns to WEC this year with a pair of mid-engined factory 911 RSRs.

After weeks of wrangling, Bruni and Ferrari have now finally gone their separate ways, with official confirmation expected to arrive on Sunday evening - along with a statement from Porsche to indicate the Italian's arrival.

However, Motorsport.com understands Ferrari has imposed a term of gardening leave on Bruni that prevents the 35-year-old from racing for Porsche in WEC for the entire 2017 season.

Bruni will however be free to test and develop the 911 RSR, as well as compete for the Stuttgart marque in championships other than WEC - with the US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship among his possible destinations before a 2018 WEC seat.

With Bruni on the sidelines, it is expected either Romain Dumas or Sven Muller will join the already-announced trio of Richard Lietz, Michael Christensen and Frederic Makowiecki as Porsche's fourth works driver in WEC's GTE Pro division.

Calado's teammate still uncertain

Ferrari held a shootout at Vallelunga with four drivers earlier this month in order to try and decide on a replacement for Bruni alongside James Calado in its #51 Ferrari 488 GTE.

McLaren protege Nyck de Vries and former Audi DTM driver Miguel Molina emerged as the favourites for the seat after the test, which also involved Alessandro Pier Guidi and Alex RIberas.

However, it's understood a decision on who will partner Calado is still yet to be taken, and that it's possible a driver who was not part of the shootout may yet be handed the seat.

[Scuderia1967]

Too bad, he was a awesome GT driver :-!

[Rob]

Too bad, he was a awesome GT driver :-!

yeah he was, is. And a good friend. It hurts that this situation has happened. Just which him the rest of the year. I have been given name of a driver that may get a call for the seat that wasnt at the test. Me, i would love to see Alessandro get the call.

[Rob]

PRESS RELEASE – GIANMARIA BRUNI :-(
Maranello, 19 February 2017 – Ferrari and Gianmaria Bruni announce that, by mutual consent, they have early terminated their relationship.

After a collaboration started in 2007, Bruni will leave Ferrari at the end of June of this year.

Ferrari thanks Gianmaria Bruni for his professional contribution and wishes him the best of luck for his new challenges.

[Rob]

Pier Guidi joins Ferrari as official driver:clap
http://i63.tinypic.com/6tcxds.png
Maranello, 19 February 2017 – Ferrari has reached a technical and racing agreement with Alessandro Pier Guidi. The Italian driver will compete in the 2017 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) pairing up with James Calado in the 488 GTE no. 51 managed on the track by the AF Corse team.

Pier Guidi will thus join the other official Ferrari GT race drivers.

Alessandro Pier Guidi was born in Tortona on 18 December 1983 and for over 10 years has been one of the top drivers on the GT racing scene. He has over 200 races under his belt with more than 30 victories, the most prominent being the 2014 24 Hours of Daytona in the GTD class at the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Italia.

[Rob]

bag of mixed emotions, Gimmi gone, but what a replacement. Ale so happy for him, very well deserved. Spoke to Ale bit earlier, they got alot of testing planned before Monza Prologue.

[Rob]

Porsche confirms Bruni as works GT driver

Porsche has announced that Gianmaria Bruni will join its line-up of factory GT drivers later this year, following on from the Italian parting ways with Ferrari.

Official confirmation of Bruni's Ferrari exit arrived on Sunday morning, with the Prancing Horse also announcing Alessandro Pier Guidi as James Calado's new teammate in its WEC GTE Pro roster.

Bruni's switch to the Porsche camp will come at the end of June, although Ferrari successfully blocked the 36-year-old from racing for its rival in WEC at all this season.

Porsche clarified that Bruni will be able to test for his new employer from June, and race in the US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship starting from July.


“We’re delighted to welcome Gianmaria Bruni, one of the world’s top GT pilots, into our squad,” said Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, head of the Porsche GT programme.

“He fits perfectly into our strong circle of works drivers and will join us for the second half of the season.”

Porsche has yet to name its fourth driver for its WEC GTE Pro line-up, having already confirmed Richard Lietz, Michael Christensen and Frederic Makowiecki.

Sven Muller and Romain Dumas are believed to be the most likely candidates for the final vacancy.

[Scuderia1967]

Welcome to the family, Guidi!

[Rob]

A very good friend of mine sent me these, :thumb
http://i63.tinypic.com/2ll2c1h.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/1rst2b.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/e7gzl5.jpg

:oops excuse the pictures. Couldnt paste them/rotate them upright.

[fratelliferrari]

A very good friend of mine sent me these, :thumb
http://i63.tinypic.com/2ll2c1h.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/1rst2b.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/e7gzl5.jpg

:oops excuse the pictures. Couldnt paste them/rotate them upright.

Looking great mate! Iam really jealous:oops

[Rob]

Looking great mate! Iam really jealous:oops

thankyou brother. Im sure something will make its way to Holland ;-)

[abbottcostello]

well the news has, sort of been confirmed now. I have known about this since, December. It not great, but Gimmi has got to do what he feels is best for him. I know more about the goings on in the backrooms, but i will not say. Not my place to. Its a sad situation. But we got James, super quick, now on Gimmis level, Sam and Davide are super quick aswell. Just want to hear who will be alongside James this year.
Wow, well best of luck to Gimmi at Porsche & welcome to Ale!
As they say, change is the one constant in life, but looks like at least you got your favourite, Rob!

[Rob]

Wow, well best of luck to Gimmi at Porsche & welcome to Ale!
As they say, change is the one constant in life, but looks like at least you got your favourite, Rob!

Do wish Gimmi all the best. Just a shame that it ended the way it did, Ferrari blocking him from racing in Europe. Which is fully understandable. Ale, he has been part of AF Corse for few years now, just not as an official Ferrari driver. He too, is super quick. He doesnt need laps to get upto speed, he is straight on it from pit exit. Him and James will be a force to watch. #51 #71 cars are very strong.

[The Architect]

Disappointing to see Bruni leave under such acrimonious circumstances. I hope Guidi does well, but GTE isn't always about driver or even car performance.

As for LMP Pro, happy to see that Toyota are finally going to bring a third car for not only Le Mans but Spa. It's shaping up to be a monumental year.

[Scuderia1967]

A very good friend of mine sent me these, :thumb
http://i63.tinypic.com/2ll2c1h.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/1rst2b.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/e7gzl5.jpg

:oops excuse the pictures. Couldnt paste them/rotate them upright.

Nice!!!

[Scuderia1967]

Disappointing to see Bruni leave under such acrimonious circumstances. I hope Guidi does well, but GTE isn't always about driver or even car performance.

As for LMP Pro, happy to see that Toyota are finally going to bring a third car for not only Le Mans but Spa. It's shaping up to be a monumental year.

After last year's debacle, Toyota deserves to finally win at Le Mans. Fingers crossed

[Rob]

Nice!!!

thankyou. Was a nice surprise.

[Rob]

New LMP1 cars nearly as fast as predecessors in testing
http://i67.tinypic.com/scgm8i.jpg
Porsche and Toyota's 2017 WEC contenders are already lapping close to the times of their predecessors, despite moves to slow factory LMP1 machinery.

The two manufacturers that will battle it out at the front of the WEC this year have already gone a long way to overcoming aerodynamic restrictions aimed at reducing downforce by 30 percent, according to Porsche LMP1 team principal Andreas Seidl.

He made the claim after Porsche and Toyota tested their respective 2017 LMP1 challengers together at the Aragon circuit in Spain this week.

"We ran together for two days and we can say that we were not far from 2016 laptimes," he told Motorsport.com.


Asked if the two manufacturers had clawed back the lost downforce, Seidl added: "It looks that way - it is our job to make up for it."

The height of the front splitter has been raised and the depth of the rear diffuser reduced on the factory cars for 2017 in a bid to keep a cap on rising corner speeds.

The simulations of the two manufacturers suggest the changes would have resulted in an increase in laptimes at Le Mans of approximately four seconds if applied to last year's cars.


Seidl refused to divulge any laptimes from the test and explained that it was not possible to make judgements on the relative pace of the latest P1 machinery from Porsche and Toyota.

"It is difficult to say where we are [in comparison to Toyota], because we were running different programmes," he explained.

Neither Porsche nor Toyota, which ran for three days this week, have revealed whether they were testing in high or low-downforce configuration in Aragon.

Porsche ended up running together with Toyota at Aragon after fog limited its mileage during an endurance test at the same track last week.

Seidl revealed that the 2017-spec Porsche 919 completed 7200km during its first endurance test, and is confident of the latest car's reliability over a regular six-hour WEC race.

Porsche had previously tested an interim car without the definitive 2017 aerodynamics at Aragon before Christmas and at Valencia earlier this year.

Toyota was undertaking its third test with this year's version of the TS050 Hybrid.

[Rob]

MONTOYA SAMPLES RISI FERRARI IN IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP SEBRING TEST
http://i68.tinypic.com/2nai8mb.jpg

One day after IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship star Ricky Taylor sampled a Team Penske IndyCar at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a Team Penske IndyCar driver took advantage of the opportunity to drive a WeatherTech Championship car 180 miles up the road at Sebring International Raceway.

Juan Pablo Montoya, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and 1999 CART champion, joined the Risi Competizione team for the second day of a two-day, IMSA-sanctioned test at Sebring. The Risi team was focused on preparations for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida on March 18, as well as the remainder of the 2017 WeatherTech Championship season, with regular drivers Toni Vilander and James Calado in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class.

However, the 41-year-old Colombian got his first turn behind the wheel of the No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTE shortly after the lunch break Friday afternoon. And while Montoya has turned plenty of laps on the portion of the Sebring circuit that runs from Turns 3 to 13 around the area known as Green Park, he hadn’t previously run on the full, 3.74-mile, 17-turn circuit that utilizes former concrete runways from what was Hendricks Field – an Army Air Force training base – in the 1940s.

“It’s fun,” Montoya said. “It’s different. I only ran, probably, eight laps just to get the hang of it a little and I’m going to try to get in a little bit later. It’s fun. I’ve never really run the big track. It’s pretty bumpy.”

Montoya has driven and won races in a number of different race cars over his storied career, including IndyCars, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars and Formula 1 machinery, as well as Prototype sports cars. However, the Ferrari was a different experience.

“Prototypes drive more like an open-wheel car,” he explained. “This is very different. There’s a lot of pitch movement in the cars, it’s kind of tricky. It’s very easy to get it wrong. It’s like, you go in one time and it’s like, ‘Oh, it turns.’ The next time you go in, it doesn’t and the next time you go in, it goes smooth. It’s very hard to be consistent.”

Montoya’s only racing commitment thus far in 2017 is the quest for a third Indianapolis 500 victory in May as part of a five-car assault from Team Penske after winning the 2015 race for the team. So, would he be interested in racing the Risi Ferrari?

“If they would let me, yeah,” he said. “But I don’t know if they’d let me.”

The Risi team already has confirmed plans to field the No. 62 entry for Vilander, Calado and Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella at Sebring, with Vilander and Fisichella expected to be the team’s full-time drivers in the WeatherTech Championship.

As for potential other sports car racing prospects for Montoya, he says, “Time will tell.”

FRANCHITTI MAKES SEBRING RETURN IN MAZDA DPi: Marino Franchitti couldn’t walk very far down the pit lane at Sebring International Raceway on Thursday morning on the first day of the two-day IMSA-sanctioned test without somebody stopping him to shake hands or give him a hug to welcome him back to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship paddock.

The 38-year-old younger brother of multi-time Indy 500 and IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti hasn’t raced in the WeatherTech Championship since a GT Daytona (GTD) class start in a Fall-Line Motorsports Audi at VIRginia International Raceway in 2014. He will return to competition next month in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida as part of a three-driver lineup in the No. 70 Mazda Motorsports RT-24P Daytona Prototype international (DPi) car alongside co-drivers Tom Long and Joel Miller. He tested the car extensively Friday with Long and Miller.

“It feels like coming home,” Marino Franchitti said. “Although I’m a European driver, I’m an American racer. I spent so many years racing over here, that to be away from it felt very strange and to be back feels really, really nice. It’s great to see so many old friends and it’s just nice to be back on track here at Sebring.

“Obviously, since the last time I competed in the series, the classes have evolved, GTD has evolved and we now have one top combined class with the DPis and it’s really cool to get out there and drive one of these new cars. They’re just as good as they look. They’re nice.”

The last time Franchitti competed in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in 2014, he brought home a victory for Chip Ganassi Racing in a Ford-Riley Daytona Prototype with co-drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas. That was Franchitti’s second consecutive Sebring victory, as he won the American Le Mans Series LM P2 class in 2013 alongside Ryan Briscoe and Scott Tucker in a Level 5 Motorsports Honda prototype.

“It’s always been a special place for me,” Franchitti says. “I’ve always loved being here and loved driving here. We’ve had some good results over the years, so it’s nice to come back. It’s such a challenging track.

“When you’re working with a new car as we are here at Mazda, it’s really cool to get out there and to explore the car. The car has not done a massive amount of testing, although it raced at Daytona. It’s really cool to get out here and put more miles on it and explore the car. Testing and development is something I love doing. It’s just been a lot of fun.”

Franchitti is hopeful of even more fun when he and the team return for the race next month. It’s his only scheduled WeatherTech Championship start so far in 2017, but it’s clear he’s hungry for more.

“We’ll see where it goes, but I’m definitely keen to be back here racing in America full time,” he said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen this year, but definitely something I’m looking to do.”

ALEGRA MOTORSPORTS BRINGS MOMENTUM FROM ROLEX VICTORY TO SEBRING: It’s been a whirlwind month for the Alegra Motorsports team.

Nearly four weeks ago, the No. 28 Porsche 911 GT3 R driven by Michael Christensen, Jesse Lazare, Daniel Morad and the father-son duo of Carlos and Michael de Quesada pulled out a stunning victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The win was a surprise to many as the GT Daytona (GTD) class was stacked with experienced racers and new manufacturers, but for Alegra Motorsports, it wasn’t quite so unexpected.

Christensen enters his third year as a Porsche factory driver. Lazare dominated and won the 2016 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama Platinum Cup championship. Morad was the 2016 Porsche North American Cup and Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama champion. Carlos de Quesada won the 2007 Rolex 24 At Daytona in GT, and his son, Michael, took the 2016 driver title in the Porsche GT3 Gold Cup Championship.

Stellar resume for a team who slipped under the radar.

“You can say it’s a Cinderella story,” Carlos de Quesada said. “I just don’t want people thinking that it’s going to continue to be a Cinderella story. This could be the story of a great team coming out with great crew members and great drivers and running the best manufacturer out there in Porsche and being competitive.”

While the excitement from their Rolex win may never fade, the team is also ready to get back to work. The No. 28 returned to the track this week for the two-day IMSA test at Sebring International Raceway. The elder de Quesada logged laps with Morad and 2015 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Street Tuner (ST) champion Spencer Pumpelly, who played a pivotal coaching role for the team at Daytona.

“Yes, we won Daytona but now we’re focused on Sebring,” de Quesada said. “Just like we went into Daytona, we’re coming here to be competitive. We’re not out there to run circles. We’re not out there to be a back runner. Our goal, like any race we go into, is to win the race. We’re not going to let up on that.”

Adding Pumpelly has also been a huge benefit for the team. The veteran IMSA driver reconnected with former colleague Larry Hahn, now Alegra engineer, at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 looking for a ride. Hahn reintroduced Pumpelly and de Quesada, who raced against each other in ALMS and GRAND-AM in the early 2000s. Even though Alegra already had finalized its driver lineup for the Rolex, the team was eager to use Pumpelly as a strategist.

“They gave me pretty free rein to do what I wanted to strategy-wise, more so than I thought they would,” Pumpelly said with a laugh. “I finally got to run the race the way I thought it should be run, my philosophy on how to run the 24. We had a really good car that Larry put together, our drivers were fantastic, all the pit work by every guy that went over the wall was amazing. It was cool to see my theory on how it should be run put us in position to win and watch these guys go take it.”

Pumpelly already fit in quickly to Alegra’s way of doing things- he clocked the quickest lap in GTD during Thursday’s afternoon test session with a time of 2:03.172. It also helps that he’s driving a car he’s very familiar with.

“The majority of my career has been in 911s, so to get back in the car and get back to what I feel is most comfortable for me is good,” Pumpelly said. “”Anytime you run with anyone as good as these guys, you want to perform to their level and this is the first time that I’ve really gotten to push the GT3 hard. There’s pressure, for sure, but these guys are doing everything they can to make it as easy as possible.”

Alegra Motorsports is expected to announce its driver lineup for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida soon, with the race being held on March 18.

FRIDAY NOTES: Jordan Taylor turned the fastest lap of the two-day test in the No. 10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R, clocking a time of 1 minute, 49.600 seconds (122.8 mph). The 2017 Rolex 24 winner posted the time Friday morning. … ***** Quinton owned the quickest lap of the test in the Prototype Challenge (PC) class, turning a 1:56.120 (115.9 mph) in the afternoon session on Thursday. On Friday morning, Quinton was involved in an on-track incident, sending him to the Sebring International Raceway infield care center. He was evaluated and released. … Jan Magnussen posted the quickest lap in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class with a best lap of 1:58.525 (113.5 mph) in the No. 3 Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C7.R he shares with Antonio Garcia and Mike Rockenfeller. Magnussen’s quick lap came in the Friday morning session. … After posting the quickest time in class Thursday, Colin Braun continued to lead the way in the GT Daytona (GTD) class in the No. 54 CORE autosport Porsche 911 GT3 R. Braun clicked off a Friday morning lap of 2:02.476 (109.9 mph) to top the GTD chart.

[fratelliferrari]

thankyou brother. Im sure something will make its way to Holland ;-)

Amazing Rob to send me this awesome polo! I will wear it with pride you are the best :oops

[Rob]

Amazing Rob to send me this awesome polo! I will wear it with pride you are the best :oops

:thumb

[Rob]

Jarvis & Brundle Anchor Jackie Chan DC Racing Effort

The Brits join Cheng, Tung, Gommendy and Laurent in 2017 FIA WEC lineup

The driver lineup for the two-car Jackie Chan DC Racing effort for the 2017 FIA WEC, which features a pair of Oreca 07s in the LMP2 class, fielded together with Jota Sport, has been finalised.

The #37 ORECA will see David Cheng joined by 2016 Eurasia man Tristan Gommendy and Alex Brundle, the Englishman in for his second full-season of FIA WEC racing, and first since 2013, after race winning form in the Jota-run G-Drive ORECA 05 late last season.


And the #38 ORECA sees DC Racing regular Ho Pin Tung joined by rapid young French Silver driver Thomas Laurent and ex-Audi LMP1 man, and current Bentley Boy, Oliver Jarvis.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me, I’ve backed a horse if you like, that has a real chance of winning races, the title and of course Le Mans.” Brundle told DSC. “This year with everyone racing the same chassis for us drivers really focuses us, there’s no advantages in machinery anywhere, so it’s all down to us. I think that’s incredibly exciting, there’s not one team I look at on the entry who I would say are favourites, and there’s nobody you can count out either.

“The DC Racing outfit expanding to two cars I think really shows everyone what they intend to do, and that’s win. As well as good team personnel, we’ve got a great selection of drivers who are all capable too. Because of that I have to thank the Jota guys and the DC Racing guys for this chance, it’s going to be a great season of racing and I can’t wait to get in the car.

“I haven’t driven one of the new LMP2 cars yet, that will come next week in Aragon. Needless to say I’m eager to get in and drive!”

The DC Racing organisation move over for the 2017 season from Signatech Alpine (under the Baxi DC Racing banner) to Jota Sport, adopting the Jackie Chan DC Racing brand for 2017 across all programmes.

[Rob]

Brundle: “I’ve Missed Le Mans Terribly The Past Two Years”

Second full season in WEC beckons for Alex

DSC’s Stephen Kilbey caught up with Alex Brundle this morning as news leaked out that he is to join the Jackie Chan DC Racing effort for a full season in the 2017 FIA WEC aboard one of their Jota SPort operated Oreca 07 Gibsons.

How and when did you get the drive?

“We ended up with a hat trick of wins last year with Jota. When you have a relationship with a team like that you keep in touch over the winter. I also have a great relationship with David (Cheng). Everybody knows each other in the WEC paddock and when I heard that the two would be joining forces things went from there and they offered me the drive early this year and that was it, I was delighted to accept.

“This is a full season deal, it’s my first full season WEC deal since 2013 and it’s been a while in the making. I prioritised getting back into the WEC for the full season this year, it was top of my priority list in terms of where I needed to be this year for my career development. When Jota and DC Racing offered me the chance to do that, I focused on that.”

Your new full season drive has come at the start of the new era for LMP2, not much chassis diversity but great teams.

“I think the competition is very very strong. There’s not a gigantic number of cars in the WEC, but you look at the lineup and every single car and there’s so much strength in depth. I couldn’t pick a winner for you right now, when normally I could point out one or two are and say that two or three cars will win be in the running. Rebellion look strong, G-Drive look strong, Alpine too, so there’s a lot of competition at the front with a spec chassis essentially too.”

That’s going to be different for the drivers because nobody will have a distinct advantage, surely as a driver you’ve got to be even more on your game?

“I think it’s good, it focuses our mind on maximising the chassis we have and we’re going to really find out who can drive a sportscar this year. As with LMp3 last year where we all had spec cars, it’s going to be very difficult to steal a march on anyone. So we’re going to have to turn up completely on the top of our game and deliver every single race without reliability issues or non-finishes.

“I think it’s going to be a great test of all of us this year.”

Tell me more about the team, DC Racing have plenty of experience, and last year with Alpine, there’s also a great set of drivers with you too?

“Absolutely, the first thing I have to do is thank them for the opportunity to come back and do a full season. To land a drive like this for me is massive for my career considering the trajectory I’ve taken over a relatively short period of time. The Jota Sport guys are famous for being one of the most effective and high level sportscar teams in the pit lane and Jackie Chan DC Racing are an ever growing presence. It’s a two car presence after one car last year and I think I’ve backed a horse, if you want to put it that way, that’s moving from strength to strength in terms of race team supplier.”

Tell me about Tristan, you must be pleased to be driving with him? The past two years you must have been impressed with him in LMP2?

“At Le Mans and also in the European Le Mans Series and occasionally the WEC, I’ve come across him, he’s really experienced, absolutely rapid and I really look forward to benefitting from learning from him. He’s come from some incredible years in single seaters and has done very well in series like GP2 and Champ Car. I really look forward to benefiting from his experience and sharing the car with him. For sure we’ll have some ideas to share to make the car the best it can be.”

Have you had any running in the new Oreca yet?

“I’ve had absolutely no running in any kind of new-spec LMP2 car year. We’ll be heading to the Dunlop test in Aragon next week to do our first shakedown tests, mostly focused on reliability and getting the car to feel like it needs to feel from the driver seat. That will be our first experience. I’m very excited about getting back in a car after the winter break.”

Finally, this drive includes Le Mans, a return for you. What does it mean to score a Le Mans drive with a team that has real potential to win it?

“It’s fantastic to get back to Le Mans. In terms of the type of sportscar racing that I do, it’s the crown jewel and I’ve missed it, I’ve missed being away from it for a couple of years horribly. It’s a magic event. It’s an event where I excel. It’s my best track of the year in terms of personal performance as well. I love the event. I can’t wait to get back to the full process of going and delivering a result.”

It’s going to be a new experience racing at that sort of speed, as the new LMP2s could go round Le Mans close to the pace of LMP1 cars from 10 years ago?

“I think it’s incredibly exciting, there’s a lot for fans to look forward to. The new cars are going to be loud, they’re going to be rude, they’re going to be as fast as the top class cars were only a few years ago and to be part of that, I can only thank DC Racing and Jota for offering the chance to be part of it.”

It’s a massive field at Le Mans too, with all four chassis represented. You must relish that challenge?

“Oh yeah, we joke, but it’s basically the Formula Ford Festival now. All the big teams from Asia, the WEC and Europe come together and duke it out. I can’t wait, it’s just a crazy grid of cars, and it’s going to be a race that all the drivers want to win more than the others. If you win it this year, no matter who you are, you’ll want to put it at the top of your CV.”

[Rob]

Toyota says three-car Le Mans assault a big financial risk

Toyota has described its decision to run three cars at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours as a major financial risk.

The expansion of the Japanese manufacturer's assault on Le Mans and the Spa round of the World Endurance Championship in May has been undertaken with a budget that Toyota Motorsport GmbH technical director Pascal Vasselon described as "very optimistic".

"If we have a couple of accidents, for example, we will be in financial trouble and we would have to make a drastic saving at some point," Vasselon told Motorsport.com.

Vasselon revealed that there had been no increase in budget for 2017 and that the extra Le Mans entry had been facilitated by savings elsewhere in the programme.

"We have had to manage within our budget frame – we did not get more budget," he explained.

"We have reduced some development items without hurting our performance target achievement and, at the same time, taking some financial risks."

Vasselon said that Toyota's experiences at Le Mans in 2014 and '16 had pushed it towards running a third car for the first time since its return to frontline sportscar racing on the rebirth of the WEC in '12.

"If you look at the past three years, two times we were in a position to win Le Mans and two times we have had exactly the same scenario with one car having an accident and the second one having a one-off reliability issue," he explained.

"The same scenario twice in three years pushes you strongly towards having the third car."

The decision on the extra Le Mans car also follows a period of stability in Toyota's programme after it introduced an all-new V6 turbo engine and replaced its supercapacitor energy-storage system with a battery in 2016.

[Rob]

Toyota warns of WEC exit if LMP1 reduces hybrid tech

Toyota would be unlikely to continue in the World Endurance Championship if the LMP1 rules were to scale back the scope of hybrid technology.

Pascal Vasselon, Toyota Motorsport GmbH's technical director, explained that the Japanese manufacturer's desire to develop energy-retrieval systems in a racing environment meant a retrograde step in the regulations could preclude its involvement in the WEC.

"The main reason for Toyota to participate in the WEC is to develop technology and specifically hybrid technology, so it would be nearly impossible for Toyota to accept a step backwards," Vasselon told Motorsport.com.

"Developing hybrid technology is the raison d'etre of the programme."

Vasselon stated that there was "no end point" to Toyota's WEC programme, although it is officially only confirmed up to the end of 2017.

His comments come in the wake of a rules freeze for hybrid LMP1 cars until the end of 2019 and an imminent start to discussions about a new set of rules for '20.

Those discussions, led by the FIA and WEC promoter the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, will be wide ranging and will focus on a major cost-reduction aimed at encouraging new manufacturers to join the LMP1 field.

ACO sporting director Vincent Beaumesnil said: "Nothing is agreed and nothing is decided - we want to discuss all possibilities in order to have a massive cost reduction for 2020."

[wisepie]

Very disappointed about Gimmi Bruni's departure, although I'm not sure how it came about.....can you enlighten me, Rob? But at least we have Guidi as a replacement so I wish him and the team well. Shame I'm too fat and too old to wear the team gear that seems to be causing such delight between Rob and fratelliferrari....but I'm still jealous!;-)

[Rob]

Very disappointed about Gimmi Bruni's departure, although I'm not sure how it came about.....can you enlighten me, Rob? But at least we have Guidi as a replacement so I wish him and the team well. Shame I'm too fat and too old to wear the team gear that seems to be causing such delight between Rob and fratelliferrari....but I'm still jealous!;-)

Ale is really great driver, quick out of the box, and very consistent. He was joined #51 for last years Le-Mans. I will send you PM on Facebook in next couple days on what i know about the situation. I cannt post here.

The team gear is awesome. The jacket i havent stopped wearing since got it. Hope will try get some more at Silverstone ;-)

[wisepie]

[QUOTE=Rob;929242]Ale is really great driver, quick out of the box, and very consistent. He was joined #51 for last years Le-Mans. I will send you PM on Facebook in next couple days on what i know about the situation. I cannt post here.

The team gear is awesome. The jacket i havent stopped wearing since got it. Hope will try get some more at Silverston

[wisepie]

Cheers Rob, understand your caution so don't worry, and I think you've made fratelliferrari a very happy boy with the AF Corse polo!! It is very chic!!;-)

[Rob]

Penske approached Audi to run LMP1 cars at Le Mans

American racing grandee Roger Penske says he made an enquiry to Audi about running its LMP1 cars on a privateer basis at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year – but the German manufacturer said no.

Audi made a shock sportscar withdrawal after 18 seasons of competition at the end of 2016, a legacy of the Volkswagen Group’s emissions scandal and an increased focus towards its Formula E programme.

Following this, Penske said he approached Audi about running its cars at Le Mans this year, but got a negative response.

“I talked about if we could get a privateer [effort] with some of those cars,” said Penske. “But under the current situation with Audi, all the things they’re going through, they just said they’ve got enough eyeballs on them, they don’t need to be showing up at Le Mans.


“I’d love to run at Le Mans, but if I did I’d love to run at the front.”

Audi’s then-motorsport chief Dr Wolfgang Ullrich told Motorsport.com last year: “You will not see any ‘historic’ Audis in the WEC” – and confirmed that the 2017 Audi was never built beyond a 1:8 model.

Penske was previously linked to running Audis in the American Le Mans Series after its ultra-successful Porsche Spyder RS LMP2 project had concluded after a sequence of title victories.

Four rings of wonder: The end of the Audi era
Penske impatient over IMSA return

Penske also said that his team is approaching decision-day in the coming months over its commitment to return to the US sportscar racing arena.

Penske has been seeking a manufacturer-backed project in the top DPi class of the IMSA series, with star drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves considered as likely choices to spearhead its driving strength.

“We’d like to and we’re trying to put all the pieces together now,” Penske said of his sportscar plan. “Hopefully we’ll have something [decided] mid-summer if we’re going to go.

“If we do it, we’ve got to be ready to go for it next year. I don’t want to wait another year to be honest. We’ve waited a year now, and we have a couple of options – and each one of them are good ones – but we just have to see which one is going to be the best.

“If we did a sportscar programme, Montoya would be top of the list to drive for us, and I’ve told him that.”

[Rob]

IMSA SEBRING THURSDAY NOTEBOOK

C.J. Wilson, the just-retired Major League Baseball pitcher, was prohibited by his contracts to participate in any serious auto racing, but it didn’t prevent him from investing in car dealerships and owning some race teams. Two of those teams, under the team name CJ Wilson Racing, finished second and third in the Continental Tire SportsCar Championship season opener at Daytona International Speedway, a four-hour endurance race.

But now that he has hung up his glove, the restrictions are off. The 36-year-old left-hander, a former All-Star who pitched in the 2006 and 2011 World Series, has traded the baseball for a racing helmet and he is going professional auto racing starting – well, right now.

In a promotional video for Porsche, Wilson once said: “The ultimate goal of any endurance racer is to go to France and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Why would my goal be any different?”

Wilson took that first step toward Le Mans late Thursday afternoon, at the wheel of the No. 33 CJ Wilson Racing entry, a 2017 Porsche 991, racing in the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. The cars in Wilson’s class, which is the fastest one, are all identically-prepared Porsches, meaning your performance depends on how good your crew is, and how good your driver is.

Wilson’s crew is excellent, but he admits he has some work to do.

“I knew the race was going to be a mess. I qualified bad – I’m not on good terms with the car or the track yet,” he said. “My only goal was to get through the race and not crash the car. I really didn’t have any expectations beyond that.”

He did a little better than that: He finished 20th overall. Of course, some of the cars were in a different class – “Gold,” as opposed to “Platinum,” which Wilson was racing in – and the Gold Porsches are a year or two older, but not necessarily much slower. Bottom line: Wilson, in his first time out, was lapping the 3.74-mile track about five seconds later than the guys at the front, some of which do this for a living.

So, adrenalin-wise, is there any comparison between taking the green flag here, and stepping onto the mound in a pro baseball game?

“No,” Wilson said. “It’s totally different. When I have the ball in my hand, I throw whenever I want. But when they throw the green flag – I wasn’t really ready for it.”

Wilson races again on Friday, same car, same class, at 11:55 a.m. ET. He said he wants to make some changes in the car’s setup, and go easier on the tires, which start to give up on Sebring’s abrasive pavement when they get hot.

“You have to give the tires a chance to breathe a little,” he said. “If you push too hard and overcook them, you have to slow down, or they just get worse.”

At least he was able to drive the car back to his garage – a lot of his competitors were towed back after crashes.

“I guess I’m just a little more budget-conscious than they are,” said the man who signed a $77.5 million deal in 2011 with the Los Angeles Angels.

Indeed, the aggressive racing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge seemed to come as a bit of a surprise to Wilson, who apparently is a “Seinfeld” fan. He was surprised at how “little regard guys have for your personal space. There are a lot of close talkers on the grid.”

And if you’re not a “Seinfeld fan: “Google “close talkers.”

FIFTY YEARS LATER: Heading into this week’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, legendary Mario Andretti spoke to Ford Chip Ganassi Racing about Andretti’s win at Sebring in 1967 in the original Ford GT40, paired with the late Bruce McLaren.

Said Mario: “We tested only briefly, and it was the first race for the Mk IV. The car was competitive right from the start because we had very good mechanical knowledge and they had used much of the chassis of the Mk II, with some mods, but with a new aerodynamic shape it proved to be quite good. With Bruce McLaren, we just pulled it off. It was a hard-fought race. The Chaparral was the favorite, but we were competitive.

“That yellow No. 1 Mk IV is now on display at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama. Sebring was actually very important from the standpoint of Ford’s effort for the Le Mans 24. At Daytona earlier that year, we had some issues and Ford felt they needed to come up with a different model car, a little slicker and quicker in a straight line, especially for Le Mans, and Phil Remington was given the task of designing that car quickly. He did it and that car won Sebring and Le Mans.”

SPEAKING OF THE FORD GT: The current incarnation of the car won its class at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, then won its class at the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona. This week, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team has three Ford GTs at Sebring to try for a hat trick by winning the three most important endurance races in the world.

Dirk Mueller is the co-driver of the No. 66 Ford GT, partnered with Joey Hand for the entire IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, and with Sebastien Bourdais, fresh from his win last weekend in the season-opening IndyCar race at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, spoke about what it would mean to win Sebring:

“It would mean a hell of a lot, to be honest,” said Mueller. “Just winning Le Mans last year was huge. I mean, it was unbelievable. We had pressure there because of the 50-year anniversary. It was the first time for the team and generally the first year of the whole program, and it ran so well.

“Chip always says he likes winners, and that’s what we like to achieve. If you see all the trophies at Chip Ganassi’s workshop, you know why they are there. They want to win races; we want to win races and that’s why we are here. That’s why we are looking forward to fighting for the Twelve Hours of Sebring. But we know how tough the competition is. It’s not just like, ‘Hey, we’re going to win it!’ We have to earn it and it starts today. It started when we had the official test here a few weeks ago, and here we are. We really want to have the triple.”

A FASTER MERCEDES? Cooper MacNeil, co-driver of the No. 50 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, has spent most of his career in Porsches, but the team switched to the new Mercedes-AMG for 2017. The team is hoping for a better outing at Sebring than the their 21st-place class result at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

“Our new Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be strong at Sebring and I'm looking forward to taking the green flag on Saturday morning,” MacNeil said. “We had an extremely positive test here a few weeks ago and made strong improvements to the car. We were down a bit on top speed at Daytona and at the Sebring test, which was a bit frustrating, but with the latest BoP [Balance of Performance] change we were given a little larger air inlet. This will help our top speed, which is exactly what we needed.”

MUSTANG VS. CAYMAN? The Continental Tires SportsCar Challenge race on Friday is shaping up to be a battle between the Porsche Cayman GT4, which took the top four spots at the season opener at Daytona, and the two Ford Mustangs, both fielded by KohR Motorsports. Dean Martin, co-driving the No. 59 car with Jack Roush, Jr., was fastest in the morning test session for the Visit Sebring 120.

Success, according to Martin, may well have to do with tire management.

“On old tires, [the car] feels terrible, and that’s where we were in the early session,” Martin said. “We were dead last, we were the slowest car on the track. I came in to the pits towards the end, and on my out-lap, I spun the car. brought it back in and said to the guys that the car was just terrible – let’s put tires on it and figure it out.

“So, we put a fresh set of Continentals on it, and let the tires come up to temperature pretty gradually. I went for a flier, had a good clean lap, and then the car felt great. New tires do that, they tend to mask the negatives, but they felt fantastic. We’re still working on our long-run strategy because the car seems to fall off. We’re just trying to make our set-up match our Continentals.”

The Visit Sebring 120 takes the green flag Friday at 3:40 p.m. ET. It will stream live on IMSA platforms. The 65th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida gets underway at 10:40 a.m. ET on Saturday.

Live coverage begins at 10:30 a.m. on FOX Sports GO, with television coverage on FS1 beginning at 12:30 p.m. Coverage from both platforms will continue uninterrupted through 11 p.m., including post-race interviews. A live international broadcast stream available on IMSA.tv and the IMSA mobile app.

SIMPSON QUICKEST IN TWELVE HOURS OF SEBRING PRACTICE: The fastest lap of the day went to Stephen Simpson in the No. 85 JDC-Miller Motorsports ORECA Prototype at 1:49.517, while Porsche was fastest in GTLM with Frederic Makowiecki in the No. 911 Porsche 911 RSR at 1:57.109. The Audi R8 LMS GT3 of Lawson Aschenbach topped GTD with a lap of 2:00.964 and Colin Thompson led PC in BAR1 Motorsports’ No. 26 ORECA FLM09 at 1:54.741.

[Rob]

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REBELLION RACING 12 HOURS OF SEBRING PREVIEW
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REBELLION Racing is back at Sebring for the fourth time after competing there in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with the Lola Toyota LMP1.
In the last appearance of the powerful LMP1 cars at Sebring in 2013, REBELLION Racing stood on the podium, with third place overall (behind an Audi 1-2) and first of the ALMS competitors. The #12 Lola Toyota in that race was driven by Neel Jani, Nick Heidfeld and Nicolas Prost.

This year, the 65th edition of the Twelve Hours of Sebring, on Saturday, March 18, will feature a strong, 46-car entry list for the second round of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as well as the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup.
The driver line up of the #13 REBELLION Racing Oreca 07 Gibson LMP2 will feature Neel Jani, Nick Heidfeld and Sebastien Buemi.

With a strong driver line-up and more experience of the Oreca 07, the Swiss team is aiming for a top result after a disappointing Daytona 24.

Neel Jani : “It’s nice to be back at Sebring after four years ! We finished P3 overall last time we were here and the aim is clearly to do better this time… We are a bit on the backfoot compared to other teams as we missed the recent collective test session here, but we will try our best to do well.”

Nick Heidfeld : “The 12 Hours of Sebring is one of my favourite motorsport events in the world. I hope the atmosphere will be as great as it was the last times when we competed here. The fans are crazy in a positive way, they are huge motorsport enthusiasts. Sebring is another circuit with a character and our target is to be in the mix for a top result.”

Sebastien Buemi : “This will be my first time in Sebring, I am definitely looking forward to discover this amazing circuit. After Daytona I am eager to jump back in the car and give my best. The target is clear we want to fight at the front with my team mates and the entire REBELLION Racing team.”

Bart Hayden – REBELLION Racing Team Manager : “ As we always do, we are heading to the race week of the 12 Hours of Sebring focussed to achieve the best results. We are absolutely delighted to be back at Sebring. It's been a very busy but productive break since the last race at Daytona. We had a lot of work to do on both sides of the Atlantic ocean; in Europe to set up for the FIA World Endurance Championship and here at our base in Atlanta to get prepared for this race. We are happy with our preparations and are ready to give our best.”

[Rob]

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RISI COMPETIZIONE POSITIVE ABOUT CONTINUING ENDURANCE RACE SUCCESS AT SEBRING
Team Seeks to Add Another Endurance Podium at 12 Hours of Sebring
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Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62: Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN), James Calado (ENG)

(Houston, Texas, March 15, 2017)...The No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM team is eager to return to Sebring, Florida for the 65th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida race, March 16-18, 2017.

The popular Houston, Texas-based Risi Competizione team has a vast history at Sebring that includes three victories (in 2007, 2009, 2010) and four additional podiums (2006, 2008, 2013, 2015) in 14 years and 19 entries since 1998.

The formidable trio of Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy), Toni Vilander (Finland), and James Calado (Great Britain) have proven their endurance success in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series, with a victory at the 2016 season finale at Petit Le Mans and a third-place finish at this year's 24 Hours of Daytona.

During this 70th year of the Prancing Horse, Risi Competizione looks to continue their winning ways around the 3.74-mile, 17-turn central-Florida circuit. Round two of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series will see the 465-horsepower Ferrari of Fisichella, Vilander and Calado, backed by the powerful Risi crew, who are proud to go up against the GTLM class factory teams of Porsche, Corvette, BMW and Ford any day of the week.

Former Formula 1 star Giancarlo Fisichella will be making his sixth race appearance at Sebring and fourth entry with Risi Competizione. His best finish was in 2015 for second place in the GTLM class.

Toni Vilander, the Finnish Ferrari factory driver, will make his fourth appearance at Sebring. He previously drove with Risi Competizione in 2011 and 2016 and has a best finish last year with Risi with a fourth-place class finish.
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Brit James Calado will be making his inaugural run at Sebring. He and Vilander participated in the 2017 official Sebring Test Days in late February.

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
How did the recent Sebring Test go and how has that been able to prepare the team for the 12 Hour race?
"The test was useful in getting the drivers re-acclimated to Sebring and to work on a base setup. It will make the event week go much smoother. This was also the first time the team was able to use the new fueling system; that practice was valuable."

You have said that Sebring is a team and personal favorite track. What is it that you like so much about Sebring and why?
"It has to be the biggest fan attended sports car race in the USA. The track changes throughout the event and is difficult to predict. The track is one of the most difficult to get a good car setup for. Sebring is rewarding when you can get it right. And a lot of times a favorite track is a track on which you've had a lot of success."

Obviously this year's GTLM competition is tighter than ever. How do you rise above the competition to be a victor at a difficult circuit like Sebring?
"A huge portion you can't control; you need good luck. The drivers need to be so careful to not hurt the car. It's such a fine line to go as fast as you can for 12 hours and also not damage the car in traffic. The competition is so fierce, we'll need a perfect race to win."

The Risi Competizione team is on a roll in the endurance races after a 2nd place finish at Le Mans and victory at Petit Le Mans last year, followed by a third-place finish and leading the race at Daytona this year. What are the goals and expectations for Sebring?
"The goal for every race to is win. We need to be in the mix at the front for the last three hours. The first nine hours are about survival."

Risi Competizione has a rich history at Sebring including three victories (in 2007, 2009, 2010) and four additional podiums (2006, 2008, 2013, 2015) in 14 years and 19 entries since 1998. How can you and your team turn that into further success this year?
"We will just race the best we can and try and stay out of trouble. We are going into Sebring with a competitive BoP (Balance of Performance), but any one of the 10 GTLMs could win this one."

Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
You and James were here for the Sebring Test last month. How did it go and what did you learn?
"I think we have a good base set up. We tried several things and we will fine tune during the practice sessions."

The Risi Competizione team is on a roll in the endurance races after a 2nd place finish at Le Mans and victory at Petit Le Mans last year, followed by a third-place finish and leading the race at Daytona this year. What are the goals and expectations for Sebring?
"Of course we want to win the race. We have the same driver line up as Petit and Daytona of Giancarlo, James and myself. I think we have a good chemistry and that's always important for an endurance race."

Sebring is now somewhat of a new hometown circuit with your American home in nearby Lake Worth. How does Sebring rate in your American circuits playbook?
"Sebring is a track with a lot of history and it's very challenging. It's very satisfying when you get it right and I really enjoy the circuit."

You know the Ferrari 488 GTLM very well and are comfortable with the Risi Competizione team and your driver teammates. How does that translate to success for you?
"I obviously get along with my co-drivers and we have a lot of history. I also have a lot of history with the team and they do a fantastic job on and off the track which is critical for success. I'm very optimistic going into this event."

Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
You, Toni and James have turned out to be a pretty formidable driving trio. What's your magic?
"We have worked together. WE all know the car very well. We all get on well and we do many events together for Ferrari."

You are competing in both the IMSA GTLM and the Blancpain series. How do you juggle two major racing championships and go between two different cars and series?
"That will be a bit challenging but there's enough time between the events that I should be able to adapt to the different cars."

Sebring is a very different kind of circuit from the European race tracks you're quite used to. What is the most challenging part of Sebring and what do you like best?
"It's a very bumpy circuit so it is a challenge to get the set up correct with all the different tarmac changes around the track but we've had good cars here in the past. I'm happy with what was done at the test and am looking forward to the race."

Risi Competizione has a rich history at Sebring including three victories (in 2007, 2009, 2010) and four additional podiums (2006, 2008, 2013, 2015) in 14 years and 19 entries since 1998, how can you and your team turn that into success?
"We certainly have had good races here in the past. I think our balance of performance is pretty good now. I think we could have another great result this year and I'm looking forward to the race."

James Calado, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
You and Toni were here for the Sebring Test last month. How did it go and what did you learn?
"It went very well. We worked hard with the car and found a good base set up which we have and we can fine tune over the weekend."

Sebring is a new circuit for you and quite different than the European circuits. What did you think of it? What did you like and what was the most challenging?
"It's a great track and extremely challenging. It is an old-style track with concrete in places, so varies corner to corner. The last corner is very tricky and there is a fine line between going quick and going off."

Sebring has a vast history of many great drivers from yesteryear. What do you think about finally being able to compete at such a historic and renown track like Sebring?
"I am very much looking forward to it. It will be my first race here but I am confident everything will be okay."

The Risi Competizione team is on a roll in the endurance races after a second place finish at Le Mans and victory at Petit Le Mans last year, followed by a third-place finish and leading the race at Daytona this year. What are the goals and expectations for Sebring?
"First, of course!"

You, Giancarlo and Toni have turned out to be a pretty formidable driving trio. What's your magic?
"I think we are a good combination of drivers and we know the car very well. We all get on and we drive with similar set ups."

You'll be competing in the WEC Series the rest of the year. Will you miss working with the Risi Competizione team and racing in IMSA?
"Yes, I find IMSA very challenging and I really enjoy racing in the States. I have a busy year with WEC and Blancpain so lots of seat time before coming back!"

The first practice session of the week begins Thursday morning, March 16 at 11:10 a.m. EDT with two additional practice sessions on Thursday and one on Friday, March 17. GTLM class qualifying scheduled for Friday from 1:25-1:40 p.m. EDT. The race starts Saturday, March 18 at 10:40 a.m. EDT for 12 hours. Live timing and scoring is available for all on-track sessions at IMSA.com and the IMSA Smartphone app.

[Rob]

Valelunga, Italy and the start of Clearwater Racing's inaugural WEC campaign....these are the first steps....
And appropriately, it starts with the unveiling of our 2017 Ferrari 488 GTE in our new for 2017 livery.....utterly gorgeous
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This car was last years GTE PRO Ferrari #51 driven by Clearwater stalwarts Gimmi Bruni & James Calado.

This year, Weng Sun Mok, Matt Griffin & Keita Sawa will use it to hunt down a World Championship for Clearwater Racing & Singapore.
Our first official WEC engagement is on April 1st & 2nd at Monza....bring it on

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[Rob]

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Ferrari has revealed the 2017 livery for the two 488 GTEs which will be raced this year by AF Corse in the LMGTE Pro category.

The red of the cars is a little darker compared to previous years in tribute to the Ferrari 125S from 1947, the first racing sports car produced by the famous Italian marque, which was the same colour.

Drivers Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado (No.51) and Davide Rigon, Sam Bird (No.71) will also have a special 70th Anniversary logo on their racing suits.
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[wisepie]

Fabulous sight, Rob, grazie! Shame we couldn't get a class win in Sebring, but a podium was just about OK!:Hmm

[Rob]

Fabulous sight, Rob, grazie! Shame we couldn't get a class win in Sebring, but a podium was just about OK!:Hmm

podium was good result, IMSA likes to hand Ferrari nice BoP at the start of seaons. Let Vettes and Ford get good championship points. And once we out of the running for the GTLM titles, then we get good BoP break. Look what happened last years Petit race.

[Rob]

Changes set for WEC TV line-up


FIA World Endurance Championship broadcaster John Hindhaugh will step back from the English language TV airwaves as the series makes changes to its announcing team. Although the new TV roster has yet to be confirmed, triple Le Mans winner Allan McNish is said to be in the frame for a new role with the WEC, and it's unclear whether Hindhaugh's longstanding commentary partner Graham Goodwin will continue in the TV booth.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working on the WEC TV project and I've really learned a lot about broadcasting in my years there," said Hindhaugh. "It takes a huge team effort to produce the live race coverage and the highlights shows. I'll miss being part of that team. They are all professionals and passionate about racing and what they produce."
Hindhaugh will return to a familiar role with WEC radio commentary provided through Radio Show Limited, the company behind Radio Le Mans.

"Thankfully the busy endurance racing schedule has only a couple of clashes so that means that for most of the WEC events I will be joining the established team providing live commentary for RSL radio," he added.

"For the WEC events I'm covering for the RSL radio service, we'll be adding live audio coverage of qualifying to the regular full race broadcast."

The WEC season opens at Silverstone on April 16.

[Rob]

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[Rob]

Spoke to Sam yesterday. He said feel s great straight out of the box.

[Rob]

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[Rob]

The 2017 ELMS Season is Go at Monza
ELMS

Forty-one cars will travel to Monza for the European Le Mans Series Official Test, which will kick off the 2017 season in style.
The 2-day test, which begins on Tuesday 28 March, will give the teams and drivers 14 hours of track time over five sessions, including a 2-hour night session, on the fast 5.8km Monza Grand Prix circuit. The Official Test also provides the opportunity for the teams to put some drivers through their paces before announcing their full driver line ups for the first race at Silverstone on Saturday 15 April.

All of the three 2016 championship winning teams will be present, with G-Drive Racing in LMP2, United Autosports in LMP3 and Beechdean AMR in LMGTE.

Thirteen LMP2 cars will thunder around the Monza track and this will be the first opportunity for the fans to see the largest gathering of the new generation of LMP2 cars in Europe.

The G-Drive Racing Oreca07, which this year will wear the no22, will be driven by Memo Rojas, Ryo Hirakawa and Leo Roussel and run by the Dragonspeed team. The American team will field the same trio of drivers as last year – Nico Lapierre, Henrik Hedman and Ben Hanley.

Fabien Barthez returns to the ELMS for another season of LMP2, the French soccer legend being joined by TimotheBuret and Nathanael Berthon to complete an all French lineup.

Last year’s LMP3 front runners United Autosports, Graff, CetilarVillorba Corseand Tockwith Motorsports have all moved up to LMP2 in 2017. LMP3 champions United Autosports are running the LMP2 Ligier JSP217 alongside their pair of Ligier JS P3s in preparations for their debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Racing Team Nederland return to the ELMS with Jan Lammers and Frits Van Eerd completing a full Dutch team.

All Danish team High Class Racing will join the ELMS grid this year running a Dallara-Gibson while IDEC Sport Racing and Algarve Pro Racing will be running the Ligier chassis this season and complete the 13 full season ELMS entries.

A mammoth entry of 21 LMP3 cars for the ELMS Official Test will see all sixteen full season entries being joined by five addition cars.

Reigning champions United Autosports will be fielding their two full season cars and will bring a further two Ligier Nissans to take advantage of the opportunity to test on one of Europe’s best circuits.Duqueine Engineering will also be bring both of their Ligier-Nissans that are entered for the full season and the French team will field a third entry.

M.Racing YMR will be bringing both their cars to Monza including the brand new Norma M30. Italian team Oregon Team have also opted to run the Norma chassis in 2017 and are due to test the car at Monza.

Father and Son duo Alexander Talkanitsa Senior and Junior will have the first opportunity to test their AT Racing LMP3 Ligier as the Belarussians move up from the LMGTE category. 2016 competitors 360 Racing, By Speed Factory, Eurointernational, RLR MSport, Inter Europol Competition, Panis Barthez Competition and Ultimate are all back to test their cars and drivers at Monza ahead of the opening race of the 2017 season at Silverstone in April.

The seven full season LMGTE entries are all due to test at Monza with 2016 champions Beechdean AMR running their Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Andrew Howard and Darren Turner are joined by former British GT4 champion Ross Gunn. Reigning Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup champions TF Sport are also testing their Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

The three Ferraris will be running on home soil at Monza with a pair of AF Corse run Spirit of Race F488 GTEs being joined by 2016 LMGTE Vice Champions JMW Motorsport. The final two cars in the Official Test line up are the pair of Porsche 911 RSRs run by Proton Competition.

The ELMS Official Test will take place on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 March and is open to the public.

[Rob]

new Porsche 919 breaks cover at Paul Ricard before next weeks launch.

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[Rob]

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[Rob]

my tickets came month or so ago for Silverstone. Im going on the Friday for the first time this year aswell. My daughter Keira coming and my father inlaw and mother inlaw. On race day its me and brother inlaw Tom again, our 3rd year now. eira looking forward to seeing the #51 #71 and meeting James and Ale Sam and Davide. Spoke to Luca and said she maybe able to sit in both cars too. :clap

[Rob]

2017 ELMS is Go at Monza
ELMS -

Today is the day as track action is going to get underway this morning at 09h00. However there was two photo calls arranged for Monday evening to announce the class of 2017 for the European Le Mans Series.

The traditional group photo with each team taking part in 2017 providing one car for the picture, with 31 cars being wheeled out to the famous Parabolica corner in the Italian sunshine.

The second image was a little more compact as the three cars from the 2016 championship winning teams, G-Drive Racing, United Autosports and Beechdean AMR, took part in a side by side picture on the famous Monza banked circuit.

The first day of the ELMS Official Test will feature three test sessions, including a 2 hour session after the sun has set.

[Rob]

Ferrari and Monza – A combination made in Heaven
ELMS -

Monza, the centre of Italian motor sport and the home ground for the most iconic sportscar brand in the world: Ferrari. On Tuesday 28 March there will be three Ferraris taking part in the 2-day Official Test. They will return to Monza later in the year for the second round of the 2017 European Le Mans Series on the Sunday 14 May.
The 2017 European Le Mans Series will see the Prancing Horse try regain the teams title after the JMW Motorsport Ferrari lost out to the Aston Martin Racing Vantage at the final round of the 2016 series in Portugal.

Three Ferraris will line up on the ELMS grid this season. The JMW Motorsport Ferrari 458 Italia that will return to try to bring back the 2017 title and make up for the disappointing end to a great 2016 season. They will be joined on the grid by a pair of Spirit of Race F488 GTEs which promises a great battle!

The no51 car will have an all Italian crew headed by former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and FIA GT1 World Champion Andrea Bertolini, who will race alongside father and son duo Gianluca and Giorgio Roda. The no55 F488 will feature the unchanged from 2016 Anglo-Irish crew of Duncan Cameron, Matt Griffin and Aaron Scott.

A total of 13 Italian drivers will grace the ELMS grid for the two-day Official Test at Monza, with four drivers in LMP2 and five in LMP3 joining the four who will compete in LMGTE.

The Official Test will take place at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 of March in five free practice session, including a night session on Tuesday evening.

The test is open to the public, giving fans the opportunity to see the cars that will race at Monza in May.

[Rob]

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TOYOTA GAZOO RACING COMPLETES DRIVER LINE-UP
Tuesday 28 March 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing can confirm its full driver line-up for the 2017 season, with Yuji Kunimoto and Nicolas Lapierre joining the team for races at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans.

Yuji and Nicolas will line-up in the #9 TS050 HYBRID alongside lead driver Stéphane Sarrazin in the second and third races of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season.

Yuji, 26, has a wealth of endurance experience from his eight seasons in Super GT and he wrote headlines last year by beating several world-renowned drivers to win the Super Formula championship. A former Japanese Formula Three champion, Yuji will continue to compete in single-seaters as he defends his Super Formula crown in 2017 alongside another Super GT campaign.

Frenchman Nicolas, 32, is returning to a familiar environment, having raced for the team from 2012 to 2014, earning TOYOTA’s first hybrid WEC victories. Since then, he has established himself as a leading LMP2 driver, having twice won the class at Le Mans whilst winning the WEC drivers’ title in 2016.

Today’s announcement completes the full TOYOTA GAZOO Racing line-up for 2017, following January’s confirmation that the #7 car will be driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López, while Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima will compete in the #8.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “I am very pleased to welcome Nicolas and Yuji into our driver line-up for the races at Spa and Le Mans. I am confident that, together with a driver of Stéphane’s abilities, we have a strong line-up in the #9. We know Nicolas well and we have maintained a positive relationship. He is a very quick driver who understands what it takes to succeed at Le Mans so I am sure he will fit into the team quickly and easily. Yuji is a promising driver who has shown his speed and determination in Japanese racing. In testing he has been consistently fast, as well as a team player, so I am confident he will adapt to the demands of WEC.”

Yuji Kunimoto: “This is really a dream for me. I never imagined that one day I could race for a team like TOYOTA at Le Mans so I am determined to make the most of this opportunity. I enjoyed my first tests with the TS050 HYBRID, which is a really impressive car. LMP1 and endurance racing in Europe are new to me so I am working hard to learn as much as I can from the team; I am sure I will learn a lot from Stéphane and Nicolas, who are both very experienced and quick.”

Nicolas Lapierre: “It’s great to be back with TOYOTA and I would like to thank the team for this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to racing an LMP1 car again because the cars have developed a lot since I drove the TS040 HYBRID in 2014. The Spa race is coming around very quickly so I am fully focused on preparing myself for the new season. I have stood on the podium before at Le Mans with TOYOTA so my target is clearly to do that again this year.

[Rob]

“What the drivers said…”
ELMS -.
Memo Rojas no22 G Drive Racing Oreca 07-Gibson

"Today has been a good day for us. We've been consistently in the top three on both days. Obviously this a new team for me and a new car, and Oreca 07.

"I am very happy with the new car and the past two days have been to learn about the car. We've been investigating different set up configurations so we have information for the rest of the year. I think it has been successful. So I am happy with the job the team has done here at Monza and we will see in Silverstone."

Olivier Pla - No28 IDEC Sport Ligier JSP217-Gibson

"This is the big evolution of the JS P2. It is a brand new car and we've been testing during the winter, which went really well. Everytime we went on the track we made a step forward. The pace is now really good and overall it was a good two days of testing with IDEC here at Monza and I think it is looking good for the season."

Dennis Anderson - no49 High Class Racing Dallara P217-Gibson

"Testing has gone pretty well, on the driving side we still have some things to sort out, but we are good. This new car is really something. My biggest challenge is to get used to the speed, the cornering speed and the acceleration. There is also the issue of traffic, whether the other driver has seen you and if there is an opening. I am looking forward to racing back here in Monza in May.

Nico Lapierre - no21 Dragonspeed Oreca 07-Gibson

"It's gone really well, very nice. I arrived yesterday evening. The team is doing well, it has expanded to two cars and so far it is going really well. Both cars have really good pace yesterday and today as well and now we can't wait for the first race."

Christian England - no3 United Autosports Ligier JS P3-Nissan

"It's gone really well, we've had good weather on a fantastic circuit here in Monza. It's the first time I've been here, obviously we raced at Imola last year, and it's gone really well. We tried a lot of things, we've run through the plan and we're confident. I can't wait to come back to Monza in May"

Richard Bradley - no40 Graff Oreca 07-Gibson

"It's gone surprisingly well. To end up fastest personally in two of the sessions and consistently at the front was good. We grabbed a lot of good data as a result. It's looking very good for the season and I'm loving it."

Andrea Bertolini - no51 Spirit of Race Ferrari F488 GTE

"The last two days have been good. We are in a good place and the weather was perfect to do a good test. For Giorgio (Roda) and Gianluca (Roda) it was the first time in the 488. It was good because learned a lot and they worked on the set up. It was the first time with Dunlop for the F488 and we are quite happy with the tyres, we found a good balance. We did a full programme here at Monza and we will see where we are at Silverstone."

[Rob]

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[Rob]

36 Cars for ELMS Season Opener at Silverstone
ELMS -

A huge grid of thirty six cars will line up for the first race of the 2017 European Le Mans Series, the 4 Hours of Silverstone, on Saturday 15 April. The UK round is once again being held at the home of UK motor sport alongside the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship to provide the fans of endurance racing a bounty of sportscar action.

Six of the cars and nineteen of the drivers will be racing with the Union Flag flying above their garages, including one of the 2016 championship winning teams and three of the reigning drivers champions.

Reigning LMGTE Champions Beechdean AMR, with drivers Andrew Howard and Darren Turner, will begin the defence of their titles at home in the UK. The 2016 LMP3 championship winning team, United Autosports, races under the Stars and Stripes of the USA but is based in the UK, so can claim Silverstone is their home race, while 2016 LMP3 Drivers Champion Christian England returns to defend his title racing with fellow Brit Wayne Boyd and American Mark Patterson.

First ELMS race for the new LMP2 cars

In LMP2 12 cars will be on the grid with the new for 2017 technical regulations seeing a marked increase in performance compared to the 2016 cars. There are three different chassis manufacturers – Oreca, Ligier and Dallara - all powered by the same UK built and prepared Gibson engines. Tockwith Motorsports are flying the flag for Britain with Nigel Moore and Phil Hanson driving the team’s Ligier for the first time in race action.

Reigning 2016 champions G-Drive Racing will run the Oreca07 chassis with an all new driver line up of Memo Rojas (Mex), Ryo Hirakawa (Jpn) and Leo Roussel (Fra) for the Russian team.

Race winner Ben Hanley will once again race for US team Dragonspeed, the Briton joining an unchanged driver line up of Nicolas Lapierre (Fra) and Henrik Hedman (Swe).

Richard Bradley is the fourth British driver on the LMP2 grid, the former 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 winner driving for French team Graff alongside James Allen (AUS) and Franck Matelli (Fra).

17 cars in LMP3

A mammoth grid of 17 cars will make up the LMP3 class at the opening race of the 2017 season. With Christian England and Wayne Boyd there a further four British drivers in LMP3, making six in total. 360 Racing will once again run their Nissan powered Ligier JS P3 for all British line up of drivers – Terrence Woodward, Ross Kaiser and Anthony Wells.

The second British team on the LMP3 grid is RLR MSport with Alex Kapadia flying the flag for the home crowd and is joined by Canadian John Farano and Dane Morten Dons in the Ligier-Nissan.

LMGTE: Three team to fight for a victory at home

Three of the seven cars on the LMGTE grid count Silverstone as their home race, including reigning champions Beechdean AMR. Andrew Howard and Darren Turner are joined by former British GT4 Champion Ross Gunn to complete an all British line up.

Their 2016 rivals for the title, JMW Motorsport, also return to continue the fight. Englishman Rob Smith and Rory Butcher are joined by fellow Briton Jody Fannin for this year.

2016 Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup Champions TF Sport are competing in the LMGTE class in 2017 with Euan Hankey flying the flag alongside Turkey’s Salih Yoluc and Danish reigning FIA WEC LMGTE Champion Nicki Thiim.

The final two British drivers on the grid are Duncan Cameron and Aaron Scott, who will once again be joined by Ireland’s Matt Griffin in an unchanged driver line up from last season in the Spirit of Race run Ferrari F488 GTE.

The 4 Hours of Silverstone will take place on Saturday 15 April and is the opening round of the 2017 European Le Mans Series.

[Rob]

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[Rob]

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[Rob]

few more pictures from Monza for the prologue.
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[Rob]

Francesco

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[Rob]

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TOYOTA GAZOO RACING INSPIRED TO WIN IN 2017
Friday 31 March 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing revealed today the updated TS050 HYBRID race car which will carry its hopes in the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Monza in northern Italy hosted the first public appearance of the new car, presented alongside team management and the drivers of the three TS050 HYBRIDs which will compete this season.

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López race the #7 for the full season, alongside Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima in the #8. Stéphane Sarrazin is joined by Yuji Kunimoto and Nicolas Lapierre in the #9 at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans.

The team has a clear target to earn its first Le Mans victory following an extraordinary near miss in 2016. That requires a combined effort at its technical centres in Higashi-Fuji and Cologne, with upgrades in every area of the TS050 HYBRID.

The 2017 car features a 2.4litre V6 turbo-charged petrol engine combined with 8MJ hybrid system. Significant effort at Higashi-Fuji sees the introduction of a new engine, optimising thermal efficiency by increasing the compression ratio via development of the combustion chamber, cylinder block and cylinder head.

The hybrid system too has been optimised. Motor generator units (MGU) have been reduced in size and weight while the high-powered lithium-ion battery has been developed further. Those advancements in hybrid technology will directly benefit TOYOTA customers on the road, combining with the knowledge gained by powertrain engineers to create ever-better cars in the future.

To complete a wide-ranging update for the new season, engineers in Cologne have optimised virtually all areas of the TS050 HYBRID chassis, working as one team with colleagues from Higashi-Fuji.

WEC regulations for 2017 target a reduction in aerodynamic efficiency, to increase the Le Mans lap time by several seconds for safety reasons. This is achieved by raising the front splitter by 15mm in combination with a narrower rear diffuser.

Using tools such as computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnels, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has modified its aerodynamic concept to meet this challenge; a raised nose and sharp undercut to the sidepods are the most noticeable modifications.

According to new regulations, teams are limited to two aerodynamic configurations per season, reduced from three in 2016, with the low-downforce TS050 HYBRID launched today. Tyre usage is also restricted, with each car limited to four sets, plus two spare tyres, for qualifying and six-hour races. The team has worked with Michelin to meet this challenge, including new compounds and constructions, as well as optimising the suspension geometry to limit wear.

Other rule changes are designed to enhance safety. Side mirrors now need to pass a wider visibility field test while hybrid cars must display lights to indicate normal powertrain behaviour. If the green safety light is not illuminated during a race, a car will be forced to pit for repairs.

The 2017-specification TS050 HYBRID has already recorded over 30,000km in testing this year, comprising five tests, at Paul Ricard, Motorland Aragon and Portimao, and including four 30-hour endurance tests.

With an updated car and a driver line-up including former World Champions and multiple WEC race winners, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing heads to the season opener on 16 April at Silverstone with great determination, but expecting a close and exciting nine-race LMP1 battle with Porsche.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “The whole team is motivated and determined for this season. We want to win, there is no doubt about that, but we know it will be a tough fight with Porsche. The team in Higashi-Fuji and Cologne has worked incredibly hard to update the TS050 HYBRID and the first indications are encouraging. Having a third car is an additional opportunity and we will do our best to again deliver a great spectacle for the fans at Le Mans. We know from painful experience that Le Mans is a very difficult race to win, but that is our target. Everything - the car, the team and the drivers - has to work perfectly to achieve our goal. We will see in June if we have done enough.”

Histake Murata, Racing Hybrid Project Leader: “Although the TS050 HYBRID shares the same name as the 2016 car, its performance has been greatly improved by reviewing the powertrain and enhancing efficiency in all areas. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s biggest goal for this year, as always, is winning Le Mans. The team in Higashi-Fuji has worked ceaselessly since Le Mans last year to develop a powertrain which will deliver performance over one lap and over a full race distance, enabling us to compete at the front. This has resulted in a new engine, plus modifications to the motor generator units and battery. The first results are very encouraging but we will continue to fine-tune so we are ready.”

Pascal Vasselon, Technical Director: “Our 2017 TS050 HYBRID represents a significant update; the only item which is not changed is the monocoque. At several races last year we showed the potential of our car with strong performances. But to achieve our targets we need more, so as well as big aerodynamic changes, we have optimised each area for performance and weight. What happened at Le Mans last year was painful so we gave extra attention to quality management. Zero risk doesn’t exist so we operate according to a given level of risk, which this year we have reduced. Pre-season testing has gone well in terms of performance and reliability so we feel positive but we also know we face a tough competitor.”

Rob Leupen, Team Director: “This is a big season for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in WEC and we are ready for the challenge. The team at Higashi-Fuji and Cologne have worked in tandem to update all aspects of the TS050 HYBRID whilst also preparing for the challenge of running three cars at Spa and Le Mans. Our targets are once again very clear; we want to compete at the front and ultimately win Le Mans and the World Championship. These are ambitious targets when faced with a formidable competitor and we know we must be on top form, with no mistakes or weaknesses. We don’t race to finish second; we race to win. We embrace this challenge and working as one team will give us the best possible chance.”

Mike Conway (#7 TS050 HYBRID): “I like the new car a lot; right now it feels very good. Now we need to see what our competitor is going to do. I feel good about the season and our car crew. I learned a lot in 2015-2016 and it has been a good journey for me so far. This season we will fight for every podium and will do our best in the #7 car. I’m sure it will be an interesting year and I’m happy as well to welcome José in our car, it’s good to have him on board and hopefully we will have a good year, especially with focus on Le Mans.”

Kamui Kobayashi (#7 TS050 HYBRID): “After last year, when we had a few disappointing races, the target is clearly to win Le Mans; that’s the first priority. And if we win Le Mans I think we have a big opportunity to win the championship as well. Both are my targets. It’s nice to be finally back in the car after the winter break. The 2017 TS050 HYBRID looks pretty good and it feels neutral in balance, which is great. I’m pretty happy, that we didn’t lose a lot due to the regulation changes. It feels that we already have a good package.”

José María López (#7 TS050 HYBRID): “My biggest target this season is to learn as quickly as I can and to do the best with the team together. Driving in endurance is a first for me, especially with the traffic; I’ve never experienced that before. All of it will be an interesting challenge and I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s a bit difficult to say before the beginning of the season but I want to give everything and win races. This year’s car feels very good and it’s a lot of fun to drive an LMP1 car, it’s very powerful especially with the hybrid system.”

Sébastien Buemi (#8 TS050 HYBRID): “The new car feels great, obviously it’s an evolution; last year it was a revolution. The change of regulations has triggered this, as we will lose a lot of downforce, so the team worked hard to compensate this. It feels good and we are on the level we’ve expected to be at this early stage of the season. This year the only target can be to win Le Mans finally. So the hopes and expectations are very high, hopefully we will have worked hard enough during the winter to have a decent package to fight for the win at each race.”

Anthony Davidson (#8 TS050 HYBRID): “It’s always exciting getting in a new car for the first few times. We’ve had a change of regulations regarding the performance of the car, which was quite a big change – aerodynamically mainly. And you can tell that the engineers did a great job so far making the car feel similar to drive compared to last year, which is a good sign I think. I’m very excited to drive the car in a race, especially in Le Mans to see how it performs there. It is a one-on-one fight in LMP1 this season; we will do the best job we can with the target to win.”

Kazuki Nakajima (#8 TS050 HYBRID): “My first impressions of the 2017 car are very good. It actually feels like a new car as the characteristics have improved. I think we will be able to fight for the championship, although we don’t know where our competitor is at the moment. I think we had the right approach as drivers and as a team in 2016; we just need to continue and always fight to get the best possible result. It was a difficult year results-wise but that only increases my motivation to challenge at the front this season.”

Stéphane Sarrazin (#9 TS050 HYBRID): “I hope that we will again have the pace we showed last year at Le Mans, where we were the fastest car. My aim is to have a strong race and fight for the win again. We have kept the very good team spirit and this is very important; we are one team, not three car crews, so we all work well together. I am looking forward to racing again with Nicolas and getting to know Yuji. I will try to share my experience as much as possible with everyone in the team, to give us the best chance of achieving our targets.”

Yuji Kunimoto (#9 TS050 HYBRID): “The TS050 HYBRID is a fun car to drive. I don’t have a comparison with last year’s car but I am really impressed by the acceleration and downforce; I cannot wait to race this car for the first time. I am constantly learning about LMP1 and it is also a new experience for me to be racing in Europe. It is a really exciting time and I know I have a lot of preparation to do in the next weeks. But I am happy to drive alongside Stéphane and Nicolas as I think I can benefit a lot from their experience of Le Mans.”

Nicolas Lapierre (#9 TS050 HYBRID): “It’s great to be back and I am really looking forward to being part of the TOYOTA team again. I’ve already had a warm welcome from everyone; it’s nice to work again with some familiar faces and also get to know new team members. On car #9 we have a different schedule to the other cars so we are working hard to prepare ourselves first for Spa then our main focus, Le Mans. I have enjoyed winning the LMP2 class at Le Mans for the past two years so I want to be on the podium again, this time in the TS050 HYBRID.”

[Rob]

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[Rob]

Porsche 919 2017
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[The Architect]

7055

Side by side, the Toyota and Porsche look very similar, this could get confusing very quickly...

[458 Italia]

Can't wait to see the 2017 Audi :champ

Oh yeah... right :-(

[Rob]

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PRODUCTIVE PROLOGUE FOR TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
Sunday 2 April 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing completed a productive and positive official start to the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season during the two-day Prologue test at Monza, Italy.

The team brought two updated TS050 HYBRIDs to Monza for the public launch of the car on Friday followed by two days of testing in the presence of all other WEC competitors.

It therefore represented the first opportunity to compare performance with LMP1 rivals Porsche, although outright fastest lap times were not the top priority on a weekend of testing various set-ups and settings.

Over five sessions over two days, including a night test on Saturday, the TS050 HYBRIDs recorded a combined 642 laps, 3719km, and set the overall fastest lap of the event, on Sunday afternoon with Nicolas Lapierre at the wheel.

This weekend also marked the first public appearance of Super Formula champion Yuji Kunimoto as a TOYOTA driver in WEC, while Nicolas made his return to the team he last drove for in 2014. Both showed that they are integrating quickly, with Yuji also making continuous progress behind the wheel on his first-ever visit to Monza.

Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi, in the #7, were on hand to fine-tune settings of the low-downforce TS050 HYBRID which will make its race debut in the second round of the season, at Spa-Francorchamps.

Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima represented the #8 crew, with #9 drivers Nicolas and Yuji gaining valuable running time before their race debuts at Spa. Sébastien Buemi, José María López and Stéphane Sarrazin appeared at the car launch on Friday but departed early to compete in the Mexican round of Formula E.

With five tests and over 30,000km already achieved with the new car this year, the Monza test was the final chance to gain additional data prior to the opening race of the season at Silverstone in two weeks.

While the team has not previously visited Monza as part of its hybrid WEC project, the circuit holds happy memories for TOYOTA as the scene of its first-ever World Championship race win, when Geoff Lees and Hitoshi Ogawa drove the TS010 to victory in the 1992 Monza 1,000kms, part of the World Sportscar Championship.

There are only a few days until departure for Silverstone, so the team will return to its base in Cologne to study the data from this weekend’s test and put the finishing touches to its preparations for the 2017 season.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “It has been nice to visit a new circuit and this gave us an opportunity to test our low-downforce car at a very high-speed track. This is good preparation for Le Mans so it was important that the cars ran reliably, to help us get as much data as possible. Thanks to the fans who came to watch the Prologue; they provided a nice atmosphere and really helped create excitement for the start of the season. Now we are looking forward to fighting with Porsche from the first round of the season. We have seen encouraging signs here in Monza with our low-downforce car, now we will be working flat-out to prepare our high-downforce package for Silverstone.”

[Rob]

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[Rob]

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RISI COMPETIZIONE POST QUALIFYING REPORT FOR LONG BEACH

Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62:
Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN)

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(Long Beach, California, April 7, 2017)... TheNo. 62Risi Competizione Ferrari team used Friday's early morning two-hour practice session to set up the popular Prancing Horse and allow the drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander, to get acclimated for tomorrow's BUBBA burger Sports Car Grand Prix on the streets of Long Beach, California. The 100-minute race is Round Three of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series, scheduled to run from 1:05-2:45 p.m. PDT Saturday.

Toni Vilander was the qualifying driver for the brief 15-minute sessionGTLM and was quick out of the box in the Ferrari 488 GTLM. The Finish driver qualified on the second row, in the third position on the grid, with a time of 1:17.043.

Vilander experienced a slide into the tire wall on the sixth lap at the end of the seaside turn, where it had been difficult under braking for a number of cars today. Fortunately, he had only slight damage, although the Risi team will do a thorough check this afternoon in preparation of tomorrow's 100-minute race.

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
"Qualifying went pretty well except for the late tire wall contact at the end. But when you push on a narrow street circuit you take that risk. The damage didn't look significant but the crew will dig into it tonight and see what we have and I'm sure we'll be ready to race tomorrow. It was a very tight qualifying with only .5 seconds top to bottom. It's hard to have a closer field then that. We made a few small changes between the last practice and qualifying and generally I think they were positive. I think we'll have a good race car tomorrow and I think P3 is a good place to start."

Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"We had a good car for qualifying. I had one Corvette in front of me at the start of qualifying and I could see the distance in different laps but we had a fast lap right away. We made a few changes on the car before qualifying and the Michelin tires were working really well. I went into the tires [tire wall] not because it was slippery but there is only one racing line. I was still on it and repeating my fastest lap time. I had three corners to improve my time. I saw I was not able to keep on the racing line so I made the car spin. I hope we did not get too much damage. When I drove it back to the pits it didn't make any strange noises so I hope there's no damage. You don't have much time in qualifying so you just go for it. The gaps are really close...just a 100th of a second to P2. I'd made great improvements on my lap time. I don't know how but I did it. I'm really happy for the crew because we have had some ups and downs both last season and this season in qualifying. Today was just me trying to gain lap time and trying to push. We'll check the car and then we'll think about the race."


Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"We made a couple of adjustments on the car before qualifying. It was very important to us to get a good set up for the race. It's very competitive [in the GTLM class] and we need to score points. We feel we have a good car. The circuit can be slippery and bumpy but car looks right. It's a good set up for the race and we'll see tomorrow what will happen."


The history of the Risi Competizione team at Long Beach includes one victory (2007) in the Ferrari 430 GT and six additional podium finishes in nine attempts, with two of those years being a two-car team entry.

The 100-minute race around the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit is Round 3 of the 2017 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series, where the Risi team has collected third place finishes at both the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring for the first two rounds during the year of the 70th year anniversary of Ferrari.

[Rob]

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TOYOTA GAZOO RACING ALL SET FOR SILVERSTONE
Monday 10 April 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing begins its challenge for the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a new car and revised driver line-up for the season-opening 6 Hours of Silverstone this weekend.

A heavily-modified TS050 HYBRID, featuring upgraded hybrid powertrain plus mechanical and aerodynamic updates, will make its competitive debut in the first of nine endurance races which will decide the 2017 championship.

With only two aerodynamic packages permitted in 2017, TOYOTA will bring the high-downforce version of the TS050 HYBRID to Silverstone, where it has finished on the podium in each of its five previous visits so far.

The 5.901km Silverstone circuit, one of the most historic on the WEC calendar having been opened in 1948, is famed for its sweeping corners which put a premium on downforce rather than outright top speed.

With around 35,000km of pre-season testing under its belt, including the two-day Prologue event at Monza earlier this month, the team heads to Silverstone ready to take on LMP1 rivals Porsche in a two-way battle for World Championship honours.

Behind the wheel, three-time World Touring Car champion José María López makes his TOYOTA race debut in the #7 TS050 HYBRID alongside Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi, race winners and title contenders in 2016.

In the sister car, the #8, Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima are reunited for a third consecutive season. Anthony and Sébastien have driven together since 2013 and won the 2014 title wearing the #8.

Home heroes Anthony and Mike have enjoyed their share of success at Silverstone down the years and both are previous winners of the Richard Lloyd Trophy, presented to the highest placed member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club.

Track action begins on Friday with two 90-minute sessions, while a final hour-long practice on Saturday morning takes place before qualifying. The six-hour race, which last year saw 1,144km completed by the winning car, begins at midday on Sunday.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “The start of a new WEC season is always an exciting time and we will travel to Silverstone with plenty of hope and expectations. I would like to thank the team for their strong effort over the winter to introduce our updated TS050 HYBRID and prepare it for the new season. It is a very intense period for the whole team but I am proud of our preparations and I believe we have done everything in our power to be ready. Now we will see how we compare with Porsche; we will be pushing to the maximum to get a strong result.”

Mike Conway (TS050 HYBRID #7): “Silverstone is my home race; a track I raced on many, many times. I really like Silverstone because it’s fast flowing and good fun. It will be a tricky race especially with traffic but I think we have a competitive car and we arrive there well prepared. Even though it’s hard to tell at the moment where we are compared to our main rival, I’m sure we will see a tough battle so I’m really looking forward to it and I’m optimistic.”

Kamui Kobayashi (TS050 HYBRID #7): “It’s a great track with a lot of history, especially in endurance racing, and I enjoy racing in front of the British fans. They are real motorsport enthusiasts and we usually see a big crowd. We are here to win races so that is the target at Silverstone. It will be challenging as always in WEC but we want to show our performance after a positive winter of testing. It’s gone well so I’m confident we can put on a good show.”

José María López (TS050 HYBRID #7): “I am very much looking forward to my first-ever race in an LMP1 car and my first race for TOYOTA. Testing has gone well and I feel at home in the team already. With Mike and Kamui, I have quickly developed a strong relationship; I can’t wait to race together this weekend. It’s a long time since I raced at Silverstone but it will be good to go back. It’s a high-speed track and I’m sure the TS050 HYBRID will be a lot of fun there.”

Sébastien Buemi (TS050 HYBRID #8): “Silverstone is a high-downforce circuit and I think our car can be strong there. I have nice memories of racing there; I had my first podium in WEC in 2013, we won the following year and I had another podium in 2015. All in all it was usually a good race for me so I hope we can repeat that again this year. I like the atmosphere as well at Silverstone; they are really enthusiastic so it’s always nice to come back. It’s hard to say what we can expect. Looking at the Prologue results we believe we are competitive; now we need to confirm it.”

Anthony Davidson (TS050 HYBRID #8): “There’s a lot to look forward to this season. Obviously Silverstone is truly my home track as I live very close by and I’ve driven there in all kinds of cars over the years. It’s a great circuit to drive which really highlights the performance of modern LMP1 cars, especially in the fast, flowing corners where you take advantage of the downforce. The championship battle starts in Silverstone and I believe we’ve got the car to fight at the front.”

Kazuki Nakajima (TS050 HYBRID #8): “Personally I like Silverstone a lot. It’s a nice lay-out which is fun to drive and the combination of high-speed corners from Copse to Maggotts is one of the best sections on any circuit in the world. We go to Silverstone with the clear aim of winning the race. It’s difficult to predict the competitiveness of the two LMP1 manufacturers but I’m excited by the challenge. I think we are ready to get the season started.”

[Rob]

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[The Architect]

A good race and pleased to see Toyota win. The Porsche looks very quick especially considering it was running in low downforce trim at Silverstone. I don't miss the diesels but having a third team in there would be useful. Unlike past years, I couldn't peel my eyes away from the F1 race running at the same time. Regardless, it's still shaping up to be a great WEC season.

[wisepie]

A good race and pleased to see Toyota win. The Porsche looks very quick especially considering it was running in low downforce trim at Silverstone. I don't miss the diesels but having a third team in there would be useful. Unlike past years, I couldn't peel my eyes away from the F1 race running at the same time. Regardless, it's still shaping up to be a great WEC season.

Well said, but those damn Ford GTs are a nuisance and that new mid-engined 911 will be a threat to the AF Corse boys. P2 in GTPro was a great result all the same, and an F1 win wrapped the day up nicely! Bravo ragazzi.:thumb

[Rob]

Well said, but those damn Ford GTs are a nuisance and that new mid-engined 911 will be a threat to the AF Corse boys. P2 in GTPro was a great result all the same, and an F1 win wrapped the day up nicely! Bravo ragazzi.:thumb

The chat was more of the Ford GT cars. How they are more like prototypes than GT cars. But it is what it is.

This year was first time going on Friday. 10 pound tickets booked in advanced 15 on door. My mother inlaw and father inlaw came as did my daughter Keira. They loved every minute. She was chuffed as Sam too her off put her n #71 car they had little chat, she sat also sat in #51 My good buddy Luca got Keira and put her in #51. Was so so much fun. Met Francesco sat in #54. Thanks to all my good friends in the team. I got alot of pictures, will upload asap. Been bit busy.

[Rob]

Keira in #51
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Was standing out the back of the pits, Sam walk up, me and him started chatting, Keira came stood by my side, he looked at Keira, said Keira? she said, yeah and Sam took her hand, said come on...
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[Rob]

Francesco took this picture, he asked Keira if she wanted to get in, she got all shy and said no. So, i asked, ok for me to jump? He spoke to Fabio, he is one of #54 mechanics, and said sure no problem. So in i went. Dream come true.
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[Rob]

with Ale just after podium
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Valentino, he pulled bicep on Friday. But still gave it his all with his arm in a sling
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[Rob]

Valentino, Ale and Seb, Seb is on the wheel gun for #51
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James getting ready to go to the grid
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[Rob]

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[wisepie]

You are a lucky boy, Rob, being on the inside of it all must have been brilliant and the guys seem to be very approachable, but you have friends in high places which helps!! Hope the Keira and the family enjoyed it as much as you did, I'm surprised fratelliferrari didn't try to gatecrash!! Thanks for sharing the pics and those Fords do look more like LMPs to me too.;-)

[458 Italia]

Awesome pics Rob! :thumb

I'm extremely jealous!

[The Architect]

Thanks for the pictures.

How was the mood in the team? Whenever they switched to the GTE Pro battles, it always seemed to be a Ferrari being either hounded or overtaken by a Porsche or even Ford. It did not seem a particularly auspicious start to the season.

[Rob]

Awesome pics Rob! :thumb

I'm extremely jealous!

Thankyou iam very grateful to all my friends at AF Corse, for the cracking weekend we had with them.

[Rob]

Thanks for the pictures.

How was the mood in the team? Whenever they switched to the GTE Pro battles, it always seemed to be a Ferrari being either hounded or overtaken by a Porsche or even Ford. It did not seem a particularly auspicious start to the season.

All honestly it was good, really good. Close hard racing all race. What helped was the free splash of fuel during the SC period that helped us get P2. Was speaking to James after he got out, he thought best we would do was 4th maybe 3rd. But Ale, put in some cracking laps, and quick splash for fuel helped get P2. Atmosphere, in the team, pits all weekend, positive and all happy to get back racing. After last years, hard season, they all up this this season so much. The whole team vibe, from Friday and raceday, was happy, positive and 120% game mode. But, in that, they all open, happy to stop and chat. Even Luca, in the heat of the battle near the end. I caught his eye as he passed, i put both thumbs up mouthing everything good, he stopped mouthed all good my friend.

[Rob]

Luca getting #51 crew ready for pitstop practice.

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[Rob]

Sorry, no idea why these pictures have rotated like this.

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[Rob]

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[Rob]

Silverstone nail-biter proves wrong WEC's naysayers

An entertaining finish to last weekend’s FIA World Endurance Championship opener at Silverstone proved that two LMP1 manufacturers are enough for the series to thrive, writes Jamie Klein.

Toyota arrived at the 6 Hours of Silverstone in the unusual position of being the overwhelming favourite, but the Japanese marque’s route to an 11th WEC triumph was anything but straightforward.

A heavy crash for newcomer Jose Maria Lopez in the #7 Toyota meant the squad’s hopes rested solely on the #8 car of Sebastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima, and it was only with 12 minutes left that a pass from Buemi on Brendon Hartley’s Porsche sealed the deal.

The Silverstone paddock and press centre certainly felt less busy without Audi present, and the rather ominous-looking gap between the Toyotas and the Porsches in qualifying will no doubt have left some wishing that a couple of R18s had been present to fill the breach.

But after the arrival of rain spiced up the action from the third hour onwards, the action fans were treated to was certainly a match for more or less anything the Porsche-Toyota-Audi era produced.

In the end, just six seconds split the leading two cars at the flag, closer than every finish from the 2016 season barring Fuji.

Porsche makes up for lack of outright pace

Qualifying had threatened a Toyota whitewash, with the two TS050 Hybrids clearly in a class of their own on the front row with the best of the Porsche 919 Hybrids more than a second back.

Porsche’s Andreas Seidl even admitted after qualifying the Japanese cars would be “untouchable” in the race, and for the first hour it seemed as if that gloomy prediction was bang on the money.

But, as is so often the case in endurance racing, it takes more than out-and-out speed to win the day, and in fuel efficiency and pitwork, it was Porsche that held a decisive edge.

The one area where Porsche went wrong was its call to bring in both its cars for intermediate tyres in the third hour when the rain arrived, but Lopez’s crash at Copse and the subsequent safety car effectively cancelled out the disadvantage of the extra pit-stops to switch back to slicks.

From there, Brendon Hartley did a stellar job to keep the #2 Porsche close enough to Kazuki Nakajima’s #8 machine to be able to attempt a strategic roll of the dice for his final stop.

Granted, a gap of just over eight seconds with 30 minutes left on the clock was never going to be enough to repel an inspired Sebastien Buemi on fresher tyres, but the point was that Hartley and Porsche were strong enough in the closing stages to force Toyota to do it the hard way.

Buemi himself spoke afterwards of how we was shocked that he ended up eight seconds in arrears after his last stop, having expected to be only four behind – a testament to the excellent job Porsche did in the pits – and said the narrow margin of victory “scared” his team.

Giving Toyota a run for its money at Silverstone
Even Davidson admitted afterwards that he doubted the win was in the bag until his Swiss teammate crossed the line, the bitter taste of Le Mans last year still in the back of his mind.

"Brendon was flying all weekend, when I saw him out front I doubted Seb would be able to catch him," Davidson admitted to Motorsport.com. "But then the times started to come down.

[Rob]

SMP Racing will perform in ELMS and in the Le Mans 24 with Dallara

SMP Racing will take part in the legendary "24 Hours of Le Mans" race and in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) on the Italian sports prototypes Dallara in the LMP2 class. The line-up will include young drivers from SMP Racing Russian motorsport development program.

SMP Racing will take part in the key endurance races of the 2017 season – “ the 24 hours of Le Mans” and the ELMS. The line-up for both will consist in drivers of SMP Racing Russian motorsport development program. Meanwhile it will be a debut in endurance races for two young drivers of the program in ELMS. They will be accompanied by an SMP Racing driver who has already participated in endurance races. The 4 Hours of the Red Bull Ring will be the first race of the European Le Mans Series where the Russian team will take part. Full list of drivers is to be announced later.

"The main goals of our program are to support and develop Russian racing drivers," said Boris Rotenberg, founder and head of the SMP Racing. – Yes, we want to see our drivers taking part in all the important races, including the European Le Mans Series. I am sure they will do their best to achieve all the results that will be set for them. Of course, we also do not forget our main project - the BR1 sports prototype that we build together with Dallara to participate in the 2018 FIA WEC. Considering that our drivers will perform in ELMS and in Le Mans with Dallara thus we also will be able to gather more information for the future car."

“24 hours of Le Mans” race starts on June the 17, 2017.

“4 Hours of the Red Bull Ring” will be held on July 23rd.

[Rob]

Karun Chandhok: “There’s a lot to look forward to”

Karun Chandhok is back in endurance racing after a lengthy break. The charismatic British-based Indian, who has become part of UK television’s Formula One broadcast team alongside Mark Webber over the last year, will race at Spa and Le Mans this season.

Competing in the Tockwith Motorsport Ligier-Gibson, Chandhok will join teammates Nigel Moore and Phil Hanson at Spa next month. Chandhok has previously raced in the ELMS for Murphy Prototypes and he also made his Le Mans debut for JRM in 2012.

“They wanted a driver with a bit of experience and I love Le Mans and have had a good result there, so it all fitted together,” said Chandhok. “Doing the WEC race at Spa next month was a no-brainer as we need to know the level and what is to be expected before we head to Le Mans in June.”
Chandhok believes that the LMP2 class this season is possibly the strongest ever and thinks that the only Ligier in the category will be able to mix it with the ranks of ORECAs this season.

“The ORECA has shown it is very strong but, as we saw in the ELMS race at Silverstone, the Ligier can be a real force,” said Chandhok. “I think we can develop things nicely. Spa will be a crucial weekend for more data gathering and learning where we can aim for. There are a lot of unknowns for Le Mans as no one has run the lower drag kit yet. There is a lot of work to do but also a lot to look forward to.”

The LMP2 class will feature 11 entries at Spa as the second Signatech Alpine of French duo Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues together with Brazilian former GP2 driver André Negrão joins the class ahead of a planned rest-of-the-season campaign.

[Rob]

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BELGIUM BECKONS FOR TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
Monday 1 May 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will race with three TS050 HYBRID cars for the first time when the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) heads to Belgium for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

Having won the first race of the year, at Silverstone last month, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is ready for one of its three home WEC events; the Spa circuit is located just 120km from the team’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

Spa also represents the final competitive action before the highlight of the WEC season; the Le Mans 24 Hours on 17-18 June. With that in mind, the team will utilise both of its permitted 2017 aerodynamic configurations.

The #7 crew of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López will use the high-downforce TS050 HYBRID with which they earned pole position at Silverstone. Their race ended when José María crashed in damp conditions. After a period of rest, he is expected to confirm his race fitness in Thursday’s practice sessions.

Silverstone race winners and World Championship leaders Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima, in the #8 TS050 HYBRID, will also drive the high-downforce car, which concedes top speed in favour of more grip around corners.

To enhance its preparations for Le Mans, the #9 TS050 HYBRID will use a low-downforce configuration which is optimised for the long straights which characterise the Circuit de la Sarthe. At the wheel, Stéphane Sarrazin joins WEC debutant Yuji Kunimoto and the returning Nicolas Lapierre.

Opened in 1922, Spa is the oldest circuit on the WEC calendar and holds some positive memories for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Anthony, Sébastien and Nicolas won the race together in 2014 while both TS050 HYBRIDs had the opportunity to win last year before suffering engine issues.

This year’s targets are to again fight for victory whilst accelerating Le Mans preparations by optimising the low-downforce car in race trim and adjusting to the additional demands of competing with three cars.

The team will be supported by a large number of employees from its Cologne headquarters, with staff members and their families invited to visit Spa to watch Saturday’s race.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “We made a strong start to the season and we hope to continue this at Spa. The competition against Porsche is intense and we are looking forward to another close fight. Our high-downforce TS050 HYBRID performed very well at Silverstone, but Spa is a different circuit so we have been working hard to get ready. This year we have three cars for the first time, which gives us a chance to try out our low-downforce car in race conditions. We have tested it extensively over the winter, so this weekend we are taking another step in our Le Mans preparations.”

Mike Conway (TS050 HYBRID #7): “Spa is one of my favourite circuits so I’m really looking forward to this. The track itself is just really cool, with elevation changes, fast flowing corners and a huge variety of corner types. It is really challenging but I like it a lot. I hope that the package we’ve used at Silverstone will have a similar pace at Spa. There are definitely still things to improve but we are confident. I think it will be a close race again with Porsche, so we will stay focused.”

Kamui Kobayashi (TS050 HYBRID #7): “I’m excited to race at Spa. We showed good speed at Silverstone so we can go to the second race of the season with a very positive mentality. We are motivated and want to show our best there to win the race. That would give us as well good motivation for Le Mans. I’m particularly looking forward to the atmosphere at Spa because there are many enthusiastic fans and also the employees from TMG in Cologne will be there to support us.”

José María López (TS050 HYBRID #7): “It’s fantastic to be racing an LMP1 car at Spa. I haven’t raced there for a few years, since my GP2 days so I am very much looking forward to it. This weekend is an opportunity to again fight for victory, and also for me to get more laps. It was a disappointing end to our race at Silverstone but I learned a lot and gained important experience. I know I have the speed and I am learning fast about other aspects of endurance racing, like traffic management.”

Sébastien Buemi (TS050 HYBRID #8): “Obviously we had a great start to the season so we go into Spa with a lot of hope. It’s going to be a very exciting and interesting weekend for us because it will be the first time that we will have three cars. I want to get as many points as possible and of course we need to learn as much as we can for Le Mans, as Spa is the last race before the big one. We will do our best and try to replicate our good result from Silverstone.”

Anthony Davidson (TS050 HYBRID #8): “I am looking forward to racing again at Spa because it’s one of my favourite circuits. It’s always a pleasure to drive an LMP1 car around such a great track. After the victory in Silverstone, I hope we can fight for a win again but we are expecting even tougher competition from Porsche. Weather can be a factor at Spa; we have had nice weather in the race recently but you never know. Our car is generally very good in the wet so we are ready for anything.”

Kazuki Nakajima (TS050 HYBRID #8): “It’s difficult to predict what is going to happen at Spa because of the different aerodynamic packages. But we had a good start of the season and we want to continue that. The Spa track is really special, especially Eau Rouge; the g-forces there are like nowhere else. It’s a very challenging circuit with a lot of high-speed corners so I’m really looking forward to going there; our car will be amazing to drive on this track.”

Stéphane Sarrazin (TS050 HYBRID #9): “I’m really looking forward to racing the TS050 HYBRID again, especially after seeing the performance at Silverstone. It was great to watch and I hope the car is strong also in low-downforce spec. As always, I hope to get a good result but the most important thing for our car this weekend is to prepare ourselves properly for Le Mans. We need to get a lot of data about the low-downforce car and fine-tune the teamwork in our first race together.”

Yuji Kunimoto (TS050 HYBRID #9): “This will be my first race in WEC and my first time to race at Spa so it’s very exciting for me. I’ve heard so much about Spa from the other drivers and of course I know it from video games and TV; I can’t wait to experience it with the TS050 HYBRID. I am pleased to have experienced drivers like Stéphane and Nicolas as team-mates in car #9 because I am sure they will have a lot of helpful advice. I can’t wait to get started.”

Nicolas Lapierre (TS050 HYBRID #9): “Spa is a fantastic circuit and a good one for me. Anthony, Sébastien and I won the race in 2014 and last year I won the LMP2 class there so I have some nice memories. I am excited to drive the TS050 HYBRID for the first time at a race event and Spa is the perfect place. I am also looking forward to my first race together with Stéphane and Yuji. We already have a good relationship so I know we will work well together to get a positive result for the team.”

[Rob]

Lapierre already “feels at home” at Toyota

Nicolas Lapierre says he already feels at home with Toyota-Gazoo Racing ahead of his return to the team in a third TS050 HYBRID at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps.

Nicolas Lapierre says he already feels at home with Toyota-Gazoo Racing ahead of his return to the team in a third TS050 HYBRID at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps.

The reigning LMP2 champion has not raced with Toyota since the 6 Hours of COTA in 2014, but his impressive performances prompted the marque to bring him back into the fold for Spa and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as it seeks a first win at the historic event.

Lapierre was instantly on the pace on his first public appearance with the team at the Prologue and set the fastest time of the test on the final day. It was as if he had never been away.

“There are a lot of new guys, the team has expanded a lot in the last two years, but it’s good, I feel at home because I know most of the people,” he said.
“Although the car has changed a lot, it has improved a lot since the last two years, so it’s nice. I feel comfortable since the first day I came and this is a good advantage for me.

“I’m very happy to be back, and to have a great opportunity to be in Le Mans in an LMP1, it’s really cool for me. I have had two great years in LMP2, but obviously it’s nice to be back.”

The No.8 Toyota of Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima won in high-downforce trim at Silverstone, but Spa will mark the first outing for the low-downforce package it will also use at Le Mans.

Lapierre recognises that there is pressure to repay Toyota’s decision to run a third car for the first time, but is optimistic that he has everything at his disposal to fight for victory.

The Frenchman will share the No. 9 car with experienced hand Stéphane Sarrazin and WEC newcomer Yuji Kunimoto.

“The target is clear because, when Toyota decided to enter a third car for Le Mans, it was to get another chance to win the race,” said Lapierre.

“For sure there is pressure, but I think there is a bit of pressure on all the Toyota entries and every car manufacturer wants to win Le Mans. It’s positive pressure.

“In the end, we have Stéphane with us in the car and he is a very experienced guy. Yuji has had a lot of time in the car and he is a really fast driver, so we have the driver line-up, the engineers and everything – we have built a very strong team around this third car.

“We will just focus on our job, go step by step, and will see what the results will be.”

[Rob]

16 Seats Remaining For The Le Mans 24 Hours

Multiple drivers confirmed this week

5 May 2017, 7:19 AM

Further seats have been filled for the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours, another week closer and with several more of the previously vacant or unconfirmed slots on the grid have been confirmed in the last couple of days.

In LMP1, DSC believes that the three drivers that are entered in the opening two rounds of the FIA WEC for ByKolles, will continue at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Oliver Webb, Dominik Kraihamer and James Rossiter are believed to have been confirmed by the team, completing the six-car LMP1 lineup.

LMP2 meanwhile, has seen United Autosports confirm its Plan A, to continue with Filipe Albuquerque, has been delivered. He’ll join Hugo de Sadeleer and Will Owen for the race in the team’s Silverstone-winning Ligier JS P217.

“I am really happy to race again this year at Le Mans,” said Albuquerque. “As everyone knows, it’s a very special race that every racing driver wants to take part in. This year the LMP2 category will be very special because the cars are much faster so everyone is curious to see what lap time we can do. I am sure I will enjoy the faces of Hugo and Will when they complete their first laps around that huge track.

“My teammates don’t have much experience but on the other hand we are not fighting for WEC points and we will be coming from the ELMS round at Monza, which is the best track to prepare for this race. So, all in all I think we can push for a good result.”

With SMP, GRAFF and DragonSpeed still having yet to confirm their full lineups for the race, that leaves six seats free.

In GTE Pro, Corvette Racing’s Doug Fehan has yet to confirm which car Jordan Taylor will drive in at La Sarthe. There’s still one seat up for grabs, though it is understood that ex-Audi LMP1 driver Marcel Fassler will be put in the team once again.

For the vacant seats in GTE Am, DSC spoke to Proton Competition boss and driver Christian Reid and AF Corse team manager Batti Pregliasco at Spa today.

Proton’s Le Mans lineup currently features four TBAs. Reid confirmed that the full-season WEC Demposey-Proton-badged crew of himself with Marvin Dienst and Matteo Cairoli will race, though the lineups for the other two GTE-Am entered 911s are still not finalised.

“I’ve signed one Belgian driver, and Patrick Long and Wolf Henzler are still confirmed (after appearing on the original Le Mans entry),” he said. “The other three seats though are still to be decided, I’m talking to multiple drivers, and still taking calls.”

Pregliasco meanwhile spoke to DSC this morning, and confirmed that the final two Le Mans seats have been taken, across the two AF Corse customer teams DH Racing and Spirit of Race.

Ferrari factory driver Andrea Bertolini will race alongside American Tracy Krohn and Swede Nic Jonsson in the DH Racing 488.

Former Corvette works driver and nominated Ferrari factory driver Olivier Beretta will race with Thomas Flohr and Francesco Castellacci in the Spirit of Race 488. This is because Spirit of Race’s WEC regular Miguel Molina will race in AF Corse’s GTE Pro lineup at La Sarthe.

At JMW, ELMS regular Rob Smith is believed to have been confirmed is set to drive the team’s 458 Italia, leaving two seats left in the British team’s car.

[Rob]

‘SURPRISE’ POLE FOR EDWARDS, BMW AT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

John Edwards knew he had a strong BMW this weekend at Circuit of The Americas, but admits Friday’s TOTAL USA Pole Award in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship qualifying came as a surprise.

Still, the driver of the No. 24 BMW Team RLL BMW M6 posted an impressive lap of two minutes, 2.833 seconds, good enough for the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class record at Circuit of The Americas.

I have to say it was a little bit of surprise,” said Edwards, who recorded his 11th career pole and first since 2014. “I expected people to keep getting quicker, but they didn’t so we waited it out and I stayed on top.”

In the always-competitive GTLM class, all nine cars were within 0.9 seconds of the pole-winning time, with the top seven within just 0.252 seconds. Giancarlo Fisichella qualified second in the Houston-based No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE, just 0.032 seconds behind Edwards.

It wasn’t just the BMW of Edwards that was fast. BMW Team RLL’s second car, the No. 25 driven in qualifying by Alexander Sims qualified third at 2:02.990.

“The conditions will be a bit cooler than we’re used to at COTA, but starting first and third for BMW should be to our advantage,” said Edwards. “It’s going to be very tight, but we’re at the right place to start.”

The points-leading No. 66 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT of Dirk Mueller qualified fifth, one spot behind teammate Ryan Briscoe in the No. 67 Ford GT.

Jaminet Scores GTD TOTAL Pole Award For First WeatherTech Championship Race

One week ago, Mathieu Jaminet had not met anyone on the Alegra Motorsports team, or even his co-driver Daniel Morad. But that hasn’t slowed down the young Frenchman who scored the TOTAL Pole Award Friday for the Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown at Circuit of The Americas, his first WeatherTech Championship start.

Jaminet, filling in for Michael Christensen who had a conflicting race in Belgium, turned in the pole-winning lap of two minutes, 6.531 seconds in Alegra Motorsports’ No. 28 Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“I didn’t know the team, my teammate, or how racing in the U.S. and IMSA would be,” said Jaminet. “I’ve raced this car in Europe, so not everything is new. I adapted myself very easily to the team. I came here last year with Porsche Supercup during the F1 weekend and won both pole positions and both wins as a rookie in the series, so I knew I would be very comfortable with this track here.”

The Lexus of Jack Hawksworth qualified second, but was moved to the back of the GT category after a violation of the ground clearance rule was found in post-qualifying technical inspections.

That penalty moved the No. 48 TOTAL Lubricants Lamborghini Huracan GT3 of Madison Snow to the front row. Snow’s lap of 2:07.724 was 1.193 seconds behind the pole-winning time of Jaminet. Corey Lewis will now start third tomorrow in the No. 16 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 for Change Racing.

The two-hour, 40-minute Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown starts at 2:35 p.m. ET. Live IMSA Radio audio coverage and in-car cameras are available for U.S. viewers on IMSA.com. The race will be televised Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.

[wisepie]

Well Rob, I'll leave it to you to comment on the WEC Spa race.....sono felice anyway!:thumb

[fratelliferrari]

Me to wisepie can't wait to hear the emotions and feelings of Rob right now

[Rob]

FERRARI DOUBLE AT THE 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS

Francorchamps, 6 May 2017 – Ferrari pulled off a resounding one-two in the GTE-Pro class at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Davide Rigon and Sam Bird, with the 488 GTE no. 71 of AF Corse, repeated last year’s triumph in the Ardennes, finishing a few seconds ahead of teammates Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado in car no. 51. This result puts Ferrari ahead of Ford in the Constructors’ championship, while the two crews are joint second in the drivers’ rankings. Ferrari also took a podium in the GTE-Am class with the 488 GTE of Clearwater Racing driven by Mok Weng Sun, Keita Sawa and Matt Griffin.

GTE-Pro. Davide Rigon started the race on pole and then maintained his lead over the two Fords. After about 40 minutes difficulty in lapping for the first Fords compacted the cars from second to fourth, allowing James Calado, in Ferrari no. 51, to pull off one of the greatest overtaking of recent years. The British driver pulled up beside both American cars on the Kemmel straight and then completed the move entering Les Combes. After the first pit stop the Ferraris found themselves chasing the Ford of Olivier Pla who had not changed tyres. On a track where heavy tyre consumption played a big role, the two 488 GTEs easily made up the gap and were in a position to go on the attack. Alessandro Pier Guidi, in car no. 51, overtook the Ford before Eau Rouge but then was held up by a Toyota that pushed him wide at Les Combes. At that point Sam Bird in no. 71 closed the gap and attacked his teammate. The 488 GTEs came into contact but were both able to continue the race with car no. 71 ahead of no. 51. The turning point came at the beginning of the fourth hour, when for the second time the race was neutralised with a Full Course Yellow obliging everyone to cut their speed to 80 km/h. Both Ferraris entered the pitlane and gained a lot of time on all their opponents. At the restart the two Ferraris were very close together but had a lead of almost a minute over Ford no. 66, in third. Towards the end, tyre management recommended a change to the team of car no. 51, during which Calado replaced Pier Guidi. However, the team decided to take a risk with no. 71 by just refuelling. Sam Bird finished ahead of Calado and the Ford no. 66 of Pla-Mucke-Johnson. With this triumph, Ferrari’s 18th in the GTE-Pro class, the Maranello brand leads the Constructors’ Championship with 72 points against Ford’s 65. Priaulx-Tincknell-Derani (Ford no. 67) top the drivers’ standings on 38 points against 36 for the two Ferrari crews.

GTE-Am. Ferrari secured a podium finish in the GTE-Am class. In a difficult race the 488 of Clearwater Racing crewed by Mok Weng Sun, Keita Sawa and Matt Griffin finished ahead of Miguel Molina, Francesco Castellacci and Thomas Flohr on the other Ferrari entered by Spirit Of Race team. The class victory went to the Aston Martin of Dalla Lana-Lamy-Lauda, while the Toyota of Buemi-Davidson-Nakajima was the overall winner. The next round is in mid-June with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

[Rob]

Me to wisepie can't wait to hear the emotions and feelings of Rob right now

Well, Andy and Marnix. It was a very very well deserved win. Too finally see the 488s fly. The VSC helped us abit. But what a race, Sam and Ale fighting like mad. That was heart in mouth moment. They were allowed to race till the final stops. After that, the order came to hold positions. That why they raced hard early on to get the upper hand other eachother. And the overtakes James pulled off, just utter brilliant. First one along Kemmel straight into le combes, then battling the Ford through Eau Rouge.

Happy that again you had good time at Spa Marnix, AF Corse amd WEC family so friendly and open. Imagine getting trying to that access in F1, being able to sit and watch the race from the pits and even getting into the pitlane at the end of the race. Wouldnt happen, unless pay thousands of pounds for VIP pass..

Good see the Toyota win again. Shame #54 had a lonely race. Cannt wait for Francessco and Thomas get on the podium.

[Rob]

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ONE-TWO FOR TOYOTA GAZOO RACING AT SPA
Saturday 6 May 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing took its second consecutive victory of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with a one-two in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Silverstone winners Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima, in the #8 TS050 HYBRID, again took top step of the podium to extend their lead in the drivers’ World Championship to 17 points.

In a dramatic race, the #7 of Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi finished just 1.992secs behind in second place, for the team’s first one-two since Shanghai in 2014. That moves TOYOTA into the lead of the manufacturers’ World Championship, by 8.5 points from Porsche.

The #9 crew of Stéphane Sarrazin, Yuji Kunimoto and Nicolas Lapierre, competing together for the first time, completed a trouble-free race to finish fifth and gather valuable experience with the low-downforce TS050 HYBRID.

Right from the start, the TOYOTAs were challenging for the win, with first Sébastien then Mike putting the pole-position #1 Porsche under pressure. On the 10th lap, Mike took the lead, while Sébastien took second three laps later.

At the first driver changes, Yuji took over the #9 in fifth for his first-ever racing laps at Spa. He showed consistency and maturity throughout his two stints to navigate safely through the lapped traffic; a key stage in his acclimatisation to WEC racing.

Kamui was consistently building a lead for the #7 as the race passed the halfway point, with Anthony in the #8 in second. But the race soon took a significant turn with two full course yellow periods.

The #7 was unlucky to be already in the pits on both occasions. Other cars pitted after the yellow flags and therefore conceded far less time due to the 80km/h limit around the lap. Mike, whose stops were made when the competitors were driving at racing speeds, lost around one minute.

Kazuki initially took the lead during the first full course yellow then extended it significantly during the second. Mike on the other hand found himself in a fight with the #2 Porsche, dropping to third.

A further twist saw the #2 Porsche lose time due to accident repairs meaning Sébastien held a half-minute lead going into the final hour over Kamui, now second in the #7.

Kamui closed the gap but held position in the last laps, crossing the line just behind Sébastien, who took TOYOTA’s 13th win since its WEC debut in 2012. Nicolas completed a clean run for the #9 car, taking the flag in fifth, two laps behind.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing now makes the short journey back to Cologne to accelerate preparations for the Le Mans 24 Hours on 17-18 June when the team expects a challenging and close fight with Porsche. Before that, all teams participate in the official Le Mans test day on 4 June.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “This was a dramatic race; I hope the fans enjoyed it. We are delighted with the result after another intense fight with Porsche. The #7 was unlucky with the two full course yellows. These things can happen in endurance racing but it’s really frustrating for Mike, Kamui and the car crew. They had the quickest car today in the race and didn’t make any mistakes. Well done to the #8 car; they never gave up and got their reward. It’s also been a very productive weekend from a technical point of view; having the chance to get data on the low-downforce package with the #9 is helpful for our Le Mans preparations. Le Mans is our big target and we will now make the final push to be ready.”

TS050 HYBRID #7 (Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi)
Race: 2nd, 173 laps, 7 pit stops. Grid: 2nd. Fastest lap: 1min 58.039secs

Mike Conway (TS050 HYBRID #7): “I’m a bit disappointed but it’s a great team result. The car has been very good all weekend and the team did a fantastic job. In the first part of the race we were really quick and built up a nice lead but we got the two full course yellows at exactly the wrong times. That’s racing sometimes. We have to take the positives from this weekend and carry that into Le Mans.”

Kamui Kobayashi (TS050 HYBRID #7): “Our car was really fast today; we just lost the race due to bad luck. At the end I caught up with Sébastien but in the last laps it’s not fair to attack when we are running one-two so I just followed him. It’s nice for the team to score maximum points from the race, especially in one of our home races; it was a good effort from everyone.”

TS050 HYBRID #8 (Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson, Kazuki Nakajima)
Race: 1st, 173 laps, 7 pit stops. Grid: 4th. Fastest lap: 1min 57.722secs

Sébastien Buemi (TS050 HYBRID #8): “Today we were not the fastest TOYOTA; car #7 deserved the win more. They lost so much time with the full course yellows. Our car didn’t quite have the pace so it’s nice in a way to win without actually being the quickest; maybe it’s a good sign. Last year we were leading by a lap when we had a technical problem so fortune has really turned around for our car here.”

Anthony Davidson (TS050 HYBRID #8): “We certainly had some luck today because those two full course yellows gave us around a minute in total on the #7 car. Mike and Kamui were blindingly quick from the start of the weekend and we didn’t have an answer, so they deserved the win. But for the team it’s a fantastic result and great preparation for Le Mans.”

Kazuki Nakajima (TS050 HYBRID #8): “It was a difficult race on our car and I have mixed feelings to be honest. I’m happy to be on the middle step of the podium but car #7 was really unlucky. In the end it was a great result for the team and it’s good to know that our car is getting a bit of luck this year after having none at all in 2016. Now we head to Le Mans with a good feeling.”

TS050 HYBRID #9 (Stéphane Sarrazin, Yuji Kunimoto, Nicolas Lapierre)
Race: 5th, 171 laps, 7 pit stops. Grid: 3rd. Fastest lap: 1min 58.020secs

Stéphane Sarrazin (TS050 HYBRID #9): “It was a difficult race for us in the low-downforce car due to the tyre degradation. I enjoyed the race; I pushed and the pace was pretty good. It was important for Yuji to experience a WEC race for the first time and it was important to finish. So all in all it’s a good weekend for us and the low-downforce car is a good base; it has big potential for Le Mans.”

Yuji Kunimoto (TS050 HYBRID #9): “I enjoyed my first race weekend in WEC, and my first race here at Spa. There is a lot to learn and it was good to do a lot of laps today to experience things like traffic and tyre management. The result was not the main target today; it was an important step for us all to prepare for Le Mans so I am pretty happy with it.”

Nicolas Lapierre (TS050 HYBRID #9): “It’s a great day for the team and a great result. Unfortunately on our car we were lacking some downforce, which is normal for the Le Mans-spec car, but it meant we had a lot of tyre degradation so we couldn’t fight. It was a good learning for Le Mans and the most important was to finish the race and from that aspect it’s been a positive weekend.”

[Rob]

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ASTON MARTIN RACING CLAIM VICTORY AT FIA WEC 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS

#98 V8 Vantage GTE takes class victory in 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Aston Martin Racing take lead of all GTE Am championships

Saturday 6 May, Spa-Francorchamps: Aston Martin Racing is enjoying the taste of Spa-rkling wine this evening, after taking victory at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps; the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

After clinching pole position in yesterday’s qualifying session, the trio of Paul Dalla Lana (C), Pedro Lamy (P) and Mathias Lauda (A) drove a faultless race to convert their advantage into the race win. The result ensures a maximum haul of 26 points – including an additional point for pole position - and the lead in both GTE Am championships.

Despite amassing a commanding advantage in the early stages of the race, a strong challenge for the lead from the #77 Porsche temporarily saw the gap reduced to within ten seconds during the third hour. With Lauda holding his nerve until the third round of pit stops, Dalla Lana soon pressed on to extend their lead once again, equipped with a full set of new tyres.

With Lauda handing the car back to Lamy with a 40-second buffer and the potential threat of light rain, the Portuguese managed the situation to the chequered flag and crossed the line with an advantage of 31.110 seconds over their closest rival to claim their third consecutive win at the circuit.

Lamy said of his opening and closing stints, “At the beginning we ran different strategies with the drivers compared to our rivals and I was able to pull a big gap despite my 10-second penalty and hand over to Paul and Mat with a good advantage. In my final stint, I had to be careful with track limits and traffic and there was a lot of pickup on the track surface. It’s really tough to make no mistakes when you’re managing a lead like that, as you don’t know whether to push or hold back but we took the result today and that’s what matters”.

Dalla Lana said, “On my second stint the track just came alive and rubbered in. It was beautiful. You dream about being at Spa and racing through the forest and I really felt that I could push. The car did exactly what I wanted it to do and I was able to extend our lead at that point”.

He added, “That was a fantastic result for the team as everyone’s been working crazy hours to make this happen, so it was a real team victory. That was the perfect car, the perfect strategy and we executed flawlessly. We do have other teams nipping at our heels, but it’s good to be heading to Le Mans with the championship lead and a victory under our belt”.

Lauda added, “In my first stint I was on used tires and it was tough, but I was still able to bring the car back with a lead of just over twenty seconds and keep ourselves ahead. It was a stressful race for us as we never had the outright fastest car and we didn’t set the fastest lap, but that doesn’t matter. We did the best job with the strategy, the pit stops and there were no mistakes by any of the drivers”.

In GTE Pro, the team’s #97 V8 Vantage GTE and #95 V8 Vantage GTE finish 7th and 8th respectively, adding vital points to the team’s overall championship points tally.

Paul Howarth, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal added, “Spa threw many challenges at the team but the team’s performance was flawless with world-class execution. That is probably one of the most important things in endurance racing. We now head to Le Mans for one of the biggest motorsport challenges in the world and the whole of Aston Martin Racing looks forward to and we come away from Spa leading the GTE Am championship”.

- Ends -

[Rob]

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An interesting second meeting before the 24H of Le Mans

On this first weekend of May, the 6H of SPA-Francorchamps were the opportunity for Vaillante REBELLION to get ready for the much anticipated 24H of Le Mans that will take place on June 17 and 18. The team was able to test the two Oreca 07 and achieve an encouraging performance for the rest of the season.

On the Belgian circuit, often considered as the most beautiful in the world, Bruno Senna, Nicolas Prost and Julien Canal (# 31) took the second place on the podium. They were closely followed by Nelson Piquet Junior, David Heinemeier Hansson and Mathias Beche (#13), who finished in fourth position.

At 2:30 pm, under a sunny yet cloudy sky, the two Oreca 07 #13 and #31 respectively kicked off in fifth and ninth positions for a six-hour battle.

After 45 minutes of racing, a fierce fight for the first spot was already taking place between Nelson Panciatici at the wheel of the #35 Alpine Signatech, and Bruno Senna on the #31. Ten minutes later, the same #35 collided with Oliver Jarvis (DC Racing) and allowed Oreca 07 #31 to take the lead of the race.

After a promising start, Bruno Senna then left his place to Julien Canal, who also fought to keep the first place against Alex Lynn (G-Drive Racing). After a pit-stop, the #31 restart in third position with a better lap at 02: 07.046.

At the wheel of #13, Nelson Piquet Junior was in seventh place during the first two hours before making a pit-stop and leaving David Heinemeier Hansson in ninth position and a better lap at 02: 06.963.

During the race, a first yellow flag was rased to slow down the pace because of the loss of a piece of carbon from the Porsche 911 #86, prohibiting drivers from overtaking each others until the total evacuation of the car. Then, Nicolas Prost, following Julien Canal at the wheel of the #31, received a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with a Porsche GT, making him falling from first to second place

A second yellow flag was raised an hour later, after four hours, because of the exit of François Perrodo (TDS Racing), but without any impact for the two Vaillante REBELLION, who were able to keep their fourth and second places all the way until the end of the race, despite a rain shower just a few minutes before the finish.


On the one hand, Bruno Senna, at the wheel of the #31, finished the race in the same way he started it and eventually grabbed the second spot behind Alex Lynn from G-Drive Racing.

On the other hand, Nelson Piquet Junior, at the wheel of the #13, finished fourth behind Ho-Pin Tung (DC Racing).

A very encouraging and promising race before the 24H of Le Mans for the two Oreca 07 and the six drivers, who were able to resist against the problems of this race.

Reaction – Julien Canal (driver #31)
"We really worked in synergy between the two cars during the tests. We had a gearbox problem during the qualifying session, so we took the 8th position. Bruno made two first exceptional relays and left me the car in P1, the tires were a little degraded. I managed to keep the first position during my first relay. My goal was fulfilled by remaining in the dynamic of the leaders. We had twice 10 seconds penalties and more than a minute of pit-stop because of the antenna. All these problems brought us to the second place of the podium in spite of a very powerful race. It's very encouraging for the rest of the season!"

Reaction - Nicolas Prost (driver #31)
"A very good result, a second place is satisfying but à bit deceptive in spite of the incidents that occured. It is encouraging for Le Mans."

Reaction - Mathias Beche (driver #13)
"The team gave us a very good car, we had the ability to make a big result. We would have dreamed of making a podium unfortunately we finished just off it. Some small gearbox problems cost us a bit of performance throughout the race, otherwise we had a good balance and it is very encouraging before Le Mans. We have the ability to make a good performance at Le Mans, the competition is extremely tight and we will have to be better. Keep pushing!"

Reaction - Bart Hayden (team manager)
"All the Vaillante Rebellion team are really happy to get a second Podium of the season. It's fantastic to get P2 and P4, with the two cars, it is well deserved after all the hard work of the team. Spa has been a good circuit for us in the past and it kept that relationship with us today. We had fast cars, we ran at the front and had a great battle. Great job by the drivers and all the team."

Reaction - David Heinemeier Hansson (driver #13)
"Rebellion once again showed that we have the pace to fight for wins with both cars. Our run was marred by some technical difficulties, but the pace was there. Hopefully at Le Mans we will have all the elements aligned at the same time and be there at the end."

Results
Oreca07 #13 : Nelson Piquet Junior, Mathias Beche, David Heinemeier Hansson
Oreca07 #31 : Nicolas Prost, Bruno Senna, Julien Canal

Race

P1: G-Drive Racing #26
P2: Vaillante REBELLION #31
P3: Jackie Chan DC Racing #38
P4: Vaillante REBELLION #13

[Rob]

Lotterer still adjusting driving style for Porsche switch

Andre Lotterer admits he is still getting to grips with the Porsche 919 Hybrid heading into this weekend's FIA World Endurance Championship event at Spa.

The three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner, who has joined Porsche for 2017 after Audi's withdrawal from the WEC, revealed that he is continuing to adapt to the 919 from the R18 e-tron quattro he raced last year.

"It is quite a different beast and car to drive," said the German, who is teamed with Neel Jani and Nick Tandy in the #1 Porsche.

"It requires a different driving style, and I am still in that [learning] process at the moment."

Lotterer said that the move from a turbodiesel LMP1 running in the 6MJ hybrid class to an 8MJ petrol-powered car explained why he had to change his technique behind the wheel.

"With the Audi we had a bit more power and torque [from the conventional engine] because we were in the 6MJ class, so I'm used to rotating the car," he told Motorsport.com.

"We drove the car on the throttle more, which in the Porsche we don't do because there is more emphasis on the boost from the front axle.

"There are other differences too, but that is the main one."

Lotterer added he is hoping to improve on the #1 Porsche's third-place finish from the opening round of the WEC at Silverstone last month this weekend.

The German believes Porsche's low-drag configuration should work better around Spa than the British track, where Toyota held a clear edge in one-lap pace.

"It was a good start because we were on the podium, but you cannot be happy with third place because you always want to win," he said.

"Now we’re here at Spa, hopefully everything will match a bit better. [At Silverstone] we were a bit on the low side with the downforce.

"That set-up matches Spa a bit better, and in practice it didn't feel too bad."

[wisepie]

Well, Andy and Marnix. It was a very very well deserved win. Too finally see the 488s fly. The VSC helped us abit. But what a race, Sam and Ale fighting like mad. That was heart in mouth moment. They were allowed to race till the final stops. After that, the order came to hold positions. That why they raced hard early on to get the upper hand other eachother. And the overtakes James pulled off, just utter brilliant. First one along Kemmel straight into le combes, then battling the Ford through Eau Rouge.

Happy that again you had good time at Spa Marnix, AF Corse amd WEC family so friendly and open. Imagine getting trying to that access in F1, being able to sit and watch the race from the pits and even getting into the pitlane at the end of the race. Wouldnt happen, unless pay thousands of pounds for VIP pass..

Good see the Toyota win again. Shame #54 had a lonely race. Cannt wait for Francessco and Thomas get on the podium.

Agree with all you've said, Rob, and to be in the pits on a day like that must have been special. I had friends in high places back in late 60s/early 70s, and even got a lift from Bourne to Monza with Raymond Mays in his Rover 3500S....and a free pit pass, memories which will never be erased! I did have to support BRM on that occasion as Mays was involved, but I was a closet tifoso at the same time!!;-)

[Rob]

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[Rob]

Agree with all you've said, Rob, and to be in the pits on a day like that must have been special. I had friends in high places back in late 60s/early 70s, and even got a lift from Bourne to Monza with Raymond Mays in his Rover 3500S....and a free pit pass, memories which will never be erased! I did have to support BRM on that occasion as Mays was involved, but I was a closet tifoso at the same time!!;-)

Great memories my friend. Rover 3500S wow, my grandad had one of those. Cracking cars.

When we were at Silverstone on the Friday, my mother inlaw said to me, made her laugh, as i walked upto the AF pits, Antonio, or few other i know see me coming and just put their thumbs up and waved us into the pits. And how they came upto me and stated chatting straight away. To be as close to these guys as iam, i feel so so honoured. Plus, now, after her little experiences with sitting in #51 #71 cars, Keira got crushes on Sam and Ale, bless her. She said to me at the weekend, daddy, can tyou send text to Luca and Ale to say good luck form me for the race.

[Rob]

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[Rob]

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[Rob]

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[wisepie]

Great memories my friend. Rover 3500S wow, my grandad had one of those. Cracking cars.

When we were at Silverstone on the Friday, my mother inlaw said to me, made her laugh, as i walked upto the AF pits, Antonio, or few other i know see me coming and just put their thumbs up and waved us into the pits. And how they came upto me and stated chatting straight away. To be as close to these guys as iam, i feel so so honoured. Plus, now, after her little experiences with sitting in #51 #71 cars, Keira got crushes on Sam and Ale, bless her. She said to me at the weekend, daddy, can tyou send text to Luca and Ale to say good luck form me for the race.

Quite understand how it makes you feel part of a family, Rob, and the fact that they made you so welcome. F1 was more like that in the old days, now there are too many celebrity hangers-on who want a freebie to publicise something else. They are not fans, just there for the glamour. Jealous, me??!! The 3500S of Raymond Mays wasn't quite standard and it was a pretty hairy drive over the mountains into Italy from Lausanne, I can tell you!!:-E Great images from Spa, too, grazie.

[Rob]

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HEARTBREAK FOR RISI COMPETIZIONE FERRARI AT COTA

Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM No. 62: Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA), Toni Vilander (FIN)
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(Austin, Texas, May 6, 2017)...
The No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM team faced another heartbreak today when a hit from another GTLM car on the first turn of the first lap of the two hour and 40 minute Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown race sent the Houston, Texas-based team packing up early to head home.

After a similar setback on the first lap at last month's Long Beach Grand Prix, which took the fan favorite out of the race, the always professional Risi Competizione team put the Ferrari 488 GTLM back together with high expectations for Saturday's race on the 3.40-mile, 20-turn Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Texas road course.

Italian Ferrari driver Giancarlo Fisichella had a stellar qualifying session and was starting from the front row and second position on the GTLM grid in the 39-car field.

Giancarlo Fisichella, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"I don't know exactly what happened. I think it was the 67 Ford (Ryan Briscoe) that touched me in Turn 1 and spun me. Then I was hit again at the front and our race was over. So another race is finished after one lap, one corner!"

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
"Unfortunately, Giancarlo got hit from behind at the start in braking into Turn 1 and then he got hit again. It damaged the left front corner, the radiator and the front floor. Unfortunately, that's not repairable in the time of the race with this car, where others could repair their damage. I thought we had a good car and hopefully we can regroup and do better at our next race at Le Mans for the 24 Hours."

Toni Vilander, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:
"There's not many words to describe the disappointment. The team had great preparation coming to this event after what happened at Long Beach. The car was handling well and we were happy with set up since the moment we put the car on the track. We made a few slight changes for the race. After this morning we were confident we had the right strategy and right things on this car. But unfortunately, our race was over in the first corner. I'm not convinced it was a racing incident; I've not seen the video. It's difficult to say, but these things should not happen. I think we are playing with million dollar toys here and to start hitting other cars and pushing them out is not something that should happen. Nearly half of the GTLM cars were out or in a condition to have to repair their cars after the Turn 1 incident. This is not the way we want to race and not the way to have a good show and to do a championship. I have an empty feeling overall because it's been two races and I've done zero racing laps. I'm really disappointed for the whole team, starting with Giuseppe [Risi], and all the guys who worked so hard between the races. I definitely felt that we deserved a reward here, meaning a good result. I'm not only talking about winning, but a podium, and we definitely had a good chance to win today."


The next race for the Risi Competizione team will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, June 14-18.

Tune-In Information:
Saturday's Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown race will be televised on FS1 (FOX SPORTS 1) in the U.S. on a same-day delay beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

[Rob]

4 Hours of Monza – Facts and Figures

The European Le Mans Series visited Monza at the end of March for the official test but May 14th 2017 will mark the first race at the Autodromo Internazionale Monza since 2008. The circuit was opened on the 15 May 1922 and celebrates its 95th anniversary the day after the 4 Hours of Monza.
Here are a few facts and figures to get to know this famous track:

Track Length: 5.793km /3.6 miles
Corners: 10
Circuit Opened: 15 May 1922
Entries: 36 (12 LMP2 / 17 LMP3 / 7 LMGTE)
28 Teams and 103 drivers will take part in the 4 Hours of Monza representing 21 different nations
2008 LMP1 Winners – Pedro Lamy / Stephane Sarrazin – Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP
2008 LMP2 Winners – John Nielsen / Casper Elgaard – Porsche RS Spyder

2008 LMGT1 Winners – Tomas Enge / Antonio Garcia – Aston Martin DBR9

2008 LMGT2 Winners – Richard Lietz / Raymond Narac – Porsche 997 GT3 RSR

Monza is the world’s third purpose built race track after Brooklands (UK) and Indianapolis (USA).
The fastest lap record by an LMP2 car at the recent preseason test was 1m36.461 (no28 IDEC Sport Racing Ligier JPS217-Gibson). This compares to the fastest race lap of 1m37.625 set by the Porsche RS Spyder on the 27 April 2008
Top Speed during the official test in March: 314.9 km/h by the n°40 of Graff.
The start of the 4 Hours of Monza will be given on the 14th May at 13:30.

[Rob]

Forza Italia

Italian drivers and teams will be a big feature on the 36 car European Le Mans Series grid for the 4 Hours of Monza on Sunday 14 May. Added into this mix is the three Ferraris in the LMGTE lineup and the three Italian built Dallaras P217 in LMP2 and there will be plenty of local interest for the first race by the ELMS at Monza since 2008.

In LMP2 the all Italian team of Cetilar Villorba Corsa will be hoping to build on the firm foundations the team built during the first race at Silverstone. Roberto Lacorte, Giorgio Sernagiotto and Andrea Belicchi will be looking for a podium finish on their home track, bettering the 6th place finish they made on their LMP2 debut last month with the Dallara P217.

Andrea Roda is the fourth Italian driver on the LMP2 grid and will be racing for Portuguese team Algarve Pro Racing.

The LMP2 grid will also feature three Dallara P217 to take on the French manufacturers Ligier and Oreca. In addition to the car run by Cetilar Villorba Corse, Dutch team Racing Team Nederland also use the Dallara chassis. The Italian manufacturer scored a podium finish in England when Danish team High Class Racing finished third.

The highly competitive LMP3 grid will feature one Italian team and six drivers amongst the 17 strong entry. Oregon Team are based just 50km from Monza in Cremosano and will run one of the two Nissan powered Norma M30 chassis for Italian drivers Davide Roda and Dario Capitanio.

American team Eurointernational will feature three Italian drivers in their two Ligier JS P3s with Giorgio Mondini and Davide Uboldi in the no11 car and Andrea Dromedari making up one third of the no12 crew.

Maurizio Mediani is the sixth and final Italian on the LMP3 grid, racing for Austrian team AT Racing who have moved up from the LMGTE class where they were regular podium finishers.

While there are no Italian teams on the LMGTE grid there are four drivers and, of course, Ferrari is well represented.

Swiss team Spirit of Race are running two F488s with the no51 featuring an all Italian crew. Former FIA GT1 World Champion and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Andrea Bertolini will race with father and son duo Gianluca and Giorgio Roda. The third Ferrari is the all British JMW Motorsport F458 Italia.

The no77 Proton Competition Porsche 911 will feature talented Porsche Young Driver Matteo Cairoli and the team will be looking to better their second place at Silverstone last month.

The 4 Hours of Monza will take place on the 12-14 May with the race taking place on Sunday 14 May. The weekend will also feature the opening round of the Michelin Le Mans Cup and races for the World Series Formula V8 3.5 and the TCR International Series, giving fans a great mix of single seaters, touring cars and endurance.

[Rob]

Meeting up with Andrea Bertolini (Spirit of Race Ferrari n°51)
ELMS -

Former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and Ferrari works driver Andrea Bertolini gave us his feeelings about racing at home at the wheel of the iconic Italian car, the Ferrari F 488.

Q: You will race a Ferrari at the home of Italian motorsport, how much does it mean to you?

“I’m very proud and honoured when I have the chance to race in my country. Monza is one of the temples of the whole motorsport and obviously racing there is always very special. I also love the other tracks in Italy: Imola is very special for me and the same is for Mugello, which is owned by Ferrari. Monza for sure it’s something special because it is a superfast track with almost no equal in the world, but everybody knows Monza and loves it. I have to say that I would have a proper advantage over my competitors only if we organize a race at Fiorano track…”

Q: Will home support give you and the other Italian drivers an advantage?

“Racing in Italy is always special for me. When we are in Italy we can feel the support from our fellow compatriots. Having said that, I have to be honest and say that racing for Ferrari gives you the advantage of feeling at home anywhere in the world because everywhere there are some Ferrari tifosi. And this is great.”

Q: While the ELMS has raced in Italy for the past few seasons this will be the first visit to Monza by the series for nearly 10 years. Do you think it is a good move to bring the ELMS to race at Monza?

“I don’t care in a special way where you race when you come to Italy. The most important thing is to have an ELMS race here. As drivers we want to feel the support from our home people and we feel it in every Italian circuit. I think having an ELMS race in Italy is the key because we are still building an Endurance culture on the motorsport fans in this country and we cannot interrupt this process now…”

Q: What is your favourite part of the Monza track?

“Monza track is very special because there are not many corners but since it is a superfast track you need to be perfect in each one. With a GT car, you cannot put a foot wrong in order to carry as much speed as you can out of the corners. I like very much the Lesmo corners, the Serraglio and the Ascari chicane. Exiting that corner, you must be perfect in order to carry speed in the straight opposite to the main one. Parabolica too is fantastic, even if in last years has become easier because of the asphalt run-off area.”

[The Architect]

Enjoyed the Toyota and Ferrari win, but doesn't the domination at Spa mean Ferrari are going to get arbitrarily shafted by BOP yet again?

[Rob]

Enjoyed the Toyota and Ferrari win, but doesn't the domination at Spa mean Ferrari are going to get arbitrarily shafted by BOP yet again?

no we shouldnt be, as its all different way..http://www.dailysportscar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BOPWEC2017_EN.pdf

[Rob]

PERFECT SWAN SONG FOR 458 ITALIA OF JMW MOTORSPORT
ELMS

Monza, 14 May 2017 – The 458 Italia GTE no. 66 of JMW Motorsport couldn’t have had a happier ending to its racing career when it competed in its last race on Sunday. The car, which made its debut six years ago with a victory, won the 4 Hours of Monza, the second round of the European Le Mans Series, held at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.

The start. The race got off to a good start with the 488 GTE no. 55 of Spirit Of Race in first with Matt Griffin, Duncan Cameron and Aaron Scott. Unfortunately the white and green car was soon forced to retire due to a technical problem. The Ferrari’s withdrawal left room for its rivals and it was from here that the 458 Italia no. 66 began its ride to glory. Jody Fannin, Jonathan Cocker and Robert Smith didn’t put a foot wrong in driving to victory in the car’s final race. From the 24 Hours of Le Mans, for which JMW Motorsport qualified by finishing second in last season’s ELMS championship, the British team will be using a 488 GTE.

The other Ferrari. The other Ferrari, Spirit of Race’s no. 51, crewed by Gianluca Roda, Giorgio Roda and Andrea Bertolini, also enjoyed a positive race. They finished in fourth but, with a bit of luck, in the end they could have been in condition to grab a podium ahead of the Aston Martin of Beechdean AMR driven by Ross Gunn, Andrew Howard and Darren Turner. The overall win went to the Oreca of G-Drive Racing with Memo Rojas, Eyo Hirakawa and Leo Roussel.

[Rob]

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[The Architect]

no we shouldnt be, as its all different way..http://www.dailysportscar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BOPWEC2017_EN.pdf

I think the key point is this:


The 24 Hours of Le Mans race is treated separately and do not form part of the WEC BOP procedure.

The ACO is still free to decide who wins.

[Rob]

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2017 Le Mans 24 Hours - The official list of entries revealed! Today, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, creator and organiser of the Le Mans 24 Hours, has revealed the official list of the 60 cars and full driver line-ups who will take part in the pinnacle of the FIA World Endurance Championship on 17 - 18 June.
2017 Le Mans 24 Hours - The official list of entries revealed!
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While many teams had already communicated their drivers for the different Le Mans-type championships, they had until 11th May at midnight to send in the final line-ups for the Le Mans 24 Hours. After carrying out the usual checks, this list has been officially revealed today by the ACO.

The last announcement came from Toyota as Argentinean José-Maria Lopez, who was initially down to drive no. 7, has moved across to no. 9 and exchanged his seat with Stéphane Sarazzin. The only team which has not yet finalised its third driver is Proton Competition entered in LM GTE Am.

All the drivers and cars must now undergo scrutineering and administrative checks to take part in the event.

The 179 drivers announced have licences issued by 31 different countries, and the 60 cars represent 41 teams and 16 nationalities.

Cars running under American licences are the most numerous, while France and Britain supply the most drivers with 34 each.

This year there will be only one woman driver at the start, 25-year-old Christina Nielsen from Denmark, back for her second outing in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 in GTE Am.

The list of entrants breaks down as follows: 6 cars in LM P1, 25 in LM P2, 13 in LM GTE Pro and 16 in LM GTE Am. Mentos Proton Racing is still on the reserve list should one of the official entries withdraw.

Entry list...
http://assets.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2017/24-heures-du-mans/entry-list-24-heures-du-mans-2017.pdf

[Rob]

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DRIVER LINE-UP ADJUSTMENT TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
Tuesday 16 May 2017

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing can confirm a modified driver line-up to optimise its competitive level in next month’s Le Mans 24 Hours, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi will now share the #7 TS050 HYBRID with Stéphane Sarrazin for Le Mans, recreating the line-up which finished second last year at La Sarthe on its way to third in the drivers’ World Championship.

José María López has been able to complete only a handful of racing laps in WEC following his accident at Silverstone and resulting injury, which prevented him driving at Spa. He will now team up with Nicolas Lapierre and Yuji Kunimoto in the #9 car.

The line-up of the #8 TS050 HYBRID remains unchanged, with Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima competing together at Le Mans for the third successive year.

After Le Mans, the team reverts to a two-car entry and José María will return to the cockpit of the #7 car, alongside Mike and Kamui, for the remainder of the season.

Toshio Sato, Team President: “Our circumstances have changed over the last few weeks as a result of the injury to José María. He is in the unfortunate position of having completed very few racing laps this year in WEC, so we all felt it was appropriate to adjust the driver line-up. I am very confident that Stéphane will fit well into a #7 line-up which can fight for the win. José María, like Yuji, will learn a lot at Le Mans this year, familiarising himself with the track and the event in general, and this is an important step for the future as well.”

[Rob]

Mixed Tyre Choice For GTE Am Runners At Le Mans

Nine Michelins, seven Dunlops

The ACO’s latest version of the Le Mans entry list has revealed the tyre choices for the GTE Am runners, with the 16 cars being split almost evenly between Dunlop and Michelin.

Interestingly, there’s three ELMS teams which will race with Michelin at La Sarthe; moving over from the spec-Dunlop tyre they use all season in the European series.

The three are Larbre Competition’s Corvette C7.R – the team historically racing on Michelin in the WEC previously – the Spirit of Race’s #55 Ferrari – taking the same rubber as its WEC counterpart – and the JMW Motorsport Ferrari 488 – historically the team has run with Dunlop, sporting art liveries as part of its partnership with the brand at the race over the years.

TF Sport, Proton Competition and Beechdean AMR meanwhile, will all continue to race with Dunlop in next month’s race, bringing the total number of Dunlop cars to seven; Michelin has nine.

Of the IMSA, Asia and one-off entries, Scuderia Corsa’s two 488 GTEs will race with Michelin, as they did last year, winning the class. As too will DH Racing and Clearwater Racing’s Ferraris. Clearwater has been racing with the French supplier in the WEC this year, and will race with Michelin in its second car.

On the list Aston Martin Racing’s #98 Vantage, which competes full-time in the WEC, is listed as a Michelin runner, but AMR has confirmed to DSC that this is a typo in the entry.

This means that all of the WEC teams will race with the tyres they have used so far this season, the teams permitted only a single change of supplier during the season.

Another interesting note from the entry is that the Mentos-Proton Racing Porsche is still marked as a reserve with Egidio Perfetti as its listed driver.

Perfetti told DSC previously that he will not be racing at Le Mans with his Mentos team, while Proton boss Christian Reid was keen to stress that the Mentos-Proton entry is under his licence, and while Perfetti will not race, he could still field the Porsche should someone pull out.

[Rob]

Le Mans 24 Hours – Rubens Barrichello’s first rendezvous – a simulator test!

Any driver who has never raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours has to spend a day on the simulator to learn the specific characteristics of the Le Mans 24-Hours circuit

Today Friday 2nd June former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello discovered the 13.6-km Sarthe circuit during a training session on the AOTech simulator as required by the Le Mans 24-Hours sporting regulations in view of his first outing in the Le Mans 24 Hours on 17-18 June.

Any driver who has never raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours or who hasn’t taken part in the event in the last five years (all the races since 2012), is classed in the Bronze category or who did not compete in the 2016 race has to spend a day on the simulator to learn the specific characteristics of the Le Mans 24-Hours circuit.

The 24 Hours are always in the radar of any racing driver, I am really happy to be here and I think we can do fine.

This simulator session is obligatory no matter what the results of the driver in question. Thus even though Barrichello holds two records in Formula 1: starts in 322 Grands Prix between 1993 and 2011, and the fastest pole position ever achieved at an average speed of 260 km/h at Monza in 2004, he had to undergo this test to take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

He jokes about his rookie status with good humour: " If I am doing something new, I am rookie, and it makes me younger… (laughs) ".

The Brazilian had to take in the layout as well as the day and night-time racing conditions, traffic management between prototypes and GTs, the location of the marshals posts and the safety procedures: safety car interventions and Slow Zones, the partial neutralisation of sectors of the 24-Hours circuit in which the drivers have to maintain a reduced speed following a race incident. He also discovered a few random incidents like unexpected changes in grip, because the length of the circuit means that drivers may have to race on a track that can be both wet and dry due to localised showers in a sector.

After a first test session, the pilot expressed what he felt on the eve of Test Day : " I can have an idea of the track and also the traffic, the flags, the Slow Zones and so on. Night driving calls a bit of attention, and the Slow Zones are very useful because you don't lose three minutes in a complete lap. There are some points I got right, others I got wrong but it is better I do that in the simulator than on the real track. For me it is a good thing that my simulator session takes place in the same week as the Test Day. At the simulator, the guys are really well prepared to give you the right piece of advice, so I can play by the rules in race."

As for his ambitions regarding the race, he added:" The 24 Hours are always in the radar of any racing driver, I am really happy to be here and I think we can do fine.”

After each day’s training AOTech sends a report on each driver to the ACO. These enable the sporting management to keep a close eye on the evolution of the drivers in question during the test day.

Rubens Barrichello was the last of the 2017 drivers to take the simulator test at AOTech. After the session in the Parisian region he will head for the 24-Hours circuit for the test day on Sunday 4th June. He will drive the no. 29 Dallara-Gibson entered by the Racing Team Nederland in the LM P2 category. He will share the car with two Dutchmen Jan Lammers (who also had to take the simulator test earlier in the season as he had not raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours since 2011) with 22 starts in the Le Mans 24 Hours including victory in the Sarthe in 1988 in a Jaguar, and Frits Van Eerd.

The 85th Le Mans 24 will take place on Saturday-Sunday 17-18 June.

[jgonzalesm6]

All 180 names have now been confirmed for the 85th LeMans 24: (PDF link file)

http://bo.fiawec.com/assets/ressources/Pdf/2017/test-day-entry-list-24-heures-du-mans-2017.pdf …

some interesting names in the lot.

[jgonzalesm6]

Full free Qualifying results (1) from the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours at the Circuit de la Sarthe

1. Conway/Kobayashi/Sarrazin JPN Toyota Gazoo S040 Hybrid 3m 18.793s LMP1
2. Davidson/Buemi/Nakajima JPN Toyota Gazoo TS040 Hybrid 3m 19.431s LMP1
3. Bernhard/Bamber/Hartley GER Porsche 919 Hybrid 3m 19.710s LMP1
4. Lopez/Kunimoto/Lapierre JPN Toyota Gazoo TS040 Hybrid 3m 19.958s LMP1
5. Jani/Tandy/Lotterer GER Porsche 919 Hybrid 3m 21.165s LMP1
6. Kraihamer/Webb/Rossiter AUT ByKolles ENSO CLM P1/01 Nismo 3m 28.887s LMP1
7. Collard/Perrodo/Vaxiviere FRA TDS Racing Oreca 07 3m 29.333s LMP2
8. Prost/Senna/Canal SUI Vaillante Rebellion Oreca 07 3m 29.851s LMP2
9. Gonzalez/Trummer/Petrov CHN CEFC Manor TRS Oreca 07 3m 30.502s LMP2
10. Graves/Hirschi/Vergne CHN CEFC Manor TRS Oreca 07 3m 30.847s LMP2
11. Jarvis/Laurent/Tung CHN Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca 07 3m 31.024s LMP2
12. Menezes/Rao/Dumas FRA Signatech Alpine Matmut Alpine A4713 3m 31.065s LMP2
13. Panciatici/Ragues/Negaro FRA Signatech Alpine Matmut Alpine A470 3m 31.439s LMP2
14. Piquet/Beche/Heinemeier-Hansson SUI Vaillante Rebellion Oreca 07 3m 31.636s LMP2
15. Rusinov/Thiriet/Lynn RUS G-Drive Racing Oreca 07 3m 31.945s LMP2
16. Rojas/Hirakawa/Gutierrez RUS G-Drive Racing Oreca 07 3m 31.963s LMP2
17. Allen/Matelli/Bradley FRA Graff Oreca 07 3m 32.477s LMP2
18. Guibbert/Trouillet/Winslow FRA Graff Oreca 07 3m 32.987s LMP2
19. Lammers/van Eerd/Barrichello NED Racing Team Nederland Dallara PS217 3m 33.796s LMP2
20. Hedman/Hanley/Rosenqvist USA Dragonspeed – 10 Star Oreca 07 3m 34.046s LMP2
21. Owen/de Sadeleer/Albuquerque USA United Autosports Ligier JSP217 3m 34.166s LMP2
22. Aleshin/Sirotkin/Shaytar RUS SMP Racing Dallara PS217 3m 34.407s LMP2
23. Lacorte/Sernagiotto/Belicchi ITA Cetilar Villorba Corse Dallara P217 3m 34.846s LMP2
24. Barthez/Buret/Berthon FRA Panis Barthez Competition Ligier JSP217 3m 35.559s LMP2
25. Konopka/Calko/Breukers SVK ARC Bratislava Ligier JSP217 3m 37.226s LMP2
26. Patterson/McMurray/Capillaire POR Algarve Pro Racing Ligier JSP217 3m 37.814s LMP2
27. Lafargue/Lafargue/Zollinger FRA Idec Sport Racing Ligier JSP217 3m 40.162s LMP2
28. Keating/Bleekemolen/Taylor USA Keating Motorsports Riley MK30 3m 40.813s LMP2
29. Cheng/Brundle/Gommendy CHN Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca 07 3m 41.393s LMP2
30. Chandhok/Moore/Hanson GBR Tockwith Motorsports 3m 41.660s LMP2
31. Nicolet/Nicolet/Maris PHL Eurasia Motorsport Ligier JSP217 3m 42.117s LMP2
32. Thiim/Sorensen/Stanaway GBR Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE 3m 53. 117s GTE Pro
33. Rigon/Bird/Molina ITA AF Corse Ferrari 488 GT 3m 53.235s GTE Pro
34. Calado/Pier Guidi/Rugolo ITA AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 53.123s GTE Pro
35. Turner/Adam/Serra GBR Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE 3m 53.296 GTE Pro
36. Priaulx/Tincknell/Derani USA Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK Ford GT 3m 54.118s GTE Pro
37. Christensen/Estre/Werner GER Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR 3m 54.243s GTE Pro
38. Vilander/Fisichella/Kaffer USA Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 54.305s GTE Pro
39. Lietz/Makowiecki/Pilet GER Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR 3m 54.564s GTE Pro
40. Gavin/Milner/Fassler USA Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R 3m 54.876s GTE Pro
41. Magnussen/Garcia/Taylor USA Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R 3m 55.047s GTE Pro
42. Hand/Muller/Kanaan USA Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA Ford GT 3m 55.059s GTE Pro
43. Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda GBR Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE 3m 55.134s GTE Am
44. Briscoe/Westbrook/Dixon USA Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA Ford GT 3m 55.553s GTE Pro
45. Ried/Dienst/Cairoli GER Dempsey-Proton Porsche 911 RSR 3m 55.692s GTE Am
46. Johnson/Mucke/Pla USA Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK Ford GT 3m 55.803s GTE Pro
47. Yoluc/Hankey/Bell GBR TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage 3m 55.953s GTE Am
48. Krohn/Jonsson/Bertolini HNK DH Racing Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 55.966s GTE Am
49. Rees/Brandela/Philippon FRA Larbre Chevrolet Corvette C7.R 3m 56.259s GTE Am
50. Mok/Sawa/Griffin SIN Clearwater Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 56.333s GTE Am
51. Bachelor/Lemert/Al Qubaisi GER Proton Competition Porsche 911 RSR 3m 57.507s GTE Am
52. Smith/Stevens/Vanthoor GBR JWM Motorsport Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 57.890s GTE Am
53. Mac Neil/Sweedler/Bell USA Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 57.267s GTE Am
54. Wee/Katoh/Parente SIN Clearwater Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 57.321s GTE Am
55. Howard/Gunn/Bryant GBR Beechdean AMR Aston Martin Vantage 4m 57.463s GTE Am
56. Long/Al Faisal/Hedlund GER Proton Competition Porsche 911 RSR 4m 58.196s GTE Am
57. Nielsen/Balzan/Bret USA Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 58.249s GTE Am
58. Wainwright/Barker/Foster GBR Gulf Racing Porsche 911 RSR 3m 58.427s GTE Am
59. Flohr/Castellacci/Beretta CHE Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GTE 3m 58.904s GTE Am
60. Cameron/Scott/Cioci CHE Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GTE 4m 01.098s GTE Am


2 488 teams (#33 & #34) behind the Aston teams

[The Architect]

3:14.791 from Kamui Kobayashi - what a lap!

[jgonzalesm6]

3:14.791 from Kamui Kobayashi - what a lap!

yup


Le Mans 24h: Kobayashi smashes lap record in second qualifying

https://www.motorsport.com/lemans/news/le-mans-24h-kobayashi-smashes-lap-record-in-second-qualifying-919017/


2nd Qualifying results of all classes

https://www.motorsport.com/wec/results/

[jgonzalesm6]

3:14.791! #7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Kamui Kobayashi just did the best time ever around Le Mans24 (video 3min 45sec)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy91BcB8pRQ

Flying lap!!...on medium tyres....almost touches 340kph/200mph down the Mulsanne.

[458 Italia]

If things go wrong for a couple of front runners; It is not beyond the realms of possibility that an LMP2 car could wind up on the podium at the end of 24 hours.

Also I'm annoyed again this year at how other marques have been able to play by different rules to Ferrari.

[Rob]

Havent been on here for few days. Been busy with the AF Corse fanpage. Sorry.

What a week, seen the lap record smashed, well in all classes lap records smashed. Everyone is happy with the cars and set ups. I spoke to Francesco yesterday morning, asked if he and car was ok after spin on Thursday night. He said, he good, he tried to take the first corner flatout. He also said, the car is setup for quick race pace. Very happy. I also spoke to couple friends who work on #71 #51 cars. They all pumped up for this, Cars are right where they want them. Felt sorry or Lucas Di, but we got super sub Michele in. He did text me Thursday, we had nice little chat. He is super excited.

Looking forward to this.

[Rob]

If things go wrong for a couple of front runners; It is not beyond the realms of possibility that an LMP2 car could wind up on the podium at the end of 24 hours.

Also I'm annoyed again this year at how other marques have been able to play by different rules to Ferrari.

No games been played this year. I spoke to Pierre Fillon. Asking what would happen if Ford were caught playing games. All he said was serious penalties would be applied.

[jgonzalesm6]

Weather is beautiful today.....

[Rob]

Weather is beautiful today.....

have started a race thread.

[Rob]

STATEMENT FROM GIUSEPPE RISI REGARDING RISI COMPETIZIONE TEAM FUTURE

(Houston, Texas, June 23, 2017) ...Giuseppe Risi, owner of the Risi Competizione race team, announced today that the team will withdraw from some of the upcoming International Motor Sport Association (IMSA) races this year.

"Following an extremely challenging first half of 2017, most recently at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I have decided to withdraw the Risi Competizione race team from part of the 2017 IMSA season in order to consolidate resources and to reflect on future racing programs," said Team Principal Giuseppe Risi.

The Team, which has been a successful, championship-winning part of the U.S. sports car racing scene for many decades, proudly representing Ferrari, and fully intends to return to competition in 2017. The Risi Team's future plans will be revealed in due course.

The Risi Competizione Team started the 2017 season with third place podium finishes at both the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The following two IMSA sprint races at Long Beach and Circuit of the Americas saw the team knocked out by follow competitors and suffer damage to the Ferrari 488 GTLM. A big hit by another class competitor at the 24 Hours of Le Mans forced the Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTE-Pro class car into the barrier causing extensive damage after the fifth hour of the race.

The Risi Competizione team is a former multiple American Le Mans Series class champion, as well as winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans endurance races, and numerous U.S. sprint races.

[458 Italia]

Hey Rob, :-s Saddened to read that.

How are AF Crose feeling ahead of the Nurburgring? It's a few weeks away I know, but has the team been affected by the result at Le Mans?

[Rob]

Hey Rob, :-s Saddened to read that.

How are AF Crose feeling ahead of the Nurburgring? It's a few weeks away I know, but has the team been affected by the result at Le Mans?

Was told about Risi on the Sunday before the end of the race. Sad indeed, but he will be back, im sure.

As for AF Corse boys, that was last weekend, they alll at Paul Ricard 1000km for Blancpain.

[Rob]

TONI VILANDER TO REPLACE BIRD ON THE #71 FERRARI AT NURBURGRING

Maranello, 27 June 2017 – Finnish driver Toni Vilander will replace Sam Bird in the Ferrari 488 GTE number 71 of AF Corse team at the 6 Hours of Nürburgring on July 16. Toni will race alongside Davide Rigon, while Bird will take part in the concurrent New York E-Prix.

It’s a return to the FIA World Endurance Championship for Vilander, who raced there since the 2012 season and earned nine victories, including two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, besides the 2014 Drivers’ title.

“I’m happy to be able to return to the FIA WEC with the 488 GTE of AF Corse team”, Toni Vilander stated, “This is my chance to cancel the disappointment of the 24 Hours of Le Mans as soon as possible. Car number 71 is in the top places of the championship standings, and I will give all I have to achieve the best possible result at Nürburgring, to help Ferrari in the Manufacturers’ Championship and Davide Rigon in the Drivers’ ranking”.

[Rob]

Watkins Glenn this weekend, Gimmi makes his Porshe debut.:clap:-(

Will wath the race, but watching him will be abit like seeing an EX girlfriend with new partner. Happy for them, but very sad.

[The Architect]

Bruni is dead to me...

Was at Goodwood yesterday. Good WEC representation and pleased to see the 488 GTE in person for the first time. A shame that Ferrari could have saved money and sent the 430 GT (also present) against the dinosaur handed victory instead. It would have stood a better chance. Otherwise, amazing to see so many legendary cars to celebrate Ferrari's 70th anniversary in one place - 330 P4, F2007, 250 GTO and so many others. Sheer sensory overload. I could post some pictures if anyone's interested and not down there already.

I'm bemused by the 2020 LMP1 rules. If they want more resource restriction then fine, but bringing gimmicks to the race track such as running off electric energy for the first kilometre after a pit stop and finishing under electric power are arbitrary and ridiculous. There has to be some integrity to the racing - it's like Pirelli all over again. Unfortunately, it'll probably happen as the FIA are spineless and the remaining LMP teams are too influential due to their scarcity.

[Rob]

Bruni is dead to me...

Was at Goodwood yesterday. Good WEC representation and pleased to see the 488 GTE in person for the first time. A shame that Ferrari could have saved money and sent the 430 GT (also present) against the dinosaur handed victory instead. It would have stood a better chance. Otherwise, amazing to see so many legendary cars to celebrate Ferrari's 70th anniversary in one place - 330 P4, F2007, 250 GTO and so many others. Sheer sensory overload. I could post some pictures if anyone's interested and not down there already.

I'm bemused by the 2020 LMP1 rules. If they want more resource restriction then fine, but bringing gimmicks to the race track such as running off electric energy for the first kilometre after a pit stop and finishing under electric power are arbitrary and ridiculous. There has to be some integrity to the racing - it's like Pirelli all over again. Unfortunately, it'll probably happen as the FIA are spineless and the remaining LMP teams are too influential due to their scarcity.

Would love to see pictures. I was there few years ago. Went 2-3 years in a row. A friend go tme free tickets, i drove an Abarth 500 up the hill :thumb

2020 LMP Regs
http://assets.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2017/24-heures-du-mans/press-release/2020-lmp1-hybrid-regulations.pdf?goal=0_dd514e9f6a-e31e18448f-


Im not sure either, too many gimmicks. In my eyes, there not much point of hybrids anymore now we have Formula E. Endurance racing doesnt need gimmicks to "spice up" the show. Its one big show.

488 GTE is a beast huh? still cannt beat the 458 GTE engine singing, but the 488 GTE engine is still beautiful sound, different but :love

As for Gimmi, we good friends. So, will watch and wish him good luck. But next year, when he racing against our boys in WEC, maybe different story.

[wisepie]

I was at Goodwood on Thursday too, those Ferrari F1 and sports cars right back to the early days were a sight to behold, shark-noses and P3/4 were so beautiful and the 512 a real beast, only got to see an older AF Corse 458 and somehow missed the 488GTB, how did that happen? Great day out and shame I couldn't have seen and heard them all in action.:thumb

[The Architect]

A small selection of shots from the many hundreds I took: http://imgur.com/a/zWjGB

It's not everyday I get close to (and even touch) cars worth millions. Seeing the legendary 330 P4 and F2007 were particular highlights for me.

[Rob]

A small selection of shots from the many hundreds I took: http://imgur.com/a/zWjGB

It's not everyday I get close to (and even touch) cars worth millions. Seeing the legendary 330 P4 and F2007 were particular highlights for me.

Thankyou for sharing. Great photos. Lovely selection of Ferraris, the blue FXX K James ran her up the hill think it was Friday.

[The Architect]

Thankyou for sharing. Great photos. Lovely selection of Ferraris, the blue FXX K James ran her up the hill think it was Friday.

Looking through my photos and going by the helmet, it seems James was indeed driving on Friday. Something I appreciated by being there was the difference in sound between engines. V8s were not bad, but the V12s were just incredible. The FXX K and the early 90s F1 cars were something truly special. A shame I didn't get to see the F2002 in action. Maybe I can convince the missus to go to a race sometime as she enjoyed the day too.

[Rob]

BMW RETURNS TO WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY LANE AT WATKINS GLEN

BMW returned to victory lane in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition Sunday in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Alexander Sims held off the Ford GT of Richard Westbrook over the course of a final 25-minute shootout to win the prestigious endurance race in the No. 25 BMW Team RLL BMW M6 alongside co-driver Bill Auberlen by 4.416 seconds.

It was BMW’s first win in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class since Circuit of The Americas in 2015 and the first win for the M6 GTLM in IMSA competition.

“We finally get the win we’ve been hunting for with this M6 GTLM since it came out last year,” said Auberlen, who scored his 56th career victory, putting him four wins behind Scott Pruett as the winningest driver in North American endurance sports racing history. “You don’t win championships when you start off high and go down. We started down and now we’re climbing back up. Those are the ways you win championships.”

BMW also won the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup round. The Patrón Endurance Cup encompasses the four endurance races on the WeatherTech Championship schedule: the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida, Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and Motul Petit Le Mans (Oct. 7).

The runner-up finish for the No. 67 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT of Westbrook and co-driver Ryan Briscoe tied the team’s best result of the season. The team also was the recipient of the DEKRA Green Challenge for having the “cleanest, fastest and most efficient car” on the day.

As is often the case in the GTLM class, the race was wide open with seven of the eight cars in the class leading at least one lap. Three different manufacturers finished on the podium with the No. 3 Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R of Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen rounding out the top-three to extend its points lead in the class.

Lally, Legge Score Watkins Glen Win, Second Consecutive Acura Triumph

In a role reversal from the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen one year ago, Andy Lally held off Alessandro Balzan in the closing minutes at Watkins Glen to pick up the second consecutive GT Daytona (GTD) class victory for Acura and co-driver Katherine Legge in the No. 93 Michael Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian Acura NSX GT3.



Lally beat the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 of Balzan to the stripe by 0.592 seconds in the victory. The win followed up Acura’s historic first worldwide win for the NSX GT3 one race ago at Belle Isle Park in Detroit.

“Last year, I got on the bumper of Balzan and he did a great job holding me off,” said Lally. “When I heard he got around [Jeroen] Bleekemolen right there at the end, I knew the pressure was coming on. That’s when you take a little extra in the bus stops, and you start putting it on a little deeper into each corner. It gets a little crazy.”

Balzan was joined by co-drivers Christina Nielsen and Matteo Cressoni in the runner-up effort. It was the third consecutive second-place finish for Balzan and Nielsen and the duo’s fourth in the last five races. The Scuderia Corsa team did, however, win the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup round – which awarded points at the halfway mark and the finish – by virtue of running second at the end of both segments.

“It’s great to lead the championship and to lead the Patrón Endurance Cup,” said Balzan. “Scuderia Corsa gave me a perfect car, the Ferrari 488 GT3 was working really great throughout my entire stint.”

Five different manufacturers made up the top-five spots in the class with the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3 of Justin Marks and Jens Klingmann rounding out the podium.

The No. 50 WeatherTech Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Cooper MacNeil, Gunnar Jeannette and Shane Van Gisbergen, and No. 15 3GT Racing Lexus RC F of Robert Alon, Jack Hawksworth and Austin Cindric also finished in the top-five.

The next WeatherTech Championship race is next weekend’s Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Sunday, July 9. The race can be seen live flag-to-flag on FS1 beginning at noon ET.

[fratelliferrari]

Not to make you jealous Rob, but I will be @ Nurburgring tomorrow evening to support the AF Corse team with my shirts!

[Rob]

Not to make you jealous Rob, but I will be @ Nurburgring tomorrow evening to support the AF Corse team with my shirts!

:thumb

[Rob]

James no battling for lead.

[Rob]

:pray

looks like fratelli you are the AF good luck charm.

[Rob]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ss #51 wns GTE PRO James's 2nd win at Nurbergring and Ales first WEC win. So happy.

#54 2nd in GTE AM, Miquel needed 2-3 more laps to catch the #77, finally my buddy Francesco on podium.

[wisepie]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ss #51 wns GTE PRO James's 2nd win at Nurbergring and Ales first WEC win. So happy.

#54 2nd in GTE AM, Miquel needed 2-3 more laps to catch the #77, finally my buddy Francesco on podium.

Great news, Rob, after the afternoon from hell in F1. Marnix must have been beside himself! Well done #51, bravi ragazzi!:thumb

[458 Italia]

So many times when the F1 have let us down the GT boys have done us proud! Hated the state of the broadcast cameras though.

[Rob]

So many times when the F1 have let us down the GT boys have done us proud! Hated the state of the broadcast cameras though.

AF boys will never let you down, may have bit of bad luck here and there, but always great to watch.

Yes, i did actually go to wipe my TV at one point thinking Keira and Jacob had splashed `something on there.

[The Architect]

Seems Porsche are set to leave LMP1 as well. Probably not a coincidence that they're embroiled in yet another diesel emissions scandal. Diesels should just be banned outright and existing vehicles should be scrapped.

Nevertheless, I'm sure Toyota (if they're still around) will find some way to balls up Le Mans next year too.

[killer]

Seems Porsche are set to leave LMP1 as well. Probably not a coincidence that they're embroiled in yet another diesel emissions scandal. Diesels should just be banned outright and existing vehicles should be scrapped.

Nevertheless, I'm sure Toyota (if they're still around) will find some way to balls up Le Mans next year too.

Yeah shame that there's almost no one left in LMP1.

[Rob]

Yeah shame that there's almost no one left in LMP1.

Porsche still planning Le-Mans 2018. Plus, there are 2 manufacturers coming in next year i believe. Problem over the years, is the ACO/FIA loved having Porsche, Audi and Toyota. But with their multi million spending on the hybrids, that has pretty much made it unaffordable for any small team/manufacturer to enter and be competitive. Now, i think this will attract smaller manufacturers, and be bit like what we had early 2000s.

Things all have life cycles, and think this for now has been the big manufacturers time. Toyota, may stay next year. Or will commit long term and wait for Peugeot in 2020.

[Rob]

http://i64.tinypic.com/23m27a1.jpg

NEW TEAM PRESIDENT FOR TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (WEC)


Hisatake Murata has become the new Team President of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (WEC) and President of TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) with immediate effect.

Murata has been responsible for TOYOTA’s hybrid powertrain development in motorsport from the very first racing hybrid in 2006, and he has overseen the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) project since the team’s 2012 entry.

He takes over from Toshio Sato, who held the position since April 2015 and has now been reassigned to a key role within the Power Train Company of TOYOTA Motor Corporation.

Murata will bring his extensive motorsport experience to TMG, having previously worked on TOYOTA’s Champ Car and Group C Le Mans projects, whilst recently holding responsibility for the company’s successful Super GT and Super Formula programmes.

As well as retaining responsibility for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WEC project, Murata will now additionally be responsible for TMG’s other activities, which include R&D projects for TOYOTA Motor Corporation, third party services and customer motorsport.

Working in close cooperation with Murata at TMG will be Rob Leupen, Managing Director and Vice President Business Operations and Pascal Vasselon as Vice President Technical Engineering.

Hisatake Murata: “I am proud to take this new role at TMG. Since the beginning of our hybrid LMP1 project, I have built up a strong relationship with TMG members so I am looking forward to working together even more closely as we push to succeed in all areas. I would like to sincerely thank Sato for his leadership of TMG since 2015 and wish him all the best in his new position.”

Toshio Sato: “I want to thank everyone in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team and at TMG for their hard work and dedication during the last three seasons. It has been a pleasure to be part of both organisations and I am proud of the improvement we achieved together after a difficult 2015 season. I am starting a new chapter in my career within the Power Train Company but I will always support TMG and the team. Murata has my full support and I wish him a successful time at TMG.”

Histake Murata Career Highlights
1987-1993 Toyota Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division, Race Engine Engineer Le Mans program
1995-2002 Toyota Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division, Race Engine Engineer Champ Car program
2003-2005 Toyota Motor Corporation, Production Engine Engineer
2006-2007 Toyota Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division, Tokachi 24hr program
2006-2014 Toyota Motor Corporation, Racing Hybrid Project General Manager
2008-2014 Toyota Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division Le Mans program
2014-2017 Toyota Motor Corporation, General Manager, Motorsport Unit Development Division
2017-present Toyota Motorsport GmbH, President

[Rob]

Dragonspeed Lead Oreca 1-2-3 at Le Castellet

Nico Lapierre secured the second pole position of the year for the no21 Dragonspeed Oreca-Gibson with the French driver leading an Oreca 1-2-3 at the French manufacturers home track, with three French drivers at the wheel of each car.

Lapierre posted a 1m52.761 lap on his first flying lap which was never beaten for the rest of the 10-minute qualifying session despite a strong challenge from Leo Roussel in the Dragonspeed run no22 G-Drive Racing Oreca.

At the chequered flag Lapierre was 0.145s ahead of Roussel and 0.290s ahead of Enzo Guibbert in the no39 Graff Oreca-Gibson.

The no27 SMP Racing Dallara of Matevos Isaakyan was fourth fastest, the Russian posting a 1m53.194 lap, three tenths ahead of the first of the Ligiers, the no32 United Autosports JSP217 in the hands of Filipe Albuquerque.

Ross Kaiser took the no6 360 Racing Ligier to the LMP3 pole position at Le Castellet, taking control of the class and then securing pole with a 2m02.186 in the second half of qualifying. Kaiser’s lap was 0.285s ahead of fellow British driver Alex Kapadia in the no15 RLR MSport Ligier and means there have been four different cars on pole position this season.

Kapadia had held the provisional pole early in the session but couldn’t quite make it after Kaiser had posted two very quick laps.

The third car in the mix for the pole position was the no18 M.Racing YMR Ligier of Alexandre Cougnaud, the French driver finishing the session in third place 0.4 seconds behind the pole position holder at the end of the 10 minute session.

Matt Griffin secured the second LMGTE pole position of the season for the no55 Spirit of Race Ferrari F488 after the Irishman put in two quick laps, with the best lap of 2m04.202 good enough to claim pole by 0.37 seconds ahead of Matteo Cairoli’s no77 Proton Competition Porsche 911.

The 4 Hours of Le Castellet is due to begin at 12h00 tomorrow.

[The Architect]

https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/wec-superseason-to-feature-two-le-mans-24-hours-948034/

A championship beginning and ending with 24 hour races actually sounds quite exciting. Even if it was just Toyota in LMP1, I'd still watch.

[458 Italia]

https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/wec-superseason-to-feature-two-le-mans-24-hours-948034/

A championship beginning and ending with 24 hour races actually sounds quite exciting. Even if it was just Toyota in LMP1, I'd still watch.

I'd love that. Shame there's not the big 3 anymore.

[458 Italia]

Quali for Mexico starts at 23:50 tonight, don't think there is any channel showing it.

[Rob]

Quali for Mexico starts at 23:50 tonight, don't think there is any channel showing it.

you can watch it on the app if you pay for the race. Couple of quid. But, there is live timing that is free on the website.

[Rob]

https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/wec-superseason-to-feature-two-le-mans-24-hours-948034/

A championship beginning and ending with 24 hour races actually sounds quite exciting. Even if it was just Toyota in LMP1, I'd still watch.

Well, im the way other way. I dont like it being the end of the season. Shame Silverstone, has been dropped, but have been informed FIA are seeing the backlash of Silverstone, and said that it will be added again in very near future. So, i be going Spa possibly or Le-Mans.

[Rob]

@458italia, you on Facebook?

[458 Italia]

I'm not I'm afraid, twitter is the only social media I'm on.

[458 Italia]

Trying this live timing out for the first time:

https://timing.71wytham.org.uk/s/wec

Stream:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGy_25Wwc8Q

[458 Italia]

#71 sitting 3rd atm, #51 7th James struggling a bit.

Ahhh the WEC where the stewards actually do something about track limits :clap

[458 Italia]

#51 has just had it's times deleted...

[458 Italia]

#71 Sam Bird 1st :-)

[458 Italia]

The last corner is very parabolica-esk.

[458 Italia]

Get in #71 1st in GTE Pro!

#51 in 7th.

AF know how to cheer me up!

[458 Italia]

Oh look Eduardo decides to start the LMP quail early to avoid the rain. That's how you do it F1....

[Rob]

Oh look Eduardo decides to start the LMP quail early to avoid the rain. That's how you do it F1....

got love Eduardo and WEC. Well apart from dropping Silverstone. They have always been strong on track limits and consistent aswell.

[Rob]

Get in #71 1st in GTE Pro!

#51 in 7th.

AF know how to cheer me up!

Spoke to Luca who is lead mechanic on #51, said had some engine issues for #51 so the crew pulled in long hours for complete engine change.

[Rob]

http://i67.tinypic.com/1z5p7b7.jpg

[Rob]

The 488 GTE of Rigon & Bird on pole in the 6 Hours of Mexico

Mexico City, 2 September 2017 – Ferrari is again out alone on top of the Constructors’ rankings thanks entirely to Davide Rigon and Sam Bird whose two phenomenal laps won a surprise second pole position, and the relative point, of the season to add to the one at Spa-Francorchamps. In the 6 Hours of Mexico, which will start Sunday at 12 pm local time (7 pm CET), the 488 GTE no. 71 of AF Corse will start in front of the Aston Martin of Nicki Thiim and Marco Sorensen. Car no. 51 of James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi will set off in seventh after an imperfect qualifying, while in the GTE-Am class the two Ferraris will be fourth and fifth with car no. 61 of Clearwater Racing in front of the no. 54 of Spirit of Race.


GTE-Pro. In GTE-Pro class Davide Rigon started the session in no. 71 and James Calado in no. 51. Davide stopped the clock at 1:39:855 on the first pass improving at 1:39:688 on the second. At that point, Sam Bird took the wheel and fully exploited the car’s potential with an excellent 1:39:162, which no one else could match bringing the average time to 1’39”425. In car no. 51, James Calado immediately recorded 1:40:117 and failed to improve after overshooting in the first part of the following lap. The Welsh driver returned to the pits and handed the 488 GTE to Alessandro Pier Guidi who, on his first attempt, also went wide and saw the lap cancelled. He then produced two almost identical times, the best of which was 1:40:001. The combined time of 1:40”059 was enough for seventh place.


GTE-Am. In the GTE-Am class, the Ferrari 488 GTE no. 61 of Clearwater Racing came fourth in 1:43:296 thanks to Weng Sun Mok’s 1:45:348 and Matt Griffin’s 1:41:245. Francesco Castellacci and Thomas Flohr recorded the fifth best time with 1:44:540 for the Italian and 1:44:756 for Flohr. The class pole went to the Porsche of Dienst-Cairoli-Ried in 1:42:056. The Porsche of Hartley-Bernhard-Bamber took overall pole in 1:24:562, a new track record.

[458 Italia]

Not long to go now.

Is everything looking ok now for AF and #51?

[458 Italia]

#51 down to 8th

[458 Italia]

SØRENSEN really fast behind #71 Bird

[458 Italia]

#71 putting in fastest laps but the gap is pretty constant at 1.2 back to the aston

loving this timing site https://timing.71wytham.org.uk/s/wec

[458 Italia]

#51 back to 7th thank sto #97's woes

[458 Italia]

Handy gap growing between #71 and #95 2.7 now growing a couple of tenths a lap.

[458 Italia]

PIER GUIDI seems to be struggling a bit.

[458 Italia]

#61 Ferrari not having a great day.

[458 Italia]

SØRENSEN under 1.0 benid #71 now.

[458 Italia]

#95 overtakes Bird for 1st.

[458 Italia]

#51 pit stop, driver change PIER GUIDI out, COLADO in

#95 and #71 pitted, driver change BIRD out, RIGON In. Retook the lead during the pit stops.

Couldn't see a lot wrong with what the #61 did. rosa tinted glasses i think lol.

[458 Italia]

That was a great stop for #51 jumped up to 5th.

[458 Italia]

Where's Rob when you need him to tell ya what's going on with #51? :-P

[458 Italia]

Oh nice COLADO in the #51 takes 4th from one of the fords. :clap

[458 Italia]

It's been incredibly dull in LMP1 this race.

[458 Italia]

Oh balls, #51 has a puncture, but so does #66

[458 Italia]

What was Pla playing at!?

[458 Italia]

Definitely penalties coming for #66 and Pla. they've got lots of damaged too. good.

[458 Italia]

PIER GUIDI back in the #51

[458 Italia]

Ferrari 1st (#71) and 3rd (#51)

[458 Italia]

Pla talking rubbish! Sam is still really angry!

[458 Italia]

I'm not sure the pit stop #2 Porsche just made was legal.

[458 Italia]

Taking ages to decide penalties for #66

[Rob]

Pla talking rubbish! Sam is still really angry!

you mean James? :-P

Luca too him to one side to chat to him and calm him down. Just spoke to Seb, who is the wheel gun guy on #51, the car is good, all fine. *touch wood*

[458 Italia]

you mean James? :-P

Luca too him to one side to chat to him and calm him down. Just spoke to Seb, who is the wheel gun guy on #51, the car is good, all fine. *touch wood*

Yes, James duh! :-P

#51 clearing looking good now, looked a little off the pace at the start.

[Rob]

Yes, James duh! :-P

#51 clearing looking good now, looked a little off the pace at the start.

because of the engine change, had a total different strategy. Luca is the master. The track is coming to us more, as it rubbers in and heats up.

[Rob]

Ale is about 1 second a lap quicker than the Aston on P2

[458 Italia]

Track at 25.6 now where as it was just 18 at lights out.

have you ever used https://timing.71wytham.org.uk/s/wec yourself Rob? It's solidly in my favourites now.

[Rob]

http://i63.tinypic.com/znlz41.jpg

[Rob]

Track at 25.6 now where as it was just 18 at lights out.

have you ever used https://timing.71wytham.org.uk/s/wec yourself Rob? It's solidly in my favourites now.

:thumb great timing

[458 Italia]

So much better than the official site, reminds me of the old F1 live timing from back in the day.

Oh do you have the power to change names? If so "488 GTE" please.

[Rob]

http://i67.tinypic.com/nvxnwx.jpg

[458 Italia]

oooooooo bit of tilt shift there very good!

[Rob]

So much better than the official site, reminds me of the old F1 live timing from back in the day.

Oh do you have the power to change names? If so "488 GTE" please.

sort of the timing get in the pits on the screens in the guest area. Im not sure if i can. I will speak to Greig.

[458 Italia]

Love getting as much info as possible.

Cheers :thumb

[Rob]

Love getting as much info as possible.

Cheers :thumb

yes im the same. Like to see all data and info as i can for sectors etc etc

[458 Italia]

Isn't it incredible that after nearly 4 hours the gap between 1st and 2nd is still roughly 3.0 and they're trading fastest sector times.

[458 Italia]

Calado back in the #51

[458 Italia]

noooooooooooooooooo #51 going very slowly :-( no gears!

[Rob]

no no noooooooo

[458 Italia]

Oh come on! :-s

[458 Italia]

He's made it back I hope they can fix it!

[Rob]

saw fluid coming out back as he left pits. I just text Seb and Luca.

[Rob]

he is off now.

[458 Italia]

Quick stop considering.