[WEC] Porsche Prototype Discussion

[Spyderman]

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/0...a-thought.html

This article suggest that the LMP2 and GTE were slower in the area of 5 seconds in the test day compared to last years pole times, but LMP1 was quicker in the same conditions. This suggests a 5 second jump in times from last year.

Do you have any reason why it would not? I'm interested in hearing alternative arguments. These hybrid systems are complicated so I'm guessing some feel they won't give the same boost at Le Mans as they did elsewhere.

I think what we need to remember is that we don't know what will happen until it does.

Extrapolation of data is tough when you only have so much of it in front of you. I think Spa is a relative track, though, you'll be able to spend more time on boost, versus off boost due to length of the straights. It's nearly four times the length at Le Mans

So... using the KERS at Le Mans won't end up giving you the same net effect as it will at Spa, or anywhere else. Will there be a jump? Yes, will it be 10+ seconds, I doubt it...I'm betting it'll be about 4-7.

[Spyderman]

Well...with rain forecasted (so far) perhaps we wont see those "magical" times. It will be interesting however, to watch the regulators adapt the narrative to justify the forthcoming castration. (or perhaps they wont even bother)
I've reached a point now that if they are going to "condemn" these cars to death, then at least let them be guilty of the "crime".

[TF110]

Lets wait and see what the rule makers decide on. I think a drop in fuel flow is the obvious move. But maybe the drop the allowable energy per lap in fuel is too simple?

[Spyderman]

Well...for me, what ever they do is an unnecessary step. The cars are perfect as they are. They are very close (even Toyota.. I think some will be surprised) at Le Mans. I just don't think any intervention is warranted at the moment . Sadly I am in the minority, so if I am forced to watch these magnificent cars being put before a firing squad, then I wouldn't mind seeing the crime for which they are supposedly guilty.

[GasperG]

Well I wouldn't call 2-4% less fuel a castration, it would not be visible to a naked eye except for the lap time.

[Spyderman]

Do you know if this is "all" that they will do?

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

Do you know if this is "all" that they will do?

On short notice (a month and a bit before the Nurburgring test) that's all they CAN do (reduced fuel flow and some extra weight) without annoying the factory teams by causing them to do some severe re-engineering on their cars.

And until we see what they actually plan, can we be a bit less melodramatic about these potential changes?

[Spyderman]

I apologize if I hurt your sensibilities, but you know what? "Not being offended" is not a right.

As for being melodramatic: It certainly wasn't me that started harping on about a ridiculous 3:30 lap time and it certainly wasn't me that ran around predicting the sky was going to fall because the cars are "simply too fast". Perhaps if the regulators were a little more reasonable in their assertions, then one would not have to resort to hyperbole (although lost on some) in order to manifest their displeasure and opinions.

[Spyderman]

Here are a number of facts and figures from Porsche:http://newsroom.porsche.com/en/motor...mp1-11087.html

In relation to the top speed figures discussed previously, I found these two to be interesting:

1. The Porsche 919 Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h within 2 seconds and takes 4.5 seconds from 0-200 km/h.
2. At the fastest part of the Mulsanne straight the 919 reaches ca. 330 km/h. For the slowest part (Arnage) it has to slow down to ca. 70 km/h.

[Gingers4Justice]

Have I read it right that Porsche and Toyota didn't have to turn up to scrutineering yesterday? Massive shame if true.

[Spyderman]

No - They are scheduled for today.http://www.24h-lemans.com/wpphpFichi...-mans-2015.pdf

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

No - They are scheduled for today.

It says "at a local garage." Of course they're going to be scrutineered - just a shame if they're not longer required to turn up in the city centre.

EDIT - I'm confused now, does the "city-centre" scruinteering now take place on the Sunday/Monday?

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

It says "at a local garage." Of course they're going to be scrutineered - just a shame if they're not longer required to turn up in the city centre.

I think they will undergo "normal" public scruteneering as well.

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

It says "at a local garage." Of course they're going to be scrutineered - just a shame if they're not longer required to turn up in the city centre.

EDIT - I'm confused now, does the "city-centre" scruinteering now take place on the Sunday/Monday?

Yes. They split it over two days.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

Yes. They split it over two days.

Ah, thanks!

It used to be a Monday/Tuesday, then in more recent years it's been Saturday/Sunday...the ACO have thrown me with Sunday/Monday. Mind you, that's easily done.

[Spyderman]

[MyNameIsNigel]

It looks like the Porsche also still have the "debatable" (or not so "debatable") rear wing end plate extensions:



(source: Endurance-Info.com)

It increasingly looks like this solution may be deemed allowable by the ACO-FIA.

[Spyderman]

As I posted in the Toyota thread: Mike Fuller says there is "nothing to this" and that there "no one is worried about this".

[Richard C]

Given that apparently this has been run before by other teams (Toyota?) and there has not been a challenge or rules clarification since then, I suspect that it's usage (or not) is more about... "Does this concept work for us?" vs. "Is it legal?" Aero ideas seem to fall in out out of favor on a regular basis.

I actually am still not sure how the Audi version fits the regulations, but apparently it does.

Richard

[MyNameIsNigel]

All 56 cars have passed scrutineering "with flying colors" according to the ACO's official statement. The ACO are evidently satisfied that Audi's and Porsche's solutions are both complying with their interpretation of the rules.

[Artur]

Two fuel tank fills with one set of Michelin tyres are the absolute minimum; three should be standard, at night it can be four.

so, Porsche expects tire usage almost as good as Audi will probably have

[GasperG]

It think tyre wear is 100% correlated with how aggressive they boost out of the corners. This just means they have to find the right balance between race pace and pit stop time.

[Spyderman]

From what I can tell from the weather forecasts, it looks like tonight might be a good time to put in a quick lap.
The race looks like it will start dry and then rain will come at around 2AM Sunday morning and stay until the end of the race. It looks like it is going to be a very tough one!

[Spyderman]

...and so it starts:http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/l...ction-in-2016/

At least it seems that the ridiculous 3:30 lap time has been put to bed.