Quote:
Originally Posted by Chiana
They could add in LMP3 for Le Mans only (mini class of 5-10 entries or whatever) and force them to run exclusively silver/bronze only, just like in the Road to Le Mans race. That is the focus of LMP3 in the first place, entry way to LMP and this level of racing but not quite as retarded way as LMPC in the States. Then that way they could get rid of the stupid artificial restriction of LMP2 for Le Mans and WEC and let everybody run whomever drivers in the world they wanted, like it used to be prior 2011. The rich business owners could head to bidding for LMP3 seats if they couldn't handle racing with pros in LMP2.
And no it wouldn't mirror the LMGTE PRO/AM or LMP1 Hybrid/Privateer artificial class trophy separation - which as many of you know I despise - as unlike with those the LMP2 and LMP3 are completely different classes in regs, tech and philosophy. Though the new 2017 P2 spec regs ain't helping in that!!. Also you couldn't run anybody but silver/bronze in this imaginary LMP3 class so that too, it'd be strictly amateur.
Also Dome, Norma, ADESS and Ginetta could race at the 24 Hours (if qualified)  |
LMGT AM does not have artificial class separation,the rules state that in GT AM the cars have to be a year old and use the tyres from the previous year so in effect the cars/tyres in GT AM in 2016 are the same spec as the GT Pro cars from 2015.
If you got rid of GT AM you would loose a lot of Top pros and factory drivers from Le Mans some of the highlights this year are: Matt Griffin (Ferrari Factory driver), Johnny O Connell (GM Factory driver), Rob bell (McLaren Factory driver), Towsend Bell (Indy 500 driver), Wolf Henzler (Porsche Factory driver), Manu Collard (Ex Porsche, Corvette, Peugeot factory driver) , Adam Carroll, Pat Long (Porsche factory driver), Pedro Lamy (Aston Factory driver).
Also the appeal of GT AM for bronze drivers is that they get the opportunity to race and learn from top pro team mates.
If you loose GT Am from Le Mans you would kill LMGTE from ELMS.
GTE AM keeps wealthy bronze drivers in the sport which keeps teams going and this Pro's employed. Replacing it with LMP3 would only compound the problem of money not skill filling seats at Le Mans.
GTE AM usually (not always) works like this, Bronze AM paying the budget, Silver (up and coming driver) getting the opportunity to drive for free and gain experience and a top Pro being paid.
Also LMP3 in my opinion is not a good formula, all you have to do is look the ELMS race from Imola and you will see the LMP3 drivers going off all over the place causing safety car/FCY.