Charlie Spencer
Road courses and short tracks.
I swear, I thought it was a spec class. The Oreca is all I ever saw.
2023 WEC
- Thread starter FLRacingFan
- Start date
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
When the current-spec P2s debuted in 2017 most teams chose to run either the ORECA 07 or the Ligier JS P217 to a lesser extent, mostly since both already had existing relationships with many teams from the previous generation. The 07 also utilized the 05’s tub as the base, which made it easy for teams to upgrade to the new gen, and also provided a known quantity for ORECA to design and develop around.
The Ligier was actually pretty good at downforce tracks but really poor at straight-line speed tracks like Daytona and Le Mans, which was ultimately its downfall - can’t afford to be well off the pace at the biggest events. The gearbox was also pretty unreliable. I think it won once in IMSA at Laguna Seca (overall, when P2s competed against DPi for one season in 2018) and five or six times in ELMS.
The Dallara never had much take up but was pretty quick in a straight line, although it had some porpoising issues too. It won once in the ELMS, at Paul Ricard with the super long Mistral Straight.
The Riley was a disaster, not sure it ever did more than half a dozen races in total in P2 form. This one was also obscenely draggy.
Across IMSA, WEC, ELMS, and AsLMS I think ORECA has 100% exclusivity of P2 entries this year. Although, Sean Creech will move up from IMSA P3 to P2 with a Ligier next year since they already have an existing relationship with the P3 machine there.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
JOTA are rumored to field an “all-star” lineup in their second entry that’ll debut next season: Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Robert Kubica (w/ ORLEN backing)
Sheeeesh
Sheeeesh
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
It would be great to see Vettel back. More F1 level talent comes to sportscars.
Perhaps this means we could see Vettel at the Rolex?
Perhaps this means we could see Vettel at the Rolex?
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
This can only mean one thing…
Kiante
Team Owner
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
My guess is Aston will probably have to do some work to get that 4/1 aero package, and probably raise the wing, but this car looks like a great place to start. Maybe Vettel is waiting to see how this works out before he makes a move.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
They’re back! Coming 2025.
Competing in both IMSA and WEC, and keeping the originally-planned NA V12
It’ll be fantastic to have an LMH finally enter the IMSA side. A very unique addition to the fields in every aspect.
Competing in both IMSA and WEC, and keeping the originally-planned NA V12
It’ll be fantastic to have an LMH finally enter the IMSA side. A very unique addition to the fields in every aspect.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Latest WEC Hypercar testing news from RACER: https://racer.com/2023/10/05/how-th...facturers-are-preparing-for-their-wec-debuts/
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
That testing crash wound up being an even bigger setback for Lambo than I had thought. Honestly, that program seems to go a bit backwards with each announcement so far. Car looks fantastic, but the budget does not. I know Lambo is a smaller OEM, but jeez.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
United will run the McLaren LMGT3 program next season, subject to acceptance on the entry list.
Not too much of a surprise with the Zak Brown connection. A new manufacturer to the series and United find a way to stay on the grid with LMP2 going away.
Not too much of a surprise with the Zak Brown connection. A new manufacturer to the series and United find a way to stay on the grid with LMP2 going away.
Kiante
Team Owner
Rundown of how GT3 will look OEM wise:
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Glad Caddy is returning but disappointed it's only one car............... https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/10/09/cadillac-confirms-single-car-entry-for-2024-fia-wec.html
"Budget constraints".................. Can "too expensive" be next?
"Budget constraints".................. Can "too expensive" be next?
Kiante
Team Owner
That's because of the upcoming F1 program.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
Yeah, it had sounded more likely before the FIA approved the F1 entry. Still gotta wait on the Liberty/FOM decision but they’re further down the road with that than before. And that would easily become GM’s most expensive racing program. It’s difficult to go to the board and ask for even more money for WEC on top of that.
I’d at least like to see them bring the WEC car as a third entry at Daytona again.
I’d at least like to see them bring the WEC car as a third entry at Daytona again.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
More good news for WEC: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ot...p&cvid=d15611eeaa844b53bddaec13fcb29144&ei=24
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Not unexpected, but still sad: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mo...p&cvid=bea0881c8a334ae5b6c1e923c84f982d&ei=20
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
Still a terrible name, but I like seeing this applied to the rest of the schedule, especially with one fewer class but two large ones. The current format doesn’t really resonate with me.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Seems like they want to be like F1 and spend two days qualifying. I guess sprints will be next.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
It’s pretty much just a Q1 and Q2 for each class, which is fine really. Should be done within an hour or so.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
In other ACO racing, the ELMS two-part season finale is this weekend at Portimao. Had forgotten about this being a doubleheader after the Imola flooding.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Here's a silly question: Is Algarve the same place as Portamao?
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
We probably won't get to see it in the states anyway.
Seems a little silly to put so much emphasis on qualifying for an endurance race, but at least WEC keeps making improvements and bringing a better show every time out.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
Yeah, same place. Portimao is a city in Algarve.
Kiante
Team Owner
From Mercedes to Lexus!
More than a well deserved test for these two:
More than a well deserved test for these two:
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Thanks. I wasn't sure.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
Lexus will be a lock since there’s the Toyota connection, seems like Mercedes, Honda, and Audi will be left on the outside looking in when it comes to the selection committee. ASP are a great team and despite the RC F being long in the tooth, they should be able to make it competitive like Vasser Sullivan have.
I hope Jack Hawk and Barnicoat getting a test means we’re a small step closer to a GR010 in IMSA in 2025.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
The post-Le Mans BoP is seeing a platform adjustment in favor of the LMDh machines ahead of next weekend’s season finale at Bahrain.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
I don't know if 7 kilos is going to be enough to make the GTPs fully competitive, but it's a good start.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
Ferrari have stated that they’re willing to run a third 499P for a customer bringing the requisite funding package, should one come knocking. Most likely in 2025 but still possible for as early as 2024.
There have been rumors that the Richard Mille-backed effort currently running in GTE-Am could move up, and Lilou Wadoux and Robert Shwartzman are slated to test the car at the Bahrain rookie test on Sunday. Would be a pretty interesting entry if it comes to fruition.
https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/10/30/ferrari-willing-to-support-third-499p-hypercar-effort.html
There have been rumors that the Richard Mille-backed effort currently running in GTE-Am could move up, and Lilou Wadoux and Robert Shwartzman are slated to test the car at the Bahrain rookie test on Sunday. Would be a pretty interesting entry if it comes to fruition.
https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/10/30/ferrari-willing-to-support-third-499p-hypercar-effort.html
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Looks like Ferrari is going to make a few 499P track cars: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1141277_ferrari-499p-modificata-le-mans-price
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
I gotta put down my deposit.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
First session in Bahrin hit with on/off rain, so it's hard to tell much. Looks like Toyota still has the edge.
racer.com
Kobayashi leads first Bahrain WEC practice for Toyota
The No. 7 Toyota Gazoo Racing GR010 HYBRID topped the first practice session of the 8 Hours of Bahrain weekend, with a 1m49.856s from Kamui Kobayashi. The time was set after a lengthy red-flag stop…
racer.com
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Just FP2, so things could change, but it looks good for Toyota: https://racer.com/2023/11/02/kobayashi-keeps-toyota-ahead-in-second-bahrain-wec-practice/
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
Ferrari turned it around in P3, but they were lost in P1 and P2: https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/...hing-its-head-over-bahrain-wec-pace/10541879/
After P3 the top five are covered by a second, though that will probably change when Toyota puts the hammer down in qualifying. TheCadillac currently looks really good, nearly half a second clear of the field. I'm sure the order will shake up a bit when everyone gets serious, but it's not a bad sign Caddy and Porsche are now so competitive.
The big surprise is the Proton 963 is faster than the Penskes. It's all practice anyway, so now we breathlessly await the Hyperpole.
Here's the P3 results:
After P3 the top five are covered by a second, though that will probably change when Toyota puts the hammer down in qualifying. TheCadillac currently looks really good, nearly half a second clear of the field. I'm sure the order will shake up a bit when everyone gets serious, but it's not a bad sign Caddy and Porsche are now so competitive.
The big surprise is the Proton 963 is faster than the Penskes. It's all practice anyway, so now we breathlessly await the Hyperpole.
Here's the P3 results:
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
Toyota took pole, Cadillac were the only one within a second of the quickest Toyota. Not gonna be close tomorrow.
Doc Austin
Back From The Dead
This is almost like two years ago. They would make a BOP adjustment and the Toyotas just got faster.
FLRacingFan
Team Owner
This is another track where Toyota has extensive experience and no one else has pretty much any. It’s not like a European track or Sebring where everyone tests (and Toyota were still pretty damn dominant at those). The two-year head start is paying dividends; problem is, I don’t know if they can be caught. There are still five new manufacturers joining the next two years and those teams are all going to be inexperienced compared to everyone else too.
Ferrari and Cadillac feel positive about their tire degradation but I wouldn’t hold out hope for making it competitive for the win.