Mazda?

[Karl Kling]

Does anyone have any news about Mazdas rumoured return to Le Mans? It's been very quiet for a while now...

[skycafe]

Downing and Terada were at Le Mans last year with a four rotor WR, which has also had some limited running in ALMS this year (including third in class at Road America). I think they were first car out at Le Mans last year.

This is very low $$ operation, and the WR chassis is not the best.

As a Mazda fan and someone that cheered the '91 victory, I hope they do return.

[rdjones]

Maybe back in 2005 - bank rolled by Ford, they did design an LMP900 car but the project was cancelled when Ford took over. Again this is belived to one of the manufactors that the ACO spoke too when they visited Japan a couple of months ago.

[Graham Goodwin]

Terada says he intends to be back with a new rotary engined prototype

[Mal]

Audi, Toyota, Mazda - perhaps we have been commiting LMP to its grave too soon. I hope these rumours turn out to be true.

[Aysedasi]

I'd love to see Mazda back - I still fondly remember 1991. But I fear for Terada's links with WR.

And I certainly agree with your sentiments, Mal.

[BSchneiderFan]

Weren't Prodrive supposed to be talking to Mazda, or vice-versa?

[Giles]

My team is building a Mazda RX-7 for British GT's next year, I know its not Le Mans but Rotary Junkies will be able to get their fix of tortured metal engine notes at circuits around the UK......!!! Plus we will also take the car to the Nurburgring 24 Hours

[paulzinho]

Originally posted by rdjones
Maybe back in 2005 - bank rolled by Ford

Wouldn't count on it, Ford are in deep financially.

[Chevyguy]

Paul, what car company isn't? It would seem their NA$CAR program is running fine.

Mazda has a commercial on Speed bragging on their IMSA and SCCA victories, and of course, their Le Mans win. It says "what are we going to do for an oncor? Find out at MazdaUSA.com." So I go there, and the only thing I see is race reports on Star Mazda, and that stupid Miata series they have. Sorry to any fans or participants of the Miata series, but I think it's lame. If they are coming back, why are they so outspoken and hush hush at the same time? As with the rest of the prototype rumors, I'll beleive it when I see it. Should they come back, I would like to see a GTP. I thought GTP was going to be the main prototype by '05, but it seems factories are only building LMPs and GTS cars.

[paulzinho]

Well I was told by someone whom I would deem as trustworthy in business terms about the losses they posted last year which threatens the future of the company. A little drastic perhaps but they have some VERY big problems it seems.

I'm no expert but from what I understand motorsprt is facing some cutbacks, why do you think Jag are thinking of taking on a pay driver in F1?

[pink69]

Prodrive have been locked in talks with Aston Martin about building their GT challenger so I think they can be ruled out of the running if Mazda do return to Sportscars.

[Fogelhund]

Just a couple of months ago, a contact within Mazda USA was under the belief that there was a SWCGT car on the track testing for 04' as well as a LMGT car near track ready status. The LMP program was put off to 05'.

I haven't had an update since then though.

[Kurt Maxwell]

BH-I have a client who drives for them and he says that nothing has been tested for WC-GT yet.

There could be a program in WC-GT for '04- but they need to start soon. It should be clear by the end of the month.