[WEC Race] Bahrain 2024

[Articus]

Originally Posted by tomcug

So far it's much closer than I thought it'll be. But the 5 storming back through the field like they were all Vanwalls is a bit concerning.

Tire and fuel strategy. Campbell had 3 new tires against used tires for the others that he passed. They also showed that the 5 Porsche had used a good bit more energy (~5%) than the rest around him during that stint. I think Porsche just wants to get in front of the Toyotas so they can play blockers towards the end rather than having to overtake for the championship.

Big discrepancy in pace between manufacturer cars as well. 5 Porsche looks quick. The other Porsches look average to bad. 51 Ferrari looks quick. 83 and 50 look rubbish.

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by Articus

I think Porsche just wants to get in front of the Toyotas so they can play blockers towards the end rather than having to overtake for the championship.

You're right but with temps dropping the 963 usually doesn't get slower compared to the other cars so I wouldn't expect them to struggle too much later.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by tomcug

You're right but with temps dropping the 963 usually doesn't get slower compared to the other cars so I wouldn't expect them to struggle too much later.

That might be true, let's see. Ferrari/Porsche/Toyota looks fairly even for the time being. Christensen hasn't managed to close the gap to the leading Ferrari and Kobayashi would have been running about 6-7 seconds off the lead after 2 hours without his power drop outs.

[joeb]

I took an hour break for a run, but come back to see the constant action hasn't ceased!

[Articus]

6 Porsche looks back up to speed in the hands of Estre. Vanthoor really made this much harder than it needed to be.

[v8supes]

They should mandate that the bronze time needs to be taken in separate stints rather than in 1 big chunk because the best bronzes can pull out so much time, plus it makes strategy more important.

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by Articus

6 Porsche looks back up to speed in the hands of Estre. Vanthoor really made this much harder than it needed to be.

He migh have been carrying damage from the clash with #50 (which is no well down the order) that was fixed in the driver change.

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by Articus

Kobayashi would have been running about 6-7 seconds off the lead after 2 hours without his power drop outs

Let's face it, the 7 is simply cursed.

[Articus]

The 8 car has no pace and they are consuming a lot of energy as well. Strange.

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by Articus

The 8 car has no pace and they are consuming a lot of energy as well.

I don't think so. They pitted earlier at 1 point to get rid of mediums and that's why they have less energy.

[joeb]

Kamui looks like he wants to get around both Porsche asap

[joeb]

Originally Posted by joeb

Kamui looks like he wants to get around both Porsche asap

Done and now he has taken 4 seconds out of the leading Ferrari in 3 laps.

[veeten]

Looks more like Toyota be finding out how fast them Bavarian Motors be working... although the #20 is having some issues presently.

[tomcug]

The 20 looks to be done.

[veeten]

Yeah, #20 has been retired. #15 will have to soldier on, and has been doing well.

[veeten]

#8 in, Hirakawa at the wheel.

[veeten]

Now #5 is in, also a driver change.

[veeten]

#6, 12, and 15 are in.

[veeten]

#51 is in. Kobe takes the lead.

[tomcug]

Pier Guidi had a very difficult warmup it seems.

[Simmi]

Quite finely balanced this as we tick over half way.

[joeb]

The 8 Toyota just doesn't seem to have the pace.

[veeten]

#7 now in. Kobe out, de Vries in. Per Guidi now on the hunt.

[tomcug]

The 7 with more issues, no power, barely getting past a GT.