[WEC Race] 2013 FIA WEC - Round 8 - 6 Hours of Bahrain

[airbusA346]

#57 going slow.

[airbusA346]

Extra oil for #26.

[Simmi]

I'm watching the race about 20mins behind but not massively impressed with how RLM handled the whole #2 issue.

Making a mountain out of a molehill regarding the McNish situation.

[airbusA346]

#97 going slow - engine problems, no power.

[airbusA346]

#97 into the garage.

[airbusA346]

#88 appears to be a retirement.

[Simmi]

Slightly ambitious over-take by Davidson on the #99 Aston at T1.

That said if the #1 didn't get a penalty earlier then I'm not sure they can pin one on the #8.

[airbusA346]

Nooooo #76 into the garage.

[Simmi]

Very tough year for Aston. Game over for the #97 it seems.

[airbusA346]

#76 back out on track.

[airbusA346]

Pecom off.

[Simmi]

It would be incredible if Wolfgang Reip could make it onto the overall podium in his downforce debut.

Not quite sure he'll make it but should be an intriguing fight.

[airbusA346]

#99 into the garage.

[Pandemonium]

Hey guys what do the drivers mean when comparing a gt3 or a DP to a GTE that the GTE is much more sensitive and that they can throw it around less??

[FstrthnU]

GT has less downforce so its much less stable in corners

[airbusA346]

#99 is finished.

[Maelochs]

As I understood the interview with the Nismo driver, he was saying that he could pitch and slide a GT car, throw it into a corner hard and slide a little, or understeer in a power out, whereas the P2 car demanded precision, that with the added downforce the car wouldn't slip and slide, and that a sloppy line cost a lto of speed.

A P2 car being high-downforce needs to be pointed exactly where it needs to go, and needs high speed through the corners for maximum speed (max grip.)

A GT car with less downforce can be horsed around a bit without losing so much time--the grip is more mechanical, not dependent so much on maintaining high speed.

A slightly off-line entry in a GT might be compensated for by a little extra brake and a little extra throttle on exit and might cost a few hundredths. The same error might cost a few tenths in a P2, because the cornering ability plummets as the speed falls, and then the car is that much slower out of the corner.

[Beetle]

Such heartbreak for Aston Martin this year. It looked like they had quite a few championships wrapped up until the #97 retired. If Lieb/Lietz gains another position on the track, Mucke/Turner will have dropped from 1st to 4th in the space of one race.

On a more positive note, Wolfgang Reip has been amazing this race. A true talent and one to watch out for in later years.

[Beetle]

The #8 is reporting a worrying vibration in the rear of the car. Let's not jinx them yet, though.

[Beetle]

Final lap of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship season!

[Simmi]

A race of attrition this one but great to see the #8 car get the result they deserve.

Sets things up really nicely for next year. Roll on Silverstone!

[kaivo]

Well done Toyota

[Maelochs]

How many other Toyota fans finally took a deep breath after the #8 crossed the line?

Until Buemi took the checkered, I refused to think anything would go wrong but couldn't believe nothing would.

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Maelochs

How many other Toyota fans finally took a deep breath after the #8 crossed the line?

Until Buemi took the checkered, I refused to think anything would go wrong but couldn't believe nothing would.

*raises hand*

Vibration news were worrying after Wurz's car broke, but... phew.

[Beetle]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Sets things up really nicely for next year. Roll on Silverstone!

According to Hindy it was 140 short days away, wasn't it? Pretty cool. And congratulations to Toyota for ending the season with a much deserved victory. Add Porsche to the mix next year and I think we've got one of the best seasons in many years waiting for us.

Until next time...