[WEC] Why can't the Toyota group and Volkswagen group use secondary brands in LMP2

[Marcus666]

I know the replys will probably "Money" in 95 % of the cases but I am still wondering:

If Toyota and Audi dominates the LMP1 category, why can't they use secondary brands (Lexus/Lamborghini/Scion/Skoda etc.) in LMP2 and make the WEC more attractive to fans? I think it would put the sportscar "genre" higher up the ranks and for manufactures to realize that there is better racing in sportscar than in the open wheel series.

Am I totaly insane stating this?

[Gingers4Justice]

You're not totally insane, but I doubt this would be allowed to happen. The ACO don't want manufacturers in LMP2 (although they seem to have turned a blind eye to a number of re-badging jobs, though only really through smaller manufacturers who wouldn't enter LMP1 anyway).

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

You're not totally insane, but....

Sorry, this doesn't read well - you're not insane, FULL STOP. But there is a flaw in your plan

[gwyllion]

The first rule in the LMP rule book states:

a/ LMP1: open or closed car, destined more especially to manufacturers.
b/ LMP2: open or closed car, destined only to teams independent of manufacturers and/or engine suppliers.

So the answer is very easy: manufacturers do not belong in LMP2

[Marcus666]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

The first rule in the LMP rule book states:

So the answer is very easy: manufacturers do not belong in LMP2

Ok, but the reason why I want more manufactures is:

1. Finally I have realised that Sportscar racing has better racing than F1/GP2/F3/Indycar (barely).
2. Better production related technical reflection.
3. Those Closed cockpit LMP looks bloody good, but the diesels sounds quite booring. Natural aspirated LMP are diamonds in my eyes!

[Adam43]

Good idea, but you are trying to sell cars and you then have to define one as 'secondary' manufacturer!

It was nice with the MG in P2 a few years. Back in the day you'd have smaller manufacturers, or manufacturers if smaller cars, in lower classes. Nowadays road car manufacturers aren't the ones making most of the prototypes.

[Beryl]

As in building cars for privateer teams (ala HPD) or full-on factory efforts? The former is acceptable. A Scion or Seat/Skoda/VW LMP2 customer car would be fine, though it might not be a worthwhile investment and it would be stepping on the toes of independent prototype manufacturers.

[aneesh99]

The low volume manufacturer in P2 is something that should be explored, there are a few guys that could capitalise on that ie. Caterham and Alpine

[MagVanisher]

Don't forget the Morgan brand too... Come to think of it, I wonder if ACO is okay on allowing small marques to rebrand privateer prototype into the likes of clique brands like Lotus, TVR, etc.

[Dodge_Swinger]

Originally Posted by Beryl

As in building cars for privateer teams (ala HPD) or full-on factory efforts? The former is acceptable. A Scion or Seat/Skoda/VW LMP2 customer car would be fine, though it might not be a worthwhile investment and it would be stepping on the toes of independent prototype manufacturers.

I think that most factories would probably subcontract LMP2 production to the independents, so while it might be badged a SEAT, it might be built by Dallara. I liked the Lola MGs in P2 a while back. It would be cool to see SEAT, Skoda, Scion, etc. badge a car.

[TheNewBob]

Originally Posted by Dodge_Swinger

I think that most factories would probably subcontract LMP2 production to the independents, so while it might be badged a SEAT, it might be built by Dallara. I liked the Lola MGs in P2 a while back. It would be cool to see SEAT, Skoda, Scion, etc. badge a car.

Pretty much what I was about to suggest. Manufacturer teams aren't welcome in P2, so just make it a customer chassis.

Or put a manufacturer name to a car and get some money behind the companies building them, like Dallara, Lola, Zytek etc. - like an extension of the re-badging that we're already seeing. LMP2 might have a lot of entries right now but the choice of car and engine is extremely limited, and many of those building customer LMP cars over the last 5-10 years have either stopped altogether or simply provided minor updates every year. Some manufacturer cash to re-brand it will help to ensure the survival of the car builder and may also help ensure the category remains affordable to the privateers racing the cars.

Might be a nice idea in theory but I can imagine there might be numerous reasons why manufacturers won't do it.