The never ending Toyota return to Le Mans (LMP1) Saga - Page 46

deggis · 21 Jan 2012, 05:12 (Ref:3014833)

Quote:

Originally Posted by aneesh99

Another comment from MWM was that they expected one Toyota at Spa and two at Le Mans, I guess by running the single car at Spa and missing Sebring, Toyota can 'claim' force majeure as to not get penalised for missing Sebring or something, and I could see why, better off getting testing miles under their belt than trashing the car out in Florida.

That's assuming Toyota has sent a full season entry application.

DeathOrGlory · 21 Jan 2012, 06:36 (Ref:3014837)

Kaz Nakajima has always been a Toyota protege, though he only did 2 seasons of Super GT, in 2005 and 2011.

**Adam43** · 21 Jan 2012, 07:21 (Ref:3014847)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I think Toyota's F1 history is largely insignificant. It's a new era, new sport, new faces etc.

The comparisons with previous Toyota projects should stop IMO. This is a new operation and a new sheet of paper should begin. The fact Oreca are involved gives a whole new angle on previous Toyota projects.

Which was my point! They have a lot to do. They are the new boys.

Gingers4Justice · 21 Jan 2012, 10:04 (Ref:3014876)

Quote:

Originally Posted by aneesh99

Another comment from MWM was that they expected one Toyota at Spa and two at Le Mans, I guess by running the single car at Spa and missing Sebring, Toyota can 'claim' force majeure as to not get penalised for missing Sebring or something, and I could see why, better off getting testing miles under their belt than trashing the car out in Florida.

I don't believe there's a greater test for any endurance car than the Sebring 12 hours myself. Crashing out wouldn't be the problem. The problem would be a race rule of a teething issues and the inevitable negative reporting as a result. But they're going to get that wherever they race first.

I think Toyota may be more tempted to enter Sebring with Peugeot gone. Far greater chance of a decent finish.

**Bentley03** · 21 Jan 2012, 12:58 (Ref:3014959)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTfour

Surely I'm not the first one posting the first pics of the new Toyota LMP1 ?

No mate, you're not!

Follow the thread from post #990 (last Wednesday morning) and you'll see how the news unfolded.

**Bentley03** · 21 Jan 2012, 13:06 (Ref:3014963)

I'm intrigued by the Toyota v Audi discussion on here. I actually think Toyota v Honda is more relevant (in terms of locking horns on track), for this year at least. I predict 2012 will see Audi leave allcomers in their wake, they just need to avoid becoming complacent (which is most unlikely).

Mr Pink · 21 Jan 2012, 13:38 (Ref:3014977)

Quote:

Originally Posted by aneesh99

Another comment from MWM was that they expected one Toyota at Spa and two at Le Mans, I guess by running the single car at Spa and missing Sebring, Toyota can 'claim' force majeure as to not get penalised for missing Sebring or something, and I could see why, better off getting testing miles under their belt than trashing the car out in Florida.

Is there really any substitute to race miles when developing a racecar though?

gwyllion · 21 Jan 2012, 14:07 (Ref:3014984)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Pink

Is there really any substitute to race miles when developing a racecar though?

It only makes sense to race when the car has seen sufficient miles in private testing. Just look at the Aston Martin AMR-One last year. Going straight from the design board to the race track and doing all your testing in public is a terrible idea.

Mal · 21 Jan 2012, 15:48 (Ref:3015021)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bentley03

I'm intrigued by the Toyota v Audi discussion on here. I actually think Toyota v Honda is more relevant (in terms of locking horns on track), for this year at least. I predict 2012 will see Audi leave allcomers in their wake, they just need to avoid becoming complacent (which is most unlikely).

I am not so sure - after the showing we saw from HPD at Sebring and the further pegging back of the diesel I am hopeful that the HPD can be competitive - at some circuits at least.

CTD · 21 Jan 2012, 15:59 (Ref:3015025)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mal

I am not so sure - after the showing we saw from HPD at Sebring and the further pegging back of the diesel I am hopeful that the HPD can be competitive - at some circuits at least.

Depends how much work there has been done too the HPD!, both Audi and Peugeot made massive progress over last year, and no doubt that they worked extra hard over this winter. Hpd needs to mor than match that development to be able to claim wins

FordCosworthPanoz · 21 Jan 2012, 16:10 (Ref:3015029)

I doubt the HPD will be competitive against Audi on the long straights of La Sarthe, but it should produce some fireworks on circuits like Sebring, Zhuhai and Bahrain. Especially the all-pro JRM Honda.

Victor_RO · 21 Jan 2012, 16:13 (Ref:3015030)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCosworthPanoz

I doubt the HPD will be competitive against Audi on the long straights of La Sarthe, but it should produce some fireworks on circuits like Sebring, Zhuhai and Bahrain. Especially the all-pro JRM Honda.

And Strakka as well while Danny or Jonny are driving. If the HPD works well on those tracks, I wouldn't be surprised if one or both teams will be giving the Audis headaches in qualifying.

FordCosworthPanoz · 21 Jan 2012, 16:18 (Ref:3015034)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

And Strakka as well while Danny or Jonny are driving. If the HPD works well on those tracks, I wouldn't be surprised if one or both teams will be giving the Audis headaches in qualifying.

Yep, while I'm still predicting Audi will win every WEC race next year (including a dominant one at Le Mans), the HPDs should make some of early parts of races exciting.

aneesh99 · 21 Jan 2012, 16:51 (Ref:3015048)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCosworthPanoz

I doubt the HPD will be competitive against Audi on the long straights of La Sarthe, but it should produce some fireworks on circuits like Sebring, Zhuhai and Bahrain. Especially the all-pro JRM Honda.

Agreed. If the ARX-03a is as much of a beast as the 01e last year at Sebring, I think we can expect some decent racing at some of the twistier tracks.

GTfour · 21 Jan 2012, 17:24 (Ref:3015058)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bentley03

No mate, you're not!

Follow the thread from post #990 (last Wednesday morning) and you'll see how the news unfolded.

LOL. I thought I wouldn't. Me becoming first time dad has had me 'of the grid' for a while.

Any news about drivetrain specs allready?

gwyllion · 21 Jan 2012, 17:37 (Ref:3015060)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTfour

Any news about drivetrain specs allready?

3.4 NA V8 engine and according http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsjan12.html they still have to make the decision whether to connect the hybrid system to the front or the rear wheels.

Mr Pink · 21 Jan 2012, 18:03 (Ref:3015068)

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwyllion

It only makes sense to race when the car has seen sufficient miles in private testing. Just look at the Aston Martin AMR-One last year. Going straight from the design board to the race track and doing all your testing in public is a terrible idea.

Agreed, my statement was based on the assumption that they would have had time to do enough test miles for a first race by the time Sebring comes around.

On another note I, like most people, think that Audi are going to dominate the season but I think it would be really cool and not too unlikely that Toyota can challenge at their home race at Fuji.

GTfour · 22 Jan 2012, 03:21 (Ref:3015186)

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwyllion

3.4 NA V8 engine and according http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsjan12.html they still have to make the decision whether to connect the hybrid system to the front or the rear wheels.

Aha, so no turbo power then... Could finally be a racecar that makes a decent racecar noise to win Le Mans again then.

Nice.

My guess'd be they're gonna transfer the KERS power to the rears since the rules state this power is only to be utillised above 140kph. Extra frontwheel traction would be quite useless above these speeds, imho.

On the other hand, the pugs blew through the double Fordchicanes at near 160 kph, at some point...

TF110 · 22 Jan 2012, 09:14 (Ref:3015220)

The turns at LeMans are mostly taken above those speeds. I think 4wd would be the better option, but the rwd would be good for the straights? I also think Toyota will show up with a podium AT LEAST. They've tested the new car once already for 3 days. And this week they'll be testing again. Teething problems probably won't be much of an issue IMO.

AGD · 22 Jan 2012, 12:01 (Ref:3015267)

Buemi to drive for Toyota?

http://www.blick.ch/sport/formel1/bu...-toyota-192635

Victor_RO · 22 Jan 2012, 12:39 (Ref:3015277)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGD

Buemi to drive for Toyota?

http://www.blick.ch/sport/formel1/bu...-toyota-192635

Untrustworthy source, so basically it's probably a load of old ollocks. So far Toyota have only suggested one car.

Deleted · 22 Jan 2012, 13:11 (Ref:3015282)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

So far Toyota have only suggested one car.

Yes but that's probably BS as well

Simmi · 23 Jan 2012, 08:49 (Ref:3015583)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiana

Yes but that's probably BS as well

As reported in another thread Graham at DSC says he believes there will now be two cars at LM with Buemi and two Japanese drivers.

Such good news. I simply couldn't get my head around the fact they would run just the one.

TF110 · 23 Jan 2012, 09:15 (Ref:3015598)

I hope so, and when are they testing this week?

gwyllion · 23 Jan 2012, 11:15 (Ref:3015637)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

I hope so, and when are they testing this week?

January 24 to 27. See http://www.lemans.org/en/news/Toyota...uary_5913.html

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