[LM24 Race] The Porsche Curve Challenge

[Adam43]

Forget pole, forget the winner, let's work out who is going to win the real prize.
Which car will be the fastest through the Porsche Curves in the 2012 edition of Le Mans?

OK this is just for fun, however it has an interesting side to it. The LMP cars are getting very sophisticated aero wise and this is a little test to judge that. It is also dictated by a design philosophy, top speed or aero. Throw on top of that general efficiency and there is scope for a decent discussion. This is a discussion that is being conducted in the middle of a couple of other threads, but this is a chance to allow that without being interrupted.

How should we judge the winner of the Porsche Curve Challenge? That is easy, the winner is chosen by chernaudi and TF110.

[Aysedasi]

Is there a definitive measurement available from the ACO - or RLM?

[Adam43]

There are sector times and speed measurements, but I think the sector is too big and the speed traps elsewhere?

[Simmi]

I think it will be the old R18 with which ever driver is the most committed.

[Victor_RO]

Deltawing.

On a serious note, Strakka's HPD with D. Watts driving.

[Tim the Grey]

Can I go for a complete wildcard here? Whichever 458 Italia trips up an R18...

[arakis]

Porsche 997 RSR 2012 or Ferrari 458, for the GT-PROs

[Adam43]

Will LHD or RHD make the difference?

[TF110]

Hey, I think DOME will be the fastest through the Porsche Curves! I kid.

[Prometheus]

Originally Posted by Adam43

There are sector times and speed measurements, but I think the sector is too big and the speed traps elsewhere?

In the last few years the official timing documents did actually incorporate speeds and times for some specific sections of the track. I've still got it on my notebook and can tell you, for exaple, that in Qualifying 1 Rockenfeller was fastest through the Porsche curves in 15.974 sec (254.2 kph). The other "specific sectors" were Turn 6/7 and the Ford chicanes. I guess/hope they'll have similar data this year, as it's quite helpful.

[Le Vieux]

My vote goes to Marino Franchitti in the Deltawing: Mach 0.39 at 500ft.

Thunderbirds are go!

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Prometheus

In the last few years the official timing documents did actually incorporate speeds and times for some specific sections of the track. I've still got it on my notebook and can tell you, for exaple, that in Qualifying 1 Rockenfeller was fastest through the Porsche curves in 15.974 sec (254.2 kph). The other "specific sectors" were Turn 6/7 and the Ford chicanes. I guess/hope they'll have similar data this year, as it's quite helpful.

Wow, thank you. Let's hope they do that again.

[Tim the Grey]

You mean this MIGHT get meaningful, and accurate. I'm off...

Having left you with Rocky, in the e-Tron R18

[Prometheus]

Originally Posted by Tim the Grey

You mean this MIGHT get meaningful, and accurate. I'm off...

I hope I haven't killed this thread by saying there actually IS a way to determine who was fastest through the Porsche curves.

[GTfour]

In the latest dutch autosport magazine RTLGP,there's a nice interview with Jan Lammers, called 'The 10 of Jan' , about his 10 most favoured corners. It's very applicable for this thread. Here it is translated:

Porsche curves, Le Mans

"Even after 24 hours you approach these corners like "Ha,they're letting me go again!" With a good car you can enter them so incredibly fast. They drop in speed the further you get into them. The first one is the quickest, the second goes slightly uphill,crossing over a side road underneath you,and then downhill. So very fast right,a fraction less fast left,uphill,left again,downhill(the little bridge, here's where one can go wrong quite easilly,because of the small 'hop' over the bridge) mowing the grass a little through a long right and then the final lefthander. That's an off camber. I once spun a Jaguar there and whent so fast straight backwards that both the doors popped open upon which the windshield shattered. When I spun on and the car straightend itself,the doors neatly shut again. "What did you hit" they asked my in the pits, "Nothing" I said. I had to explain that a couple of times to them..."

Jan Lammers, ladies and gentlemen.

[wewantourdarbyback]

A-Lott, Fassler and Treluyer were pretty committed through them last year, so my vote's for one of them. Probably A-Lott.

[TF110]

Davidson will be fast through there as well. Hell, he will be fast everywhere. Watch out for Sebass in the DOME. They may not have the best downforce, but they'll definitely be quick. It's going to be a great battle.

[CTD]

Tom K in the e-tron R18

[tonypowe]

Fassler in the Audi

[dxk1]

I'm thinking Waltrip in the Ferrari just before he launches off into the weeds!

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

...
In http://www.lemanslive.com/en/2012/05...llon-flat-out/ Dumas explains that "the new R18 ultra is completely different to the R18 TDI" and that he could do Raidillon flat out for the first time in an Audi prototype. The front suspension and the steering have been changed significantly since last year.

Advantage Ultra?
Or e-tron if wet?

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by dxk1

I'm thinking Waltrip in the Ferrari just before he launches off into the weeds!

Too bad he isn't competing...

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Too bad he isn't competing...

No, but by the auspices of Spa, Brian Vickers should be a good entrant in the "fastest before smacking the wall in the Porsche Curves" challenge.

[Tim the Grey]

As I said earlier, it depends on which Audi hit him...

[Erw]

How do i get from the "village" to the Porsche curves?