[ELMS] ELMS Discussion

[gert]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Enjoyable race again. Watched the first 90mins live and then watched the rest instead of IMSA in the evening.

I guess under the new driver rating rules next year someone like a Colombo (or the incoming Correa) would just be gold ranked from the outset so wouldn't be able to join the lineups. Ditto Viscaal, Van der Helm and probably drivers like Floersch too.

That's one of the reasons Prema linked up with Iron Lynx: to create a pool of drivers coming through junior single seaters

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by gert

That's one of the reasons Prema linked up with Iron Lynx: to create a pool of drivers coming through junior single seaters

Yeah I'm massively in favour of it. So much talent comes through Prema's doors but it's going to be harder for them to get on the grid if they need to run a software developer or a wealthy businessman now instead of someone out of FRECA.

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Will be interesting to see what they do. My big fear across the grid is that it just skews too AM'y. Like, I fully recognise and value amateur drivers and their importance. But I also want to see high-quality grids with exciting young talent. I kind of feel like we're in that sweetspot at the moment, especially if Pro-Am P2s get their own podiums. A classic case of, if it aint broke...

It is broken; the inclusion of a Pro-Am class, with separate classification, is a tacit acknowledgement that the driver rating system is failing amateur drivers, who cannot compete in terms of pace. I know it's been a long time since the inception of LMP2, but it was meant to be the prototype class for the gentleman driver, where they can compete for victory instead of being relegated to also-rans within their class. With LM(D)H and a large increase in top-class drives on the horizon, I'm for the change.

It also tends to solidify the advantage the "super teams" have in terms of resources. They can afford to scout and sign said drivers far quicker/earlier than the others - the Prema/Iron Lynx partnership and United Autosport's recent acquisitions are two of the more notable examples. It never guarantees a win obviously, but it stacks the deck against smaller teams from the start.

[Mike E]

When the new grading structure was announced SRO immediately announced their new class structure. Has there been any similar announcement from the ACO? Will LMP2, for example, still require an 'Am' in the same way as now (Silver or Bronze)?

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by Mike E

When the new grading structure was announced SRO immediately announced their new class structure. Has there been any similar announcement from the ACO? Will LMP2, for example, still require an 'Am' in the same way as now (Silver or Bronze)?

I don't think so, at least not in public. I think SRO were proactive in pushing the changes through and the ACO will be reactive/picking up the pieces. In an episode of TWISC Graham said there had been a lot of consternation amongst the ACO teams and drivers at the announcement. So you'd imagine there's a big job trying to work out what to do.

[Simmi]

A few interesting driver changes for Spa.

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2022/...ms-at-spa.html

Biggest news probably Sophia who appears to have departed APR. Hopefully she remains in sportscars.

[Graham Goodwin]

Originally Posted by Mike E

When the new grading structure was announced SRO immediately announced their new class structure. Has there been any similar announcement from the ACO? Will LMP2, for example, still require an 'Am' in the same way as now (Silver or Bronze)?

No announcement yet ref reg changes

One thing we do know is that LMP2 Pro Am will be omitted from WEC in 2023 but will still run in ELMS

[Graham Goodwin]

Originally Posted by Simmi

A few interesting driver changes for Spa.

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2022/...ms-at-spa.html

Biggest news probably Sophia who appears to have departed APR. Hopefully she remains in sportscars.

My understanding is that she’s more likely to be taking another shot at single seaters

[REmvs]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

My understanding is that she’s more likely to be taking another shot at single seaters

Sophia was very vocal about the penalty of not making the grid at the 4H of Barcelona, that did not land well. Starting in the pits and a lap down, for missing the pit exit on time. She mentioned the cost of the weekend (200K) and the penalty didn't reflect the error made by APR team management to get the car on track in time. I guess that P**** her off and her management.



My guess is they split over this error in Barcelona.

[Graham Goodwin]

Originally Posted by REmvs

Sophia was very vocal about the penalty of not making the grid at the 4H of Barcelona, that did not land well. Starting in the pits and a lap down, for missing the pit exit on time. She mentioned the cost of the weekend (200K) and the penalty didn't reflect the error made by APR team management to get the car on track in time. I guess that P**** her off and her management.



My guess is they split over this error in Barcelona.

No - Knew the change was in train before that

[REmvs]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

No - Knew the change was in train before that

OK, fair enough, but then why is she so silent about her departure? She knows she has a large fanbase in endurance racing, if not the biggest.

[REmvs]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

No - Knew the change was in train before that

And where are the mandatory press releases/social media post from both APR and Sophia:


Sophia: "many thanks for the last two years in supporting my.... I'll be announcing my new plans shortly."


APR: "We loved you have you as our driver. The podium of last year was our highlight. Good luck with you new....".


Something is odd here....

[Graham Goodwin]

No - there really isn't

[J Jay]

Thankfully Lafarge is okay, but that's not the best formation lap in his career.

He'll have to start from the back of the grid now, surely?

Edit - Lafarge with suspension failure on the opening lap, maybe that explains his spins on the formation lap.

[gert]

Or it's a consequence of being in the pack ?

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by gert

Or it's a consequence of being in the pack ?

Could be, we'll have to wait to see what IDEC say.

Looks like all the LMP3s tangling at Les Combes are back on track. The #51 is out of the gravel trap and is just about on its way back to the pits.

Edit - Minassian says Lafarge was caught out, and the damage was the result of a mistake trying to make up places.

[gert]

That SC is taking ages. #51 is already gone for about 2 laps.

[J Jay]

Cleaning the track will be the given reason.

Is Alain Adam a guest race director for this race?

[J Jay]

Grunewald spins at Radillon, almost hits Bovy.

Maurice Smith stop on the Kemmel, FCY.

[gert]

Pfff ... they should have told #17 to park it right away instead of going up the Raidillon and park on the Kemmel straight.

[gert]

Goddamnit it is either FCY and retrieve that car or green and everybody races.
So they throw a FCY so #17 can run around at 30km/h


Will we do that for every car that is running around slowly?

[J Jay]

It's going again now under FCY, it should make it to the pits but the SC will last until at least when #17 returns.

Looks like a lot of cars are pitting now.

[gert]

Originally Posted by J Jay

Is Alain Adam a guest race director for this race?

That would explain A LOT.

That is the poorest Race Control for the entire ELMS season so far

[gert]

Are your mirrors not working, R. Sales?

[gert]

GTs ignoring blue flag time and time again ...

It took Bovy and Al Harthy 8 corners to let the Prema car by.
Even when you're leading GTE a blue flag is a blue flag!