Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewF31
I believe Shelby, Holman/Moody and Ford France were all works entries in their own sense. Shelby was fairly independent but only because they had so many years of experience with the car (like P&M), Holman and Moody was brought it to increase Ford's chances. Ford France was just another tentacle of Ford's lust for victory.
It does get hard to separate private from works. There are plenty of teams out there that are so highly professional, the only real works help they need is just some inside knowledge on the cars and official parts and factory support on more complicate issues (Prodrive, Flying Lizards, P&M, Oreca, Pescarolo, even Joest).
|
Flying Lizards has factory support and one car with Porsche team drivers----but when Seth and Johannes are in a car it is a classic gentlemen team. Team principals and I don't think either has ever had a pro ride--paid to drive! Nothing like Champion, Joest or the others with all pro drivers.
As for help--in this day it is way, way more than parts --it is engineers by the droves and that is really what separates factory teams from most pro teams--at least in the U.S.. Most personnel on U.S. pro teams are weekend warriors flying in for the weekend to change tires, review data or whatever their task...working with a small group of permanent staff. Factory teams have all full time staff-especially engineers that design, develop, and then provide race support vs. a part time engineer that had nothing to do with design and development of the car. The difference is huge.