UPDATE 24 Hrs Le Mans - 2/3 R18s Gone

[Farmer]

Not even an hour after the green flag. Considering his car was an overall win contender, he must be kicking himself pretty damn hard right now. The 458 was also a class win contender, so doubly bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2Nb0Ienv6k&feature=player_embedded#at=144

 

[mshan]

I remember reading the Audi was so unbeatable because it was so reliable and fuel efficient that ruling organization kept crippling it to the point it was undriveable.

Is that still true, or has the competition caught up?

 

[Fenixgoon]

I remember reading the Audi was so unbeatable because it was so reliable and fuel efficient that ruling organization kept crippling it to the point it was undriveable.

Is that still true, or has the competition caught up?

peugeot entered with the 908's (diesel) and while they were faster than the R10's at the time, the audis were more reliable.

basically the competition is between audi and peugeot for LMP1 (LMP2 is corvettes and all, right?). since entering with the 908's, peugeot has scored quite a few wins at different LMS events.

 

[Farmer]

peugeot entered with the 908's (diesel) and while they were faster than the R10's at the time, the audis were more reliable.

basically the competition is between audi and peugeot for LMP1 (LMP2 is corvettes and all, right?). since entering with the 908's, peugeot has scored quite a few wins at different LMS events.

Corvettes are in GT2 along with Ferrari, Porsche, BMW and Lotus (no Lambos this year, I think). They moved there from GT1 because there was no competition in GT1. I actually don't even know if there are any cars in the GT1 class.

LMP2 are a lighter, less powerful prototype formula. I don't know any big marques in LMP2.

LMP1 contenders are Audi (R18), Peugeot (908), Acura/Honda (ARX-01d) Prodrive/Aston Martin (AMR One). The Audi and Peugeot are diesel powered while the Acura and Aston are gas. With the close-top R18 (new for this year), Audi and Peugeot are neck and neck in qualifying, with the other two pretty far off pace, so at this point it's all about who can keep their car running the longest.

I thought there would be more sportscar racing fans on ATOT.

 

[KingstonU]

I enjoy almost all racing except for nascar, but with the limited free time I have I dedicate to following F1. With more time I would follow Le Man's and Rally. So far this F1 season has been boring though compared to last year's amazing season, where 5 guys were in contention right till the end. This year it's just been Vettel, Vettel, Vettel etc... And Webber should have won last year. This year Vettel certainly is earning it, he is aiming to break all of Micheal's records.

Sorry for the thread derail, but qualifying is in 30 minutes!

 

[Krazy4Real]

holy crap. Glad everyone is ok. I'm surprised that car never crossed over the barrier.

 

[Drako]

Pretty stupid move on McNish's part there. WTF was he thinking? There were still 23 hours left to make overly aggressive moves like that

 

[Farmer]

Mike Rockenfeller totals the #1 R18, again in an accident involving a 458.

Trying to pass on the inside on what looks like the Mulsanne straight, 458 cuts over at the last second. WTF, the LMP is obviously faster than your GT car, give way! This must've happened at over 200MPH. Are you blind? Do you not see the flashing headlights of that multi-million dollar race-win contending prototype closing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TGjWMtyDkGQ

Only 1 R18 left, currently the race leader. Let's hope that's all the bad luck there will be.

One second note, both Aston Martin LMP1s (#007 and #009) have retired due to reliability issues not even 1 lap into the race. Not surprising considering the problems they had in test. They weren't ready this year, but I look forward to a 3-way fight for the overall win next year. Apparently Acura was not at LM24 this year.

On another note for American fans: #74 Corvette leads the GT class.

 

[Via]

Wow. What a total fuck up by that McNish guy.

He ran right up the back side of the other driver.

 

[sdifox]

moron

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Wow. What a total fuck up by that McNish guy.

He ran right up the back side of the other driver.

No he didn't. McNish was in this accident, and has his nose ahead when the R18 and 458 come together...

 

[Via]

Maybe he didn't actually run up the back of the other guy, but he most certainly fucked up. I just watched it again.

He was driving like he's playing a video game and entered the turn with too much velocity. He can't just force the other car off of his line.