[WEC] WEC 2024

[flatlandsman]

The only thing needed for me now is a Pro GT class, the issue with Ams is the talent is spread more so the grid can oft get spread in their early runs,with a Pro class I think GT3 would just like GTE Pro was,just a 24h freight train!!

GT3 was awesome yesterday however so maybe I am wrong

[Mike E]

I miss the Pro GT class as well but with the factories focused on Hypercar it's not going to happen (not to mention lack of garage space etc). Having said that, the Am standard seems pretty high in WEC this year. Most of the carnage in yesterday's race was caused by, ahem, pros in Hypercar bulldozing through GTs.

[flatlandsman]

You could, easily do it, the cars are there, just need to slot 3 pro's into them, not hard at all in my eyes

[TF110]

Originally Posted by joeb

Despite their race pace today, they didn't have a clean race. Could have been higher up if they kept out of the penalties or contact with others. I know that article is from pre race, but they didn't do themselves favors in the race.

Not many had clean races. It was apparent they didn't have the speed of the Ferrari's and Porsche's though. No one had their pace. The ACO will probably respond but hopefully it's to speed up otber cars not slow down the fastest ones. I'm not sure what the power gain will do for the hypercar class but I hope they trial it at the test day.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

The only thing needed for me now is a Pro GT class, the issue with Ams is the talent is spread more so the grid can oft get spread in their early runs,with a Pro class I think GT3 would just like GTE Pro was,just a 24h freight train!!

GT3 was awesome yesterday however so maybe I am wrong

Can't believe I'm saying this... but there's a part of me that actually wouldn't mind booting 4 Hypercars and 4 GT3s and making an 8-car LMP2 class.

The grids are amazing currently but ultimately past a certain point not everyone can compete and you're just getting cars a lap down or more. But a super competitive P2 class (with new chassis eventually) would really be a plus. It's multi-class racing after all.

Maybe it'll just happen naturally again in a couple of years as things cycle around. Like I say I'm sure I'm in the minority.

[Coach Ep]

If grids were to be split into prototypes <> GTs, then yes, bring back P2 to fill up the proto field. 40 cars should be a realistic target (20-25 Hypercars + 15-20 P2s). Same for GT which would benefit from a Pro category. It would also create space for those brands that are now left out and manufacturers that would like to enter more than 2 cars.

And have 2 main races, 1 on Sat, 1 on Sun.

[TF110]

I like the current format and I expect it to expand in both classes over the next few years. But I hope they expand the grid and the calendar.

[airbusA346]

From an announcement on Akkodis ASP's Instagram account. It looks like Timur Boguslavskiy has parted ways with the team and will be replaced by Clemens Schmid at the next round in São Paulo.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by airbusA346

From an announcement on Akkodis ASP's Instagram account. It looks like Timur Boguslavskiy has parted ways with the team and will be replaced by Clemens Schmid at the next round in São Paulo.

Yes, this was in a DSC piece about changes to the driver lineups for Sao Paulo

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...sao-paulo.html

Mostly stable lineups, but a few other differences, from Le Mans at least

[TF110]

Originally Posted by airbusA346

From an announcement on Akkodis ASP's Instagram account. It looks like Timur Boguslavskiy has parted ways with the team and will be replaced by Clemens Schmid at the next round in São Paulo.

Shame, he was actually useful in the car compared to some others in their team.

[flatlandsman]

I think maybe he liked winning more than taking part!!

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

I think maybe he liked winning more than taking part!!

Pardon me for also being cynical, but this is it. He's improved massively sine he started, but in the current field, without GT's standout driver of the past two seasons, he won't be hunting for victory even in the amateur categories.

[flatlandsman]

I would not be shocked to see him filling a TBS this weekend at Spa to be honest, he is minted after all.

[broadrun96]

Reid gonna have himself a race in non-Porsche

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...nterlagos.html

[GT3_Fan]

The Isotta withdrawal makes me hope that the WEC will have space for a 2 car Mercedes AMG GT3 effort in 2025.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

You could, easily do it, the cars are there, just need to slot 3 pro's into them, not hard at all in my eyes

Is this what the manufacturers want? The manufacturers want to sell cars. Having places for AMs to race is a key part of selling cars.

[tomcug]

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...-reserve-role/
If Proton expands to two cars next year and he gets a seat, it will be a big challenge but also a big opportunity.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by tomcug

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...-reserve-role/
If Proton expands to two cars next year and he gets a seat, it will be a big challenge but also a big opportunity.

It's a big if on whether Proton expands to two cars. He just needs to be patient

[tomcug]

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...bunch-of-pace/
I don't think he has a point in Ferrari's context. They were showing their hand since race 1 as even in Qatar they'd have been competitive if not for all the misfortunes that happened to them. And in the other races they just keep shooting themselves in the foot, that has nothing to do with hiding their pace. Toyota on the other hand... I simply agree. After COTA I'm even more convinced they tried to make the GR010 look weak pre-LM on purpose and I don't think neither Ferrari nor Porsche have anything needed to stop them from claiming both championships in a couple of months.

[flatlandsman]

What would you do if either is true, they know the FIA and ACO are out to get them, they are utterly obsessed with manufacturers and to have them, they have them stay they need to be winning, look at Peugeot, their lack of results is all their fault yet they get given lenience in BoP routinely,

I understand both sides with Toyota they are up against it, are they sandbagging, I dont think you can as easily these days, but they are also the team that supported this series when it was on its arse so you would think the ACO would have a little respect, it is hardly their fault they do a better job than most!!

Be interesting to know what the budgets for these teams are would it not?

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

it is hardly their fault they do a better job than most!!

Correct, both their car is better than the others and their team probably is as well. About the budgets, I don't think anyone will share that publically.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by tomcug

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...bunch-of-pace/
I don't think he has a point in Ferrari's context. They were showing their hand since race 1 as even in Qatar they'd have been competitive if not for all the misfortunes that happened to them. And in the other races they just keep shooting themselves in the foot, that has nothing to do with hiding their pace. Toyota on the other hand... I simply agree. After COTA I'm even more convinced they tried to make the GR010 look weak pre-LM on purpose and I don't think neither Ferrari nor Porsche have anything needed to stop them from claiming both championships in a couple of months.

The Ferrari had some Evo jokers deployed before Sao Paolo, which Mr Duiguid seems to have forgotten. Those updates were targeted at these final season rounds.

I have no comment on Toyota.

I think Porsche was a little behind in COTA, but it's not because of BOP. It's because historically their car is always weak on bumpy circuits (Sebring, Imola, Long beach, Road Atlanta). They will return to form in Fuji which is perfectly smooth, just like Qatar and Indianapolis. The 963 has a small aerodynamic window. When they have to lift the car for bumps, they lose a lot of speed.

[TF110]

Toyota knows what it's doing on tracks they've previously visited. Spa they were still in contention even though they didn't have quite the pace of Ferrari and Porsche. They've got the edge on tire usage and life too imo. The consistency in the stint is key to winning. So whoever can hold their tires will mostly come out on top!

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by tomcug

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...bunch-of-pace/
I don't think he has a point in Ferrari's context. They were showing their hand since race 1 as even in Qatar they'd have been competitive if not for all the misfortunes that happened to them. And in the other races they just keep shooting themselves in the foot, that has nothing to do with hiding their pace. Toyota on the other hand... I simply agree. After COTA I'm even more convinced they tried to make the GR010 look weak pre-LM on purpose and I don't think neither Ferrari nor Porsche have anything needed to stop them from claiming both championships in a couple of months.

I've just been looking at how everyone's pace compared.
https://www.tentenths.com/forum/show...19#post4225619

Picking up on the logic here it is clear that Alpine has been doing the same. Remember Alpine are looking to enter the US market. What better way to boost this than to impress in Texas. And Porsche are now doing it in preparation for last year. Remember they did it last year too.

[airbusA346]

Spa WEC Race Result Stands After Ferrari AF Corse Appeal Rejected

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...-rejected.html