Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toyota snags Davidson, Buemi to drive TS030 at Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/toyota-snags-davidson-buemi-to-drive-ts030-at-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/toyota-snags-davidson-buemi-to-drive-ts030-at-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/toyota-snags-davidson-buemi-to-drive-ts030-at-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

F1 drivers typically have a shelf life shorter than what you otherwise might call a career. As the constant stream of new, young drivers usurps existing F1 seats, you're left with a wealth of talent available to contest other forms of motorsport. That's how you end up with former grand prix pilots in other series like IndyCar, DTM and even ice racing. Then there's Le Mans.

Every year the most famous of endurance races packs its grid with rejects from the Formula One circus, and 2012 is no exception, particularly with Toyota launching a works effort out of the German facility that used to house its F1 team. Toyota has already confirmed that the first of its TS030 Hybrid LMP1 racers will be driven by former F1 drivers Alex Wurz and Kazuki Nakajima (along with Nicolas Lapierre), and has now announced that Anthony Davidson and Sebastien Buemi are on the roster for the second car.

Davidson is an established F1 test driver, having worked for the team known successively as BAR, Honda, Brawn and Mercedes. He's also driven a handful of grands prix for Super Aguri and Minardi, and contested Le Mans and related series for Aston Martin Racing and Peugeot Sport, including a win at Sebring.

Buemi drove the last three F1 seasons for Scuderia Toro Rosso until being cut this year. He'll combine his endurance racing debut with his test driver role at Red Bull Racing.

They'll be joined by Hiroaki Ishiura, who has driven for Toyota teams in Super GT and the Nürburgring 24 before helping roll out the new TS030. We'll be watching to see how they do against the returning champions at Audi, but for now you can follow the jump to dive into the full press release and check out the updated image gallery above.

Continue reading Toyota snags Davidson, Buemi to drive TS030 at Le Mans

Toyota snags Davidson, Buemi to drive TS030 at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony davidsonbuemidavidsonhiroaki ishiuraishiuralmplmp1sebastien buemitoyotatoyota motorsport gmbhtoyota racingtoyota ts030toyota ts030 hybridts030ts030 hybridSun, 12 Feb 2012 15:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/toyota-snags-davidson-buemi-to-drive-ts030-at-le-mans/20169945/article-detail.xml 20169945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webts030-drivers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webts030-drivers.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

When Toyota announced its return to endurance sports car racing with the new TS030 Hybrid this season, the plan was to enter a handful of races, like Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps, on an invitational basis.

Plans change, though, and Toyota has now upgraded the program to a full manufacturer entry, paving the way for it to compete in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship schedule. Now, with budget constraints, it's likely that Toyota will still pick and choose which races to contest, but it does open the door.

The change was apparently made in order to support endurance racing as a motorsport discipline. As part of its arrangement with the FIA, organizers at the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) need at least two manufacturers in the LMP1 category. With Peugeot's withdrawal, the series lacked the requisite level of participation, so Toyota stepped up to fill the void. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry

Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acofia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp1toyotatoyota ts030 hybridts030ts030 hybridwecworld endurance championshipSun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163359/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/20163359/article-detail.xml 20163359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ts030-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ts030-web.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. So, apparently, do the world's automakers. At least, that is, when it comes to Le Mans. Case in point: the new Toyota TS030 Hybrid, the Le Mans prototype that the Japanese automaker has just revealed, mere days after Peugeot announced its departure from the endurance racing scene.

Shorthand for the third Toyota Sport prototype - following the TS010 and TS020 that challenged Le Mans in the '90s - the TS030 is the first LMP1 to employ a hybrid drivetrain. (Peugeot was experimenting with a similar system before shutting down its program, and Audi is rumored to be testing one as well, but has yet to announce it to the public.)

Toyota Hybrid System - Racing (THS-R) couples a 3.4-liter V8 to one of two potential electric motor setups: a front-mounted system developed by Aisin AW or a rear-mounted one from Denso. According to regulations, the electric boost can only drive one set of wheels, and Toyota has yet to decide which, although the 500kJ capacitor supplied by Nisshinbo is already a lock.

The carbon fiber chassis, meanwhile, was developed in-house by Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Cologne, Germany - the same outfit that ran the company's F1 team and has been looking for a new project ever since. The facility will serve as the team's headquarters as well, from which it will field one car in its debut at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps - the second round of the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - on May 5. Toyota is planning to field a second car at Le Mans in June, but while the first car's driver roster is already confirmed, the team has yet to decide on its second line-up.

Follow the jump for the full press release and spec sheet, and check out the first batch of official images in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video]

Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia world endurance championshiple manslmp1toyotatoyota ts030toyota ts030 hybridts030ts030 hybridwecworld endurance championshipTue, 24 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/20155717/article-detail.xml 20155717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web02-toyota-ts030_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web02-toyota-ts030.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota LMP1 testing at Paul Ricard

The sudden departure of Peugeot from the Le Mans racing scene came as quite a shock, we know. But don't count the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - or the famed 24-hour race at its center - out for the count before it's even started, because another powerhouse is already gearing up to take Peugeot's place. And that powerhouse is Toyota.

The Japanese auto giant announced its plans to build and campaign a new LMP1 racer at Le Mans and the WEC back in October. Toyota Motorsport GmbH (which ran the company's F1 team until its withdrawal in 2009) then set about designing the car, partnering with Team Oreca to help with the logistics of entering the pinnacle of endurance racing, and hired three top pilots to, you know, actually drive the thing.

With all those pieces in place, the Toyota team began testing their new prototype racer last week at the Paul Ricard test track in France. Toyota itself didn't release much in the way of details, but Alex Wurz was said to have led the shake-down, with his team-mates Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima on hand to share in the driving duties as well.

And while no "official" photos were "officially" released, Toyota PR rep Scott Brownlee tweeted a couple of snapshots to whet our appetites. The result looks, predictably enough, much like the latest LMP1 racers fielded by Audi and the departed Peugeot, but as with most things, it's what's underneath the surface that will count the most. In Toyota's sake, that would be a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain of some sort, but we'll have to wait a little while longer - as the next round of testing and the car's anticipated debut at Spa come May approach - to find out more.

Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp1paul ricardpaul ricard high tech test trackpaul ricard httttoyotatoyota lmp1toyota motorsporttoyota motorsport gmbhwecworld endurance championshipThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151509/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/20151509/article-detail.xml 20151509 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/498380862-1326919965_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/498380862-1326919965.jpeg <![CDATA[Porsche primes us for Le Mans return with look back]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/porsche-primes-us-for-le-mans-return-with-look-back/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/porsche-primes-us-for-le-mans-return-with-look-back/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/porsche-primes-us-for-le-mans-return-with-look-back/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 24 Hours of Le Mans is still eight months away, but that hasn't stopped Porsche from producing another video to get us excited about it. Or rather, Porsche is working to get us excited for the 2014 Le Mans race, when it will return to the 16.75-kilometer circuit with a new LMP1 car.

Porsche hasn't won Le Mans' top category since 1998, when the 911 GT1 was the overall winner. With Aston and Toyota entered in the LMP1 club, Jaguar and Bentley considering, and the years-long battle between Audi and Peugeot still going strong, even if it is 2.5 years before Porsche's return, the wait is looking very, very worthwhile. For now, you'll find the new video after the jump.

Continue reading Porsche primes us for Le Mans return with look back

Porsche primes us for Le Mans return with look back originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansle manslmp1porsche le mansporsche lmp1youtubeSun, 11 Dec 2011 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20124934/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/11/porsche-primes-us-for-le-mans-return-with-look-back/20124934/article-detail.xml 20124934 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche2014lemanstease2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche2014lemanstease2.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota LMP1 rendering

Toyota is dead serious about its new Le Mans effort. To that end, the Japanese auto giant is developing an all-new hybrid LMP1 racer, it has retained the considerable services of Team Oreca to help with trackside logistics, and it has now announced its driver lineup. And make no mistake about it, these are no rookies.

Headlining the roster is Alex Wurz, who holds the title as the youngest winner in the history of Le Mans. The Austrian driver won again for Peugeot two years ago, and he has also taken the checkered flag at the Petit Le Mans, the Spa 1,000km and the Sebring 12 Hours, to name just a few. And as if that weren't enough, he's also an accomplished former Formula One driver, having driven for and scored podium finishes for a variety of teams including Benetton, McLaren and Williams (though not Toyota).

Joining Wurz will be Nicolas Lapierre, a French driver with a distinguished record in both lower formula racing (like F3 and A1GP) and endurance racing, including a win at Sebring this year. Finally, Toyota has added Kazuki Nakajima (one of Japan's best F1 drivers of the modern era) to the team that will be developing and fielding the new LMP1 at La Sarthe and other FIA World Endurance Championship races next season. The car is expected to make its debut "early in the new year" at a yet-to-be-determined European venue.

Continue reading Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program

Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex wurzfia world endurance championshipkazuki nakajimalapierrele manslemanslmp1nakajimanicolas lapierretoyotatoyota lmp1toyota motorsportworld endurance championshipwurzMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100064/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/20100064/article-detail.xml 20100064 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/toyota-lmp1-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/toyota-lmp1-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot begins track-testing 908 diesel hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/peugeot-begins-track-testing-908-diesel-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/peugeot-begins-track-testing-908-diesel-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/peugeot-begins-track-testing-908-diesel-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Peugeot 908 Hybrid4

Diesel propulsion isn't anything new in Le Mans-class endurance racing. Hybrids are still a rarity, but even when Toyota returns to Le Mans with a hybrid LMP1 next year, it won't be alone. That's because Peugeot is preparing to chart new territory with the 908 Hybrid4.

The latest evolution of the 908 prototype incorporates a competition version of PSA's Hybrid4 system, which uniquely pares a diesel engine with electric assist. We first saw the new racer in Geneva last March, but the 908 Hybrid4 has now undergone its first shake-down test at the Estoril track in Portugal that once hosted the Portuguese Grand Prix and continues to host the Six Hours of Estoril in the Le Mans Series.

Test-driving duties were performed by Nicolas Minassian, Stephane Sarrazin and Alex Wurz, who report that the added boost from the hybrid drivetrain was already evident in the 300 kilometers (186 miles) of testing at the circuit. Follow the jump for the full press blast and click on to the gallery for a pair of fresh images from the test added to the initial studio shots.

Continue reading Peugeot begins track-testing 908 diesel hybrid

Peugeot begins track-testing 908 diesel hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>908908 hybrid4estorilhybrid4le mansle mans prototypelmplmp1peugeotpeugeot 908 hybrid4peugeot+908+hybrid+testpeugeot908hybridtestThu, 20 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20084209/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/20/peugeot-begins-track-testing-908-diesel-hybrid/20084209/article-detail.xml 20084209 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web908hybrid4-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web908hybrid4-test.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota LMP1 rendering

Toyota has announced that it is returning to the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile's World Endurance Championship in 2012. The car it will be contesting the series with is a new prototype that will use a hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain. We can only hope the experience will equal more exciting future models under the Prius range...

The last time Toyota competed in Le Mans racing was in 1999, just before the Japanese automaker abandoned the GT-One program to focus on Formula One.

We don't expect Toyota's new LMP1 racer to have anything in common with the erstwhile GT-One, which was powered by a 600-horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Though always fast, Toyota's last-gen endurance racer never quite put together a complete race. Here's hoping the effort produces more consistent results this time around. Check out the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car

Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid race carle manslmp1lmp1 hybridtoyotatoyota lmp1world endurance championshipFri, 14 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20081928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/20081928/article-detail.xml 20081928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-lmp1-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-lmp1-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley considering new LMP1 race car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bentley Speed 8

In 2001, Bentley returned to Le Mans after an absence of more than 70 years with a machine known as the Speed 8 (pictured above), eventually winning the 24-hour race in 2003. Bentley hasn't been involved in motorsports since, although a new report indicates that could change soon.

In a recent interview with Autocar, Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer stated that a new LMP1 race car could be in the works to compete against Audi and the upcoming Porsche LMP1 racer. Interestingly, all three automakers are part of the VW Group. "There is nothing saying the same brands can't compete against each other - the only important thing is that the racing activity supports fully the brand identity," he said. "The three brands of Bentley, Porsche and Audi could race in different regions and come together five or six times a year for the world sportscar championship and then once per year in France. It's not decided, but it is possible."

In addition to the usual marketing benefits of a racing program, Durheimer indicated that the main motivation for getting Bentley back into motorsports would be to develop a connection with the race team and the company's production facility in Crewe. "I am also keen that people from the road car side sample the racing side - I saw at Porsche that one or two years with the race team can really change how people work."

Bentley considering new LMP1 race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley le mansbentley le mans prototypebentley lmp1bentley speed 8le manslmp1wolfgang durheimerFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20069690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/bentley-considering-new-lmp1-race-car/20069690/article-detail.xml 20069690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bentley-speed-8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bentley-speed-8.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar returning to Le Mans with new LMP1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/jaguar-returning-to-le-mans-with-new-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/jaguar-returning-to-le-mans-with-new-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/jaguar-returning-to-le-mans-with-new-lmp1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jaguar at Le Mans

A whole lot of stars need to be aligned in order to get a good slew of manufacturers fielding factory works teams in any major racing series. But those factors seem to be coming together at the pinnacle of endurance racing.

With the FIA and the ACO getting along with a new World Endurance Championship, more cost-effective regulations in place and an unsurpassed spectacle to showcase their metal and their mettle, more and more manufacturers are flocking to Le Mans. And not just for the GT classes, either.

With Audi and Peugeot dueling for top honors, Aston Martin also graduated from its dominance of the GT classes to the top-tier LM1 category as well. Porsche has announced its impending return for 2014, Toyota is reportedly preparing an assault of its own, and now word on the street circuit is that Jaguar is gearing up to take on the LMP1 class as well.

The program reportedly has the enthusiastic blessing of parent company Tata Motors, and if it comes to fruition, would mark the first time the marque has competed at Le Mans since 1991, the year after it won its seventh 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Silk Cut XJR-12.

Jaguar returning to Le Mans with new LMP1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarle mansle mans prototypelmp1Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993085/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/18/jaguar-returning-to-le-mans-with-new-lmp1/19993085/article-detail.xml 19993085 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jaguar-le-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jaguar-le-mans.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche gearing up for 2014 return to Le Mans [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/porsche-gearing-up-for-2014-return-to-le-mans-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/porsche-gearing-up-for-2014-return-to-le-mans-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/porsche-gearing-up-for-2014-return-to-le-mans-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Porsche RS Spyder at Le Mans
Porsche RS Spyder at Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

No automaker has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans as many times as Porsche. Not Audi, with its ten wins to Porsche's sixteen, or Ferrari's nine. But those were all a long time ago. In fact, Porsche's most recent was with the 911 GT1 back in 1998.

Since then, Porsche has been pussyfooting around at the iconic round-the-clock race. The successor to the GT1 was aborted and turned into the Carrera GT road car. Sure, the RS Spyder (pictured above) has performed admirably in the LMP2 class, and 911s fielded by privateers have dominated the GT classes for years. But it's been over a decade since Porsche has competed for an overall win.

That's about to change, however, as Porsche has announced, through the video and press release after the jump, its intent to return to Le Mans to challenge for the win in 2014. To get there, Porsche plans a new LMP1 car, although it has released little in the way of details on what form that car will take.

If you're wondering where this leaves Audi, which falls under the same corporate umbrella as Porsche, the Ingolstadt-based automaker's team posted on Facebook that the decision was made independently by its Stuttgart-based sister company and that it looks forward to the competition. So we won't expect Audi to be dropping out any time soon for lack of anything to prove, even after ten victories out of twelve years, nor supporting the Porsche entry like it did with Bentley's in 2003.

Watching Porsche take on the likes of Audi, Peugeot, Aston Martin and the other automakers anticipated to be joining the field in the coming years ought to produce some nail-biting race action. But in the meantime, you can scope out the video and press release after the jump and the gallery of high-resolution images showcasing Porsche's rich Le Mans heritage.

Continue reading Porsche gearing up for 2014 return to Le Mans [w/video]

Porsche gearing up for 2014 return to Le Mans [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heurs du mans24 hours of le mansle mansle mans prototypelmp1porscheporsche le mansThu, 30 Jun 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980412/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/porsche-gearing-up-for-2014-return-to-le-mans-w-video/19980412/article-detail.xml 19980412 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webporsche-rs-spyderle-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webporsche-rs-spyderle-mans.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to field all-new LMP1 at Le Mans next year?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/toyota-to-field-all-new-lmp1-at-le-mans-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/toyota-to-field-all-new-lmp1-at-le-mans-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/toyota-to-field-all-new-lmp1-at-le-mans-next-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

1998 Toyota GT-One
1998 Toyota GT-One - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans packed plenty of action, but there weren't as many automakers fielding their own entries in the top-tier LMP1 category as you might think.

There was Audi, of course, which has dominated the category for years, arch-rival Peugeot, with its diesel-powered challenger, and Aston Martin, which stepped up to the big leagues after dominating just about every GT category for years. Honda Performance Development had a couple of cars in the second-tier LMP2 category, and there were plenty of factory-supported GT cars. The rest of the LMP1 field was filled by privateers running mostly Lola, Zytek, Oreca or Judd chassis, powered by a variety of engines. But the coming years could see an influx of new automakers aiming to take on Audi for the top honors.

According to the latest rumors, race organizers ACO are in discussions with a number of car manufacturers interested in entering the LMP1 category. Chief among them is reportedly Toyota, which is said to have been working on its own prototype since last year. The Toyota LMP1 is reportedly being developed with Dome - a Japanese chassis constructor that's built such racing machinery as the competition-spec Honda NSX, an aborted F1 program and several Le Mans prototypes, as well as a handful of Toyota racers in the 1980s - and incorporates a hybrid powertrain.

The last time Toyota competed at Le Mans was with the GT-One (pictured above), which raced there in 1998 and 1999 but held the lap record at La Sarthe until 2006. The new entry, according to reports, could be ready for an assault on next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Toyota to field all-new LMP1 at Le Mans next year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domele mansle mans prototypelmp1toyotatoyota racingSun, 19 Jun 2011 12:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/19/toyota-to-field-all-new-lmp1-at-le-mans-next-year/19970739/article-detail.xml 19970739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/toyotagtonehi005_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/toyotagtonehi005.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Audi R18 racer testing at Sebring in high-def]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/video-audi-r18-racer-testing-at-sebring-in-high-def/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/video-audi-r18-racer-testing-at-sebring-in-high-def/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/video-audi-r18-racer-testing-at-sebring-in-high-def/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi R18
Audi R18 testing at Sebring - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Audi R18 LMP1 enclosed prototype endured four days of rigorous testing at Sebring last week. Audi engineers used their time at the famed facility to test aerodynamics, fuel economy and reliability, using the R15 as a control.

You won't be able to see the R18 compete until the six-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps on May 7th, but luckily you won't have to wait that long to see the diesel-powered race car on the track.

Hit the jump to watch a two-minute clip of the R18 as it takes to Sebring like a duck takes to water. A second post-jump video is an interview with Audi Motorsport chief, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. The good doctor gives tells us about the R18, including how the 3.7-liter V6 diesel is all-new - a necessary step taken by Audi to conform to the sport's ever-changing rules. Next, Ullrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport, tells us that if Darth Vader had a car, "this would be his." We don't know about that, but dark side is definitely strong with the R18. Hat tip to Earwole1!


Gallery: 2011 Audi R18

2011 Audi R182011 Audi R182011 Audi R182011 Audi R182011 Audi R18

[Source: Quattro World]

Continue reading Video: Audi R18 racer testing at Sebring in high-def

Video: Audi R18 racer testing at Sebring in high-def originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi+r18audi+r18+sebringaudi+r18+testingaudir18audir18sebringaudir18testinglmp1r18sebringvideo+audi+r18+testvideoaudir18testThu, 31 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19897159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/31/video-audi-r18-racer-testing-at-sebring-in-high-def/19897159/article-detail.xml 19897159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/audisebring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/audisebring.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Aston Martin LMP1 and V12 Vantage sing 12-cylinder love songs to each other]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage meets the LMP1 racer
Aston Martin's V12 Vantage meets the Gulf LMP1 racecar - Click above to watch video after the jump

Aston Martin may offer a car with eight cylinders, but the automaker's heart truly lies within those machines powered by 12. The Vantage was recently given a full injection of awesome when the folks in Gaydon decided a power upgrade was in order. The V12 Vantage is loud and proud thanks to its 6.0-liter V12 that churns out 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. That same 6.0-liter unit can be found in the DB9, Rapide, DBS and even the ultra-exotic One-77, and it's also the mill that powers Lola-Aston Martin B09/60, better known as the Aston Martin DBR1-2 LMP1 racecar.

The 510 hp in the V12 Vantage is certainly impressive, but the DBR1-2's power output is raised to around 650 hp for racing duty. That 140-hp advantage is stretched much further when you factor in the weight difference between the two cars - the V12 Vantage weighs 3,700 pounds and the DBR1-2 tips the scales at just 2,000 pounds.

Still, these two Astons pump fuel through similar hearts, and the automaker put together a short video clip that shows the two coming together on a rain-slicked country road. Hop the jump to see the V12 Vantage meet the DBR1-2 LMP1 racecar.

[Source: Aston Martin via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin LMP1 and V12 Vantage sing 12-cylinder love songs to each other

Video: Aston Martin LMP1 and V12 Vantage sing 12-cylinder love songs to each other originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martindbr1-2lmp1v12 vantagevideovideosFri, 24 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19775854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/19775854/article-detail.xml 19775854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/aston-martin-v12-vantage-and-lmp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/aston-martin-v12-vantage-and-lmp1.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot announces next-generation 90X Le Mans Prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/03/peugeot-announces-next-generation-90x-le-mans-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/03/peugeot-announces-next-generation-90x-le-mans-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/03/peugeot-announces-next-generation-90x-le-mans-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peugeot 90X racer
Peugeot 90X - Click above for high-res image gallery

French automaker PSA's assault on Audi is never-ending. As if the likes of the Peugeot RCZ and Citroën C5 weren't enough to challenge their German rival in the showroom, Citroën is striving to eclipse Audi's achievements on the rally stages. But arguably the most exciting battle has been the challenge which Peugeot has mounted against Audi on the endurance racing circuit.

After years of dominating Le Mans with the R8 (the racing prototype, not the street-legal supercar), Audi took on a new challenge with the diesel-powered R10 TDI. Peugeot joined the race both literally and figuratively with the 908 HDi FAP, so Audi fired back with the R15 TDI. This season, Audi is upping its game yet again with the R15 TDI Plus, but while the 908 soldiers on, don't think for one minute that the French team doesn't have a trick up its sleeve.

That trick comes in the form of the 90X, the next-generation Le Mans Prototype from Peugeot Sport. Designed to meet the 2011 regulations being set out by race organizers ACO, the 90X has been undergoing testing at undisclosed tracks in Europe. Peugeot's only released limited information on the car's development, saying little more than that it incorporates a new "shark fin" over the engine cover designed to keep it on the ground in case of a crash.

Word has it that the 90X will incorporate a more comprehensive hybrid drivetrain than the KERS-style regenerative braking system in the current 908, but for now we'll just have to get by on Peugeot's statement (after the jump) and the trio of images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Peugeot 90X Le Mans Prototype


[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot announces next-generation 90X Le Mans Prototype

Peugeot announces next-generation 90X Le Mans Prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>90890xle mansle mans prototypelmplmp1peugeotpeugeot 908Peugeot 908 HDiPeugeot 908 HDi FAPpeugeot 90xpeugeot sportpsaWed, 03 Nov 2010 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19699091/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/03/peugeot-announces-next-generation-90x-le-mans-prototype/19699091/article-detail.xml 19699091 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/90x-webab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/90x-webab.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/12/aston-martin-sketches-out-2011-le-mans-lmp1-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/12/aston-martin-sketches-out-2011-le-mans-lmp1-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/12/aston-martin-sketches-out-2011-le-mans-lmp1-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Aston Martin LMP1 car
Aston Martin's 2011 LMP1 challenger for the 24 Hours of Le Mans - Click above to enlarge image

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), which oversees various Le Mans series in Europe and elsewhere, laid out a number of changes to the 2011 LMP1-class cars, aiming to equalize performance between diesel- and gasoline-engined cars. Sniffing a chance to not only steal some thunder, but perhaps beat Audi and Peugeot over the head with it, Aston Martin plans a brand-new LMP1 entrant for 2011 to go for overall Le Mans victory.

An open cockpit, monococque single-seater with a new engine, it would be the first racing Aston developed entirely in-house in fifty years. The biggest X factor is whether, and how much, the regulations will actually work to close the diesel/gas disparity. If it's close, Aston Martin Chairman Dave Richards believes his company is in with a shout. Follow the jump for the press release.


Gallery: Aston Martin's 2011 Le Mans LMP1 challenger


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer

Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 aston martin lmp124 hours of le mansaston martin lmp1le mansle mans 2011LeMans24Hourslmp1Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19630064/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/12/aston-martin-sketches-out-2011-le-mans-lmp1-racer/19630064/article-detail.xml 19630064 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/astonlmp111_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/astonlmp111.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/aston-martin-looks-set-to-flood-le-mans-grids-with-new-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/aston-martin-looks-set-to-flood-le-mans-grids-with-new-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/aston-martin-looks-set-to-flood-le-mans-grids-with-new-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lola-Aston Martin LMP1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since returning to the sportscar racing scene in 2005, Aston Martin Racing has expanded its scope to cover every category of GT racing from the GT4-spec Vantage to the GT1-spec DBR9. But few were prepared for the full-on assault the British outfit launched last year in the top-tier, winner-takes-all LMP1 category.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last Aston Martin overall victory at Le Mans, the team shoehorned the V12 engine from the victorious DBR9 into an existing Lola chassis with support from veteran LMP1 campaigners Charouz Racing System. The Aston-powered Lolas emerged among the most successful gasoline-powered entries (behind the diesel-powered Audis and Peugeots). But that was only a stop-gap measure. This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans - set to kick off next weekend - is slated to be the last time Aston uses the Lola chassis before it launches its own.

Developed by Aston's racing partner Prodrive - directed by Aston chairman David Richards - the ground-up Le Mans prototype is set to take to the track next year. But Aston won't be keeping the fun all to itself. According to the latest reports, the factory works team will field two cars of its own, and sell an additional two cars to a privateer team next year and then another two in 2012. If Aston can find an edge against the longer-running diesels - this is an endurance race, after all - or if the series organizers find an effective way of equalizing the performance between the fuel types, a field of six Aston prototypes stand a good chance of topping the podium within the next couple of years.


Gallery: Lola-Aston-Martin LMP1


[Source: Autosport]

Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Audi R15 plus - click above to enlarge

Testing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans doesn't begin until mid-June, but that doesn't mean that Audi isn't already hard at work bettering the chances of their diesel-powered R15 TDI racer.

Thanks to a belated rule change for the LMP1 class designed to hamper the dominance of diesel-powered vehicles, Le Mans rulemakers have mandated smaller-diameter air restrictors and curbed supercharger pressure in an effort to level the playing field. According to Audi, those alterations have made the German automaker prioritize aerodynamics and downforce even more than normal.

The result? Audi boffins have completely re-engineered the front-end of the car, so much so that the new split nose racer has been designated "R15 plus." The updated LMP1 entrant has already begun testing its new aerodynamics, revised cooling and fuel tank systems in the United States, and further testing in Europe will follow before the legendary French enduro. Audi says that the 5.5-liter engine continues to crank out upwards of 590 horsepower. Can't remember what last year's R15 look like? Compare and contrast by clicking here. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R15 "plus" TDI shows off new, more aerodynamic nose

Audi R15 "plus" TDI shows off new, more aerodynamic nose originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mans24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemansaudi R15audi racecarAudi racingAudiR15AudiRacecarAudiRacingclean dieselCleanDieseldiesel race cardiesel racerdiesel racingDieselRaceCarDieselRacerDieselRacingLe MansLeMansLMP1R15R15 TDIR15TdiTDIMon, 15 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19399290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/15/audi-r15-plus-tdi-shows-off-new-more-aerodynamic-nose/19399290/article-detail.xml 19399290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/audimotorsport-r15plus-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/audimotorsport-r15plus-630.jpg <![CDATA[Nigel Mansell going for the Triple Crown at Le Mans with a little help from his sons]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/nigel-mansell-going-for-the-triple-crown-at-le-mans-with-a-littl/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/nigel-mansell-going-for-the-triple-crown-at-le-mans-with-a-littl/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/nigel-mansell-going-for-the-triple-crown-at-le-mans-with-a-littl/#commentsFiled under: ,




The Triple Crown of Motorsport is an elusive distinction earned by only a handful of drivers in the history of motor racing. It's elusive partly because it evades definition, but given its immense difficulty, we'll take the broadest possible: To score the Triple Crown, a driver has to win either the Indianapolis 500 or the Indy/CART title, plus either the Monaco Grand Prix or the F1 drivers' title and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fortunately not in the same year, but over the span of a career.

So far, Graham Hill remains the only one ever to have completed the feat, winning the Indy 500 in 1966, the Monaco GP five times in the '60s, the F1 title twice in '62 and '68, and Le Mans in 1972. (Substitute the Daytona 500 for Le Mans, as some American fans suggest, and AJ Foyt and Mario Andretti would be crowned as well, with Juan Pablo Montoya poised to join them.) Jacques Villeneuve has come within spitting distance, having won the Indy 500 (and the CART title) in 1995, the F1 title two years later, and after leading at Le Mans for several hours in 2008 in the Peugeot 908, finally coming in second behind Audi. But the next winner, if by feat of pure ambition alone, could be Nigel Mansell.

The British driver is one of only a handful to have been crowned champion in both F1 and Indy, alongside Emerson Fittipaldi and the aforementioned Hill, Andretti and Villeneuve. But while Hill, Andretti and Fittipaldi are long since retired, Mansell is back at it. After racing the 1000 Kilometers of Silverstone in the Le Mans Series last year with his up-and-coming racer son Greg, Mansell will be contesting the big prize at La Sarthe this year, the three-man team rounded out by his other son Leo.

They'll be driving in the top-tier LMP1 category in the same Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S they fielded at Silverstone last year (pictured above), with the brothers campaigning the entire season and the father joining for the headline event. And while Mansell and sons aren't expecting to win in their first year, they're in it for the long haul and are targeting an overall win within the next few years. To do that, they'll have to beat the likes of Audi, Peugeot and Aston Martin with a privateer entry. But if any underdog can do it, their name couldn't be anything other than Mansell.

[Source: Autosport]

Nigel Mansell going for the Triple Crown at Le Mans with a little help from his sons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ginettaginetta-zytek gz09sGinetta-zytekGz09sgreg mansellGregMansellle mansle mans seriesLeMansLeMansSeriesleo mansellLeoManselllmp1lmsmansellmansell le mansMansellLeMansnigel mansellnigel mansell le mansnigel mansell triple crownNigelMansellNigelMansellLeMansNigelMansellTripleCrowntriple crownTripleCrownTue, 09 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19348021/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/09/nigel-mansell-going-for-the-triple-crown-at-le-mans-with-a-littl/19348021/article-detail.xml 19348021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/zytekl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/zytekl.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/#comments
Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09 - Click above for image gallery
Most major racing disciplines around the world have a clear and comprehensive framework to allow aspiring drivers to learn the ropes. Pretty much everyone starts in karting, but from there F1 hopefuls go on to Formula Renault and other open-wheeled series; NASCAR aspirants to ARCA and the Nationwide Series; rally prodigees to local championships; and so on and so forth. But teams fielding Le Mans prototypes had to recruit from other disciplines. That is, until now.

Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest - the organization behind Le Mans and its associated series - launched Formula Le Mans, known in America as the Le Mans Prototype Challenge. The idea was simple: everybody driving the same cars, designed on the same model as LMP1 and LMP2 racers, in support races to existing LMS events. French racing team (and, since acquiring Courage Competition, chassis constructor) Oreca was contracted to design and build the cars and help organize the series.

The purpose-built chassis known as the FLM09 packs a Chevy LS3 tuned to 430 horsepower with Magneti Marelli engine management, driving an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox to Michelin slicks housing Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Eight teams participated in the inaugural season this year, fielding some 50 drivers at races at Spa-Francorchamps, La Sarthe, Algarve, the Nurburgring, Silverstone and Magny-Cours.

The opening season was a success, prompting ACO and Oreca to launch a winter series, currently under way. But for next year's series, Formula Le Mans will be fully integrated into the Le Mans Series as another category, much as they've been run in the American Le Mans Series since their inception. In order to separate the FLM cars from the higher-level LMP2 and keep them running for the full race distance, however, the Oreca FLM09s be equipped with restrictor plates. The integration of FLM into the full series ought to make for some interesting racing and a more hands-on training ground for aspiring drivers when they join the grid next year, but for now you can read the full press release after the jump and browse the mega gallery by hitting the thumbnails below.


Gallery: Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09


[Source: Formula Le Mans]

Continue reading Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series

Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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