[WEC] 2016 WEC Discussion

[DeezPutz]

The WEC isn't going to become F1 or even get close. Their whole problem is parading around like they are an equivalent series which it isn't. Accept that you're just a sportscar series, and go to tracks that fans actually would attend at.

[TF110]

Going to cota was trying to see if some of the f1 crowd would come to their race. But since its such an iffy place they have to run on the tusc/wec package because they cant stand alone in football season. Canada isnt goin to have that problem because the nfl isnt as big a deal. Either move its date or the venue altogether.

[chernaudi]

Of course, if the ACO and FIA would drop their Grade 1 track facilities fetish they have for their VIPs, the issue of where and when to race in North America wouldn't be a problem.

Audi and Porsche have no problem with racing at Sebring considering that they test there without a race to go to on their own dime. Audi, Porsche, Toyota and probably most of the teams would love to race at Sebring, Road America, Road Atlanta, etc. But the ACO and FIA don't see it that way without Grade 1 levels of infrastructure and facilities for their VIPs.

[chernaudi]

WEC might cut to 4 sets of tires to be used in most races next season.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

WEC might cut to 4 sets of tires to be used in most races next season.

That would sure spice things up!

[TheMightyM]

And then we have this from S365:

• There’s been increased talk about the possible addition of a ninth round for 2016, which has received mixed reactions in the paddock. Privateer entrants, such as Rebellion Racing’s Bart Hayden voiced concerns for an expanded schedule, while it’s believed at least two manufacturers are in favor of an additional round.

• The 2016 schedule will be released on Saturday at the earliest, with WEC CEO Gerard Neveu still working on finalizing one undisclosed event, which may or may not be tied to the rumored additional round for next year.

[chernaudi]

The 4 sets of tires for the 6 hour races could be a big benefit to Audi, especially if their 2016 car is as easy on tires as this year's car in general has been.

The question mark will be with Toyota and how differently in terms of chassis dynamics and how the tires interact that the TS050 will be (ie, can it duplicate this year's car in that department), and if Porsche, who've been relatively hard on their tires, can make it work.

[TF110]

Youd have to assume Toyota and Porsche will develop a (or a better) fric suspension system to use tires more effectively.

[Deleted]

Obviously the two manufacturers wanting more rounds are Audi and Porsche.

Rebellion battling against?? We know they have the budget from 2013, not only running WEC and partial ALMS (PLM and Fuji even on same weekend) but also developing new car. But maybe they just don't really want more because they know there's nothing to gain for them, as they cannot win anything overall unlike in ALMS and LMS before. But I think they should dim down to 1 car after LM next year anyway, nothing to go for until Strakka and maybe others join in in 2017.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Obviously the two manufacturers wanting more rounds are Audi and Porsche.

Rebellion battling against?? We know they have the budget from 2013, not only running WEC and partial ALMS (PLM and Fuji even on same weekend) but also developing new car. But maybe they just don't really want more because they know there's nothing to gain for them, as they cannot win anything overall unlike in ALMS and LMS before. But I think they should dim down to 1 car after LM next year anyway, nothing to go for until Strakka and maybe others join in in 2017.

Wasnt there just a story a couple weeks ago that Porsche werent in favor of more races?

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Rebellion battling against?? We know they HAD the budget from 2013, not only running WEC and partial ALMS

Changed that. Added emphasis.

[Victor_RO]

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/0...ace-added.html

Calendar is out. Mexico added (contract pending) two weeks before CoTA next year, Nurburgring moves to July and therefore the post-Le Mans break is cut to just 5 weeks. Also Spa moved to May 7, considering that the preliminary F1 calendar had a race scheduled for May 1.

[TF110]

Yes!- for another round! Too bad no Monza.

[Victor_RO]

Post-Nurburgring break is still going to be about 6 weeks, but most of the European motorsport scene shuts down for a good part of August anyway.

[Simmi]

Not sure how much gravitas that really adds to the championship but at least they've reduced the post-LM gap a bit.

Hopefully some of those big-money Mexican sponsors come on board in some capacity.

[DistortedSmile]

If it wasn't for the fact that I live in Mexico City I wouldn't be very excited about this, as far as I know they've turned the track into a parking lot.

[J Jay]

Isn't that standard procedure for the WEC these days though? Can't race without acres of run-off don't you know.

[ederss7]

For me the season already ends at Le Mans. The rest of the year is just stupid Tilkedromes or classic tracks butchered by Tilke.

[Deleted]

Le Mans is the season... rest is just trying to keep your toes warm during the 11 and half month winter period

But true dat ederss

I say this though, it's the least faulty calendar since 2012 (and that is only ahead because of Sebring), you know at least they've finally adressed issues with the gaps, and nothing is really conflicting with other major events known so far, and there is some expansion philosophy, but as a whole it's still as interesting and relevant to me as the European migrant crisis is to Papua New Guinean citizens

Mexico track turned into asphalt carpark? Whoever could have predicted such???????

[TheMightyM]

Gerard Neveu just told Hindy that if Mexico City is a success, then the series will continue with nine races for the next three years. Or at least that's what I think he just said.

[TF110]

The layout is still nice and close to og besides the goofy stadium section. Maybe they can do like Nurburgring and run a modified chicane there.

[lms]

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez? wow, what a sh*t track! right there with bahrain! stupid, dumb@ss FIA !!!! 2 wasted events!

[Coach Ep]

adding Mexico and fixing post LM gap are two (big) plusses, more Tilke **** is a grande min (how Nurburgring got the nod over Hockenheim is the biggest mystery in recent WEC history!).

But Mexico still sound better then CotA, might give it a try, too bad CotA is continued.

Just back from the track, I'm toast, more later.

[TF110]

I donno about the new Hockenheim being any if at all better than Nurburgring, thats just my opinion. But no one knows if Mexico City is good or not since theyve yet to race the new track

[Alex Langheck]

Still a 'new' championship so they're taking it in steps to build it up. Good to see the post Le Mans gap has been reduced. However, I still think the season should start earlier - mid April is way too late; put another race before Silverstone in so we have 3 before Le Mans.

As others have commented, the number of Tilke tracks is disappointing, but understandable. Personally, I'd like each WEC race to be each tracks main event - not a back up to the F1/ MotoGP race.