831 replies to this topic

[DanardiF1]

It's finally back!!!



The World Endurance Championship returns this Saturday after a winter of resetting and rebuilding for a more sustainable future of the championship. The calendar has undergone a major revamp, moving to a football-style (or Formula E style) split format. This season being the first of that new format means the season has effectively doubled up and will start now in May 2018 at Spa and finish at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans over a year later.

Spa's the first round you say? What happened to Silverstone?
Don't worry, Silverstone is still on the calendar, in a new date in August that for those of us who attend the race annually may actually work out as a better option given some of the weather we have had to contend with in its typical April dates. It nearly didn't make the calendar at all, not appearing on the initial draft calendar produced when the new format was announced, however after some public 'feedback' a date was found to retain the race.

So instead this time we begin at Spa, typically used by teams as final practice before Le Mans, and in this case it really is with the 2018 24 Hours being the next round, so this is the only preparation the WEC teams will get before Le Mans Test Day and then the event itself... Getting mileage on new cars will be even more crucial than before.

Porsche left LMP1 didn't they? Does that mean Toyota are racing themselves?
Yes and no. Porsche ending their LMP1 program last season has left Toyota as the only hybrid P1 entrant, but this doesn't mean the class is dead... far from it. LMP1 has seen a rebirth in the form of new privateer entries and cars for this season, giving the top class a vibrant new look that hopefully will produce similar levels of exciting racing we saw with the hybrid giants before.

The two Toyotas have been joined by two Yorkshire designed and built Ginettas, run by fellow Yorkshiremen Manor, two Orecas who have teamed up with Rebellion to return to the top class after a season in LMP2, three Dallara-designed BR1 cars commissioned by SMP Racing and run by themselves and a single car for the Dragonspeed team moving up to LMP1 after success in P2, and the now near ever-present ByKolles CLM car, making for a 10 car P1 field when there was a real possibility of just a handful in the initial wake of Porsche's leaving.

What to expect of the new entries? Well its hard to say, Toyota have the hybrid power, the budget, the drivers and experience, but the ACO and FIA have worked hard on their 'Equivalence of Technology' BoP planning to try and ensure the non-hybrid privateer cars have as similar performance as the Toyotas as possible. They all have more horsepower from their conventional engines than the Toyota, who can only deploy their full 1000bhp for a certain time across the lap. Toyota are also restricted on fuel tank size, the number of aero configurations they can run etc in order to best balance the two sub-classes. The SMP-Dallara has certainly looked the best prepared so far and to me would be the most obvious place to look for a initial challenge to the Toyotas.

LMP1 ENTRIES
#1 Rebellion Racing Oreca - Lotterer/Jani/Senna
#3 Rebellion Racing Oreca - Laurent/Beche/Menezes
#4 ByKolles Racing Team CLM - Webb/Dillmann/Kraihamer
#5 CEFC Manor Racing Ginetta - Robertson/Roussel/Stoneman
#6 CEFC Manor Racing Ginetta - Rowland/Brundle/Turvey
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing - Conway/Kobayashi/Lopez
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing - Alonso/Buemi/Nakajima
#10 Dragonspeed BR1 - Hanley/Hedman/Fittipaldi
#11 SMP Racing BR1 - Aleshin/Petrov (Jenson Button has also been confirmed as driving for SMP Racing, but not at Spa, he will debut at Le Mans)
#17 SMP Racing BR1 - Sarrazin/Isaakyan/Orudzhev

Is that right? Did I see 'Alonso' there?
You certainly did. Fernando Alonso, in his bid to become the Renaissance Man of modern motorsport, has signed with Toyota in order to add the 24 Hours to his list of successes, as part of his quest for the Triple Crown that began with his first, but sadly unsuccessful, attempt at the Indy 500 last year (and what a debut that was). Anthony Davidson has stepped aside in order to make way for the double World Champion, whose immense popularity is sure to be a boon for the WEC overall. The #8 lineup that includes Alonso with Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima has to be considered the favourite for the title and for Le Mans itself as well (should Toyota finally break their hoodoo at La Sarthe).

Jenson Button has also been confirmed as the third driver in the #11 SMP car, but won't be able to take up his seat until Le Mans itself as this weekend he has prior commitments with Honda in SuperGT at Fuji Speedway. Alonso vs Button at Le Mans is something we weren't necessarily expecting until very recently, but it should make for an added thread of excitement.

What about LMP2? That's still super competitive?
LMP2 is this time less of an Oreca spec-series, adding full-season Dallara and Ligier entries for the first time. The grid is smaller than in previous years, just 7 full-season cars, but the quality is still very high across the board, especially for what is still a Pro-Am Class. Exciting for some, dread-filling for others, is the debut of Pastor Maldonado in the series, driving for Dragonspeed in their Oreca for the full season. It'll certainly be interesting to see how the Venezuelan applies his 'unique' style of racing to the endurance format, but Oreca may need to look into investing in producing a lot more spare parts than before...

LMP2 ENTRIES
#28 TDS Racing Oreca - Duval/Perrodo/Vaxiviere
#29 Racing Team Nederland Dallara - van der Garde/Lammers/van Eerd
#31 Dragonspeed Oreca - Gonzalez/Maldonado/Berthon
#36 Signatech Alpine (Oreca) - Lapierre/Negrao/Thiriet
#37 Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca - Jaafar/Tan/Jeffri
#38 Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca - Tung/Aubry/Richelmi
#50 Larbre Competition Ligier - Creed/Ricci/Canal

There's a new Aston Martin GT car isn't there? And BMW have turned back up?
Aston Martin have retired the venerable Vantage GTE from GTE Pro competition, after much success over a near 10 year lifespan of the original car. Time has come though to replace the old V8 rumble with something more modern in Aston's stable, and the new Vantage is powered by an AMG-built turbo V8 with a much more modern design and aero package, more in keeping with the standards set by the newer GTE breed, the Ford GT and Porsche 911 RSR. The GTE field is going to be as strong as ever this year with the addition of BMW and their GIANT M8 GTE, meaning there'll be a five-manufacturer tussle for honours this year. If things aren't going so well in the prototype ranks, this is where you'll always get your entertainment.

GTE-Pro ENTRIES
#51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 Evo - Calado/Pier Guidi
#71 AF Corse Ferrari 488 Evo - Bird/Rigon
#66 Ford Chip Ganassi Team Ford GT - Mucke/Pla/Johnson
#67 Ford Chip Ganassi Team Ford GT - Priaulx/Tincknell/Kanaan
#81 BMW Team MTEK M8 GTE - Catsburg/Tomczyk/Eng
#82 BMW Team MTEK M8 GTE - da Costa/Farfus/Blomqvist
#91 Porsche GT Team 911 RSR - Bruni/Lietz/Makowiecki
#92 Porsche GT Team 911 RSR - Christensen/Estre/Vanthoor
#95 Aston Martin Racing Vantage AMR - Sorensen/Thiim/Turner
#97 Aston Martin Racing Vantage AMR - Lynn/Martin/Adam

GTE-AM? They can use the newer breed of cars now can't they?
The -AM section of GTE is restricted to using at least year-old cars, however this season this means they are now able to access the likes of the updated 911 RSR and 488, with their bigger diffusers and overall updated specs. This is where you'll also see the old Aston Martins make their final swansong, in the hands of one of the car's more iconic lineups of Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy and Mathias Lauda

GTE-Am ENTRIES
#54 Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 - Castellacci/Fisichella/Flohr
#56 Team Project 1 Porsche 911 RSR - Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti
#61 Clearwater Racing Ferrari 488 - Griffin/Sawa/Sun Mok
#70 MR Racing Ferrari 488 - Beretta/Cheever/Ishikawa
#77 Dempsey-Proton Racing 911 RSR - Campbell/Ried/Andlauer
#88 Dempsey-Proton Racing 911 RSR - Al-Qubaisi/Cairoli/Roda
#86 Gulf Racing UK 911 RSR - Wainwright/Barker/Davison
#90 TF Sport Vantage GTE - Hankey/Eastwood/Yoluc
#98 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE - Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda

RACE TIMETABLE - https://www.fiawec.c...d5a6530fad8.pdf
SPOTTER GUIDE - https://www.fiawec.c...e1a465ed388.pdf
Radio Le Mans will provide audio commentary of the race worldwide as per usual - http://www.radiolemans.co/

For TV coverage, consult your local sources for details, however streaming is available at a price direct from the WEC itself, either on its website or on their app, available on Android and iOS - https://www.fiawec.com/

 

UK TV - Motorsport.tv will broadcast the entire race, but only in SD.

Edited by DanardiF1, 02 May 2018 - 16:13.

[jonpollak]

Great OP DanardiF1... I'm looking forward to this season

[RacingGreen]

Thanks for the OP DanardiF1.

 

While Toyota may be racing against themselves the rest of the field should produce some great racing particularly in the GTE-pro class.  

[DRSwing]

Great OP, thank you DanardiF1

I have been mostly a casual observer of WEC in the past, but this season definitely hope to be tuning in due to the Alonso factor.

Had intended to subscribe to the WEC app but found out to my horror that it is now geoblocked in the US due to some deal with some cable TV station.

Does anyone have any idea if there is any way to get a legitimate live stream and live data in the US?

[Lights]

Sucks quite a bit for Anthony Davidson in that he had to step aside for Alonso. Despite winning the WEC championship, he never won Le Mans, and this year would've been such a good opportunity.

[Victor_RO]

Excellent. The usual Le Mans warmup, 6 weeks to go to the big one. Let's see if the legendary streaks of Alonso and Toyota bad luck manage to cancel each other out here and at Le Mans.

 

Also, GTE-Pro should be a hoot as ever. I know some people decry the BoP factor, but in today's environment it's pretty much the only effective way of preventing a GT class from becoming a one-make formula. And it gives out spine-tingling moments like the Le Mans finish last year. Still getting shivers thinking of the cheer that went out at the start of the last lap when the Aston made its move for the lead. 

[Nonesuch]

I was tempted to go and watch at the track, but I'll wait and see how this newish LMP1 shapes up first.

 

Spa should still be great, as it always is.

 

I know some people decry the BoP factor, but in today's environment it's pretty much the only effective way of preventing a GT class from becoming a one-make formula.

 

True, but Aston has been really dragging its feet recently. Their cars were so old that it was a bit silly to see the new Fords and Ferraris not doing much better.

 

At some point I'd like the ACO to say that such outdated cars can only be entered in the Am class, but that's obviously not their view of things.

[Mat13]

I was gutted when Audi and then Porsche quit, but this is really exciting- it felt like a real decline even six months ago. Not so much now!

[OvDrone]

Wonderful OP Danardi, just the thing to get us all hyped for the new WEC season.

 

WEC was my favorite series for a good couple of years but Audi's and especially Porsche's exit really killed my interest last year. Seeing the P1 field this year, maybe I'll start refinding that WEC spark. Alonso definitely can help with that.

 

GTE looks amazing again, and P2 even with the smaller field, it still looks excellent. GTam can be fun too.

 

Cheering for Alonso, the #1 Rebellion and the Manors in LMP1. #28 TDS and #50 Larbre in LMP2; The Ferraris and #92 Porsche in GTE and the Spirit of Race Ferrari #54 with Giancarlo Fisichella in GTam.

 

Let's go WEC 18/19

[Kev00]

What are we most likely to see in the future of LMP1? Are we likely to see big manufacturers joining Toyota or Toyota leaving and it becoming a more competitive privateer class?

[kissTheApex]

Had intended to subscribe to the WEC app but found out to my horror that it is now geoblocked in the US due to some deal with some cable TV station.
Does anyone have any idea if there is any way to get a legitimate live stream and live data in the US?

I’m in the US (MD), and I was able to subscribe last week without any problems. A regional thing perhaps? The WEC app has been an absolute godsent the past three seasons, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost it..

[OvDrone]

What are we most likely to see in the future of LMP1? Are we likely to see big manufacturers joining Toyota or Toyota leaving and it becoming a more competitive privateer class?

 

I think it all depends on the new 2020 Hybrid LMP1 rules. Donno what to say now; let's see how this year plays out first. I sometimes love and loathe manufacturers in Motorsport.

[DRSwing]

I’m in the US (MD), and I was able to subscribe last week without any problems. A regional thing perhaps? The WEC app has been an absolute godsent the past three seasons, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost it..

This was what they tweeted. You may want to check with them for a refund if you paid for it.

https://twitter.com/...2975217670?s=21

It is true that the #WEC App/website live streaming service will be geo-blocked for the US and Canda (except Quebec) as the deal with Velocity is exclusive in that market, including all OTT coverage which includes our App/website.


Can’t understand how they can take such a step back. So very disappointed

[kissTheApex]

Yikes! That sucks colossally. I’m going to have to get a refund then.

Back to Nigerian friends I guess

This was what they tweeted. You may want to check with them for a refund if you paid for it.https://twitter.com/...2975217670?s=21
It is true that the #WEC App/website live streaming service will be geo-blocked for the US and Canda (except Quebec) as the deal with Velocity is exclusive in that market, including all OTT coverage which includes our App/website.
Can’t understand how they can take such a step back. So very disappointed

[sladealonso]

Anywhere I can watch the full race in the U.K.

[DanardiF1]

Anywhere I can watch the full race in the U.K.

 

Motorsport.tv (former Motors TV) will cover the race in full live on Saturday. Available on Sky and Virgin Media, only issue is that they only broadcast in SD. I've gone for the official stream which on the WEC app is £4.30 I think...

[DanardiF1]

For those who aren't aware also, since last year the 'voice' of sportscar racing John Hindhaugh who did provide the world feed commentary alongside Graham Goodwin of Dailysportscar has gone back to commentating on the Radio Le Mans coverage instead. 

 

The official WEC feed now has a commentary team of Martin Haven, Allan McNish and Goodwin. Toby Moody was working with them last year but of course he's been commissioned by Jenson Button to commentate on the SuperGT highlights package he has on his youtube channel...

 

If you want Hindy's dulcet North-Eastern tones, syncing up the RLM feed with the TV is an option many still subscribe to, however, most of you should recognise Martin Haven's voice, he is a great commentator of many years now.

Edited by DanardiF1, 02 May 2018 - 16:20.

[DanardiF1]

Sucks quite a bit for Anthony Davidson in that he had to step aside for Alonso. Despite winning the WEC championship, he never won Le Mans, and this year would've been such a good opportunity.

 

Someone had to unfortunately, Toyota couldn't turn down the chance of Alonso and his star power, and neither could the series as a whole.

 

Ant will be joining Maldonado in the Dragonspeed Oreca in LMP2 after Le Mans, Toyota made sure they found a seat for him.

[Cornholio]

Really been looking forward to this year (and a half?) after struggling to hold as strong an interest last season on account of the reduced LMP1 field and the new semi-spec LMP2s doing absolutely nothing for me.

 

I like how there's interesting P1 variety not just in terms of cars but engines too, the various BRs featuring both AER and Gibson power, the latter appearing in the Rebellion/ORECA and Mecachrome and Nissan too, I know Toyota should sweep the board whenever they don't both break down and/or incur heavy delays, but it'll be fun seeing how the others stack up behind them. P2 is still P2 but at least isn't an ORECA monopoly this year so that's something at least, so overall should be much more interesting than last year.

[DanardiF1]

Really been looking forward to this year (and a half?) after struggling to hold as strong an interest last season on account of the reduced LMP1 field and the new semi-spec LMP2s doing absolutely nothing for me.

 

I like how there's interesting P1 variety not just in terms of cars but engines too, the various BRs featuring both AER and Gibson power, the latter appearing in the Rebellion/ORECA and Mecachrome and Nissan too, I know Toyota should sweep the board whenever they don't both break down and/or incur heavy delays, but it'll be fun seeing how the others stack up behind them. P2 is still P2 but at least isn't an ORECA monopoly this year so that's something at least, so overall should be much more interesting than last year.

 

The key performance differentiator, and one that Toyota (correctly in my view to be honest) stood strong on, is fuel mileage. Apparently the Toyota should be easily capable of going an extra lap on fuel at Le Mans, which apparently equates to two laps at Spa. Over a 6 hour race that should give Toyota at least one less stop to contend with over the non-hybrids.

 

Why I think this is probably a fair concession for the FIA/ACO to make is that Toyota are trying to market their hybrid technology with this program, and a key advantage of the technology is of course better fuel efficiency and mileage. To take that away from them and give the outward impression from the racing that there is no discernable difference between a regular petrol engine and a petrol-hybrid wouldn't play well with Toyota's board. I just hope that the new cars have enough raw pace to challenge them in that area, and drive smart enough to try and overcome the fuel differences...

[TF110]

Good OP, glad it's not riddled with silliness and unwarranted huge gif's. Straight to the point, Toyota is the favorite, but that doesn't mean they will automatically win. And on pace I bet the new cars will surprise in lmp1. I think a lot of people are blinded by the fact that it's Toyota who have the fastest lmp1 ever but don't realize they were being matched in testing by these NEW cars. Key word being new because once those cars get known better by their team, they will be faster than the Toyota if it's left as is. They of course made gains over last year with the car since it's 99% the same car, but that advantage will be negated because the eot has given them a worse hand than last year and the other lmp1's will come into their own as the year/season progresses. I think GTE PRO is going to be interesting as well. Now Aston and BMW have new cars and the 'old lady' is the 488 Ferrari (surprisingly). I can't wait. As an lmp1 and Toyota fan, seeing Alonso get his first race will be a must watch to me!

[Ben1445]

For those who aren't aware also, since last year the 'voice' of sportscar racing John Hindhaugh who did provide the world feed commentary alongside Graham Goodwin of Dailysportscar has gone back to commentating on the Radio Le Mans coverage instead. 

 

The official WEC feed now has a commentary team of Martin Haven, Allan McNish and Goodwin. Toby Moody was working with them last year but of course he's been commissioned by Jenson Button to commentate on the SuperGT highlights package he has on his youtube channel...

 

If you want Hindy's dulcet North-Eastern tones, syncing up the RLM feed with the TV is an option many still subscribe to, however, most of you should recognise Martin Haven's voice, he is a great commentator of many years now.

No idea why, but I find John Hindhaugh somewhat annoying. Yes his voice is iconic in sportscast circles but his attitude always seems too holier than thou. 

 

Shame then that I don't like Martin Haven either. But Allan McNish is excellent.

[Peat]

Yeah, I tend to find Hindhaugh quite irritating nowadays. He tends to babble while looking away from his monitor and misses alot that going on, then tries to make up for it with shrieking once he's finally clocked that something happened. Graham Goodwin is good, I'd probably still listen to RLM just for Paul Truswell alone. Another massive shame is that Jim Roller has retired, he and Charles Dressing used to be wonderful aural companions in the small hours at LM. 

Anyway, I'll miss the race on Saturday. Hopefully catch up with it on Sun/Mon. 

[TennisUK]

I'm rather looking forward to it, but I just hope the non-hybrids are fairly close on pace to make it a race. I have no interest whatsoever in the new LMP2. 

 

I'll avoid my usual moan about GTE BOP and just hope it doesn't infect LMP1 too much under the auspices of EOT...

[SarbaV]

The schedule times on wec website is local or GMT?

[Victor_RO]

The schedule times on wec website is local or GMT?

 

Local. FP1 has been going for 30 minutes already now.

[Nonesuch]

The FIA WEC website is atrocious. The best bet is to find an event's time table on the circuit's website.

 

Try to find the starting time of the sessions for the Silverstone event. The website merely says the next session is on August 17th, 11:45 local time, or in 195 days, 23 hours, 8 minutes and 30 seconds. The Practical Info sub-page links to a PDF-file of the event's poster. The About This Race sub-page mentions it being at Silverstone... and that's about it.

 

At least this year they seem to have realised that a timetable is kind of helpful and put on on the main page for the current event. And by current, I mean that it wasn't there earlier this week.

Edited by Nonesuch, 03 May 2018 - 11:38.

[f1paul]

Good OP, glad it's not riddled with silliness and unwarranted huge gif's. Straight to the point, Toyota is the favorite, but that doesn't mean they will automatically win. And on pace I bet the new cars will surprise in lmp1. I think a lot of people are blinded by the fact that it's Toyota who have the fastest lmp1 ever but don't realize they were being matched in testing by these NEW cars. Key word being new because once those cars get known better by their team, they will be faster than the Toyota if it's left as is. They of course made gains over last year with the car since it's 99% the same car, but that advantage will be negated because the eot has given them a worse hand than last year and the other lmp1's will come into their own as the year/season progresses. I think GTE PRO is going to be interesting as well. Now Aston and BMW have new cars and the 'old lady' is the 488 Ferrari (surprisingly). I can't wait. As an lmp1 and Toyota fan, seeing Alonso get his first race will be a must watch to me!

I know right!   

[f1paul]

​The schedule for the race is here... 

 

https://www.selectmo...6h_Schedule.pdf

 

Alonso was fastest in FP1, weather looks set to be dry tomorrow and Saturday. Spa's classic rainy days are declining it seems.

[garoidb]

Sucks quite a bit for Anthony Davidson in that he had to step aside for Alonso. Despite winning the WEC championship, he never won Le Mans, and this year would've been such a good opportunity.

 

 

Someone had to unfortunately, Toyota couldn't turn down the chance of Alonso and his star power, and neither could the series as a whole.

 

Ant will be joining Maldonado in the Dragonspeed Oreca in LMP2 after Le Mans, Toyota made sure they found a seat for him.

 

If it benefits the series, it might ultimately be positive for many other drivers who make their living in the series, and even for Davidson.  

[DanardiF1]

The two Manor Ginettas only turned an installation lap each in FP1, I've heard there are some issues potentially related to their Chinese sponsor and an investigation by the Chinese government, is that having an impact on their running?

[TF110]

The two Manor Ginettas only turned an installation lap each in FP1, I've heard there are some issues potentially related to their Chinese sponsor and an investigation by the Chinese government, is that having an impact on their running?

And again in fp2, only 1 install lap each! This is not looking good for the team.

 

Toyota in the 1:56's in fp2. About 2 seconds ahead of the private teams. But in terms of race pace they still seem to be closer. It's also expected to me, because Toyota has track and setup knowledge from last year with basically the same car. The other lmp1's or either all new or mostly new (ByKolles/Rebellion's Oreca). GTE has record setting pace currently. The Ford GT has set a lap in fp2 that was faster than the Saleen S7's GT1 lap record! 

[DanardiF1]

And again in fp2, only 1 install lap each! This is not looking good for the team.

 

Toyota in the 1:56's in fp2. About 2 seconds ahead of the private teams. But in terms of race pace they still seem to be closer. It's also expected to me, because Toyota has track and setup knowledge from last year with basically the same car. The other lmp1's or either all new or mostly new (ByKolles/Rebellion's Oreca). GTE has record setting pace currently. The Ford GT has set a lap in fp2 that was faster than the Saleen S7's GT1 lap record! 

 

It'd be handy if the team were a bit more transparent on the issues... http://sportscar365....ack-of-running/

[f1paul]

I do hope that they can get the BoP right for the LMP1 but it's going to be so hard to do because they are completely different cars (the Toyotas and the rest of the LMP1 cars). If someone has ad an advantage then it should be Toyota IMO because if they're slower than the other LMP1s then it will just look a bit silly but if they're quicker than that will look more normal...if you get me. 

 

Anyway, we'll see but the other classes should make up for it anyway, if it's boring at the head of the overall.

[milestone 11]

Has anyone used the WEC video live stream in the past, any good? Eurosport only showing last couple of hours and Motorsport no longer available to me as it's now on the European beam.

[ANF]

The FIA WEC website is atrocious. The best bet is to find an event's time table on the circuit's website.

I found one at FIA.com under Event & Timing Information for the event: https://www.fia.com/...ing-information

[LeClerc]

I do hope that they can get the BoP right for the LMP1 but it's going to be so hard to do because they are completely different cars (the Toyotas and the rest of the LMP1 cars). If someone has ad an advantage then it should be Toyota IMO because if they're slower than the other LMP1s then it will just look a bit silly but if they're quicker than that will look more normal...if you get me. 

 

Anyway, we'll see but the other classes should make up for it anyway, if it's boring at the head of the overall.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. The Toyotas will go kapow under normal circumstances, and this year the even have the harbinger of doom riding for them.

[thegamer23]

Go Rebellion #1!

Lotterer, Senna, Jani, that's a super lineup!

The fight behind the Toyotas should be fun

Edited by thegamer23, 03 May 2018 - 20:16.

[maximilian]

Go Rebellion #1!

Lotterer, Senna, Jani, that's a super lineup!

 

It is!!  Will they be running the Vaillante livery again?  Love that... 

[HistoryFan]

The two Manor Ginettas only turned an installation lap each in FP1, I've heard there are some issues potentially related to their Chinese sponsor and an investigation by the Chinese government, is that having an impact on their running?

yes, as it looks they will withdraw the car for Turvey, Rowland, Brundle.

[LeClerc]

It is!!  Will they be running the Vaillante livery again?  Love that... 

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, what happened to your AVATAR-OF-THE-CENTURY!?!?!??!?!?

[thegamer23]

It is!! Will they be running the Vaillante livery again? Love that...

Unfortunately not

[kissTheApex]

Has anyone used the WEC video live stream in the past, any good? Eurosport only showing last couple of hours and Motorsport no longer available to me as it's now on the European beam.

It’s been great the past few seasons for me. They’ve since backstabbed the North American subscribers but it’s another topic for discussion

[ezequiel]

yes, as it looks they will withdraw the car for Turvey, Rowland, Brundle.

 

And Leo Rousell, one of the drivers in the other car, is no longer on the entry list...

[DanardiF1]

And Leo Rousell, one of the drivers in the other car, is no longer on the entry list...

That may be to swap one of the 6 crew into the 5 car?

[jonpollak]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, what happened to your AVATAR-OF-THE-CENTURY!?!?!??!?!?

YEEEEESSSSSSS . 

The man is a genus !

Move with the times.

He should make one for you...Paypal, googlemoney, BTC, apple pay...whatever

#Loveyoulongtime

 

Jp

[paulb]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, what happened to your AVATAR-OF-THE-CENTURY!?!?!??!?!?

You still have Frood’s avatar to love.

[OvDrone]

Unfortunately not

 

This is more Rebellion for me than their livery from last year and I love it. Though the last one was special with Senna and Canal winning the LMP2 honors. It kept giving me flashbacks of Alain Menu's Vaillant tributes from his late WTCC days.

 

yes, I used to really watch and enjoy the WTCC

Edited by OvDrone, 03 May 2018 - 23:38.

[Vettelari]

I expect Toyota to turn this into a nail biter on purpose. The absolute worst thing they could do is win by 8 laps and risk getting BOP'd for the race they care most about. If I were able to gamble on the race, I'd be tempted to bet against Toyota and put some dough on the SMP BR1's or the Rebellionii.

[TF110]

I expect Toyota to turn this into a nail biter on purpose. The absolute worst thing they could do is win by 8 laps and risk getting BOP'd for the race they care most about. If I were able to gamble on the race, I'd be tempted to bet against Toyota and put some dough on the SMP BR1's or the Rebellionii.

They don't give bop out, not to Toyota. They get what the rules say they get and the privateers can be changed to match them. With their new cars, I wouldn't bet on anything drastic because once they get on top of them, they will be super fast, especially at Le Mans with that top speed around 350-360kmh.