[LM24] The Audi drive to the circuit

[Le Vieux]

On its news page, the ACO has released details of the proposed presentation of the new Audi and a drive by Tom Kristensen from La Place des Jacobins to the Circuit.

Sixty years ago, this would have been possible. but I have always understood that modern racing engines can't manage the necessary low speed (vide the Joest Porsche 956 at the 1986 race). So, my question is:

Is the Audi engine somehow different? or is the car Tom K will use a de-tuned version?

[Bandicoot17]

Depending on the speed maybe it'll do it all on the electric motor.

[claude2cv]

The Mazda did not have any problem getting around before the drivers parade in 2011, my ears are still ringing :-)

[Bandicoot17]

The overall journey is 9.4KM

[isynge]

Originally Posted by Le Vieux

On its news page, the ACO has released details of the proposed presentation of the new Audi and a drive by Tom Kristensen from La Place des Jacobins to the Circuit.

Sixty years ago, this would have been possible. but I have always understood that modern racing engines can't manage the necessary low speed (vide the Joest Porsche 956 at the 1986 race). So, my question is:

Is the Audi engine somehow different? or is the car Tom K will use a de-tuned version?

I seem to remember the Joest problem in '86 was related to how they'd set up their engine management systems which back then was a much blunter instrument. I don't think Audi will have any issues making their way through Le Mans (so long as they don't hit a tram).

[GT6]

might be embarrassing if the tram was faster than the audi

[Adam43]

Or it's a great tram

[GT6]

Could be an interesting race, with the audi having some advantage on the straights but the tram having an advantage at the junctions and roundabouts (going straight over) will there be live coverage i wonder

[Le Vieux]

Originally Posted by GT6

Could be an interesting race, with the audi having some advantage on the straights but the tram having an advantage at the junctions and roundabouts (going straight over) will there be live coverage i wonder

No contest: the tram would win because the French have a law which says that cars have to give way to the tram. Perhaps that's why the tram line goes under the track at Tertre Rouge and doesn't cross it on the level?

[Adam43]

Cars (1-2t) giving way to trams (30-50t). Good plan.

Let's hope there is some decent coverage of it. Will be nice to see.

[The Badger]

Lay mines on the route the Audi takes !

[GT6]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Lay mines on the route the Audi takes !

no need the traffic lights just need to be controlled by a tram fan

[CTD]

Back to point .

Bentley drove the Speed 8 through Paris back in 2003, Tom Kristensen did the same with the R10 at it's reveal back in 2006 - so it's been done before, and to my understanding, LMP race cars a lot more tough than ex. F1's, where it would be impossible, unless it was on numerous life support systems.

[Mal]

Originally Posted by Le Vieux

No contest: the tram would win because the French have a law which says that cars have to give way to the tram. Perhaps that's why the tram line goes under the track at Tertre Rouge and doesn't cross it on the level?

The tram might have a problem getting to the finish point...

[GT6]

This is france, they will just move the finishing point to TR corner

[vincegail]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Or it's a great tram

It is! I love the trams in Le Mans. So much better than the Antwerp WWII ones. (not kidding)

[GT6]

Yes the trams are good but thinking about it do they conform to the latest rules from the ACO for electric/hybrid drive systems

[Adam43]

I don't think they are running underweight, but they might be pushing the regulations concerning dimensions.

I like them too. Makes getting into town and the bars there very easy.

[vincegail]

Live link, tomorrow 12h30 CET:
http://www.24h-lemans.com/fr/actuali...707_14478.html

[batmobile]

Originally Posted by vincegail

Live link, tomorrow 12h30 CET:
http://www.24h-lemans.com/fr/actuali...707_14478.html

Ready to move.
Day schedule: first breakfast at the audi center with Loic Duval and Andre Lotterer. Then move to the town center for the R18 show at 12h30 then take a place on the way to the circuit.

[GT6]

i am not jealous, honest i am not jealous
oh alright i am

[PascaLM]

Originally Posted by batmobile

Ready to move.
Day schedule: first breakfast at the audi center with Loic Duval and Andre Lotterer. Then move to the town center for the R18 show at 12h30 then take a place on the way to the circuit.

A fine occasion to prepare our next pit visit !

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by Adam43

I don't think they are running underweight, but they might be pushing the regulations concerning dimensions.

I like them too. Makes getting into town and the bars there very easy.

They will do a great distance with their tyres and energy supply I hear .

[GT6]

very surprised the presentation is in english

[whitemr2]

Originally Posted by batmobile

Ready to move.
Day schedule: first breakfast at the audi center with Loic Duval and Andre Lotterer. Then move to the town center for the R18 show at 12h30 then take a place on the way to the circuit.

You lucky ............