Le Mans Le Mans and the WEC

[cider_and_toast]

Saw the crash live, i've been watching the race for most of they day. It's really the first time i've made a real effort thanks in part to the enthusiasm of my fellow clippers for the race.

still don't full understand what happened in the crash, the cameras only really caught the last few second and in the wake of the tragic death i'm in no mood to seek out any more footage.

 

[Galahad]

In some ways it's a wonder that there have been 26 races without something so horrible happening, given that the circuit is clearly dangerous by modern standards, and the cars are big, heavy and absorb a lot of energy in accidents.

No consolation whatsoever, of course, and hopefully something good can result in terms of further safety improvement.

 

[Slyboogy]

How's my main man Buemi doing?

 

[sobriety]

I was thinking that those trees could do with not being there before the accident. In the words of my old man, who raced motocross a long time ago 'don't hit trees, they don't bend when you do'

 

[Galahad]

Buemi is about to be lapped by the leader, but he's doing an ok job, I'd say nearly as quick as Davidson was and no mistakes apparent.

 

[Greenlantern101]

Taken a couple of hours out to watch a film. Just tuned back in. Stunned by the death of the Aston Martin Driver. The car didn't look in that bad a shape and they said he was conscious on the way to the hospital. Just really shocked. Very sad news.

Audis look unstoppable again. Toyota need a bit (well a lot) of bad luck to fall Audis way.

 

[Galahad]

You've got to hand it to Audi, Toyota really had the upper hand on them in the second half of last season's WEC and they've responded so impressively. Next year with Porsche joining the party ought to be special.

Michelin's tyres are being run flat-out for three-hour-plus stints. Pirelli aren't at Le Mans this year, incidentally.

 

[Galahad]

Double trouble for Audi. Really unfortunate for Jarvis to get a puncture there.

 

[Greenlantern101]

Looks like I cursed them.

 

[Galahad]

The reigning double champion drivers aren't going to make it a hat-trick, I don't think.

 

[Greenlantern101]

McNish 1st
Davidson 2nd

Would be a nice result.

 

[siffert_fan]

With Kristensin/McNish in 1st, I still think Audi look good for the win.

 

[Galahad]

Maybe siffert_fan, but there are 16 hours to go and they've no margin for error.

 

[siffert_fan]

Galahad,

True enough, but I can't remember the last time either of them made an oops!

 

[Galahad]

Of the three lineups, they are certainly the ones you'd want in this situation. But anyone can fall foul of an errant backmarker. Not to mention the sort of gremlins that have affected the others....

 

[Greenlantern101]

Is it just me or are Le mans car at night with the headlights and the light up numbers and position markers and everything just the automotive equivalent of porn. Can't stop grinning as they go through the start finish complex. Stunning cars.

Edit. I might be a bit drunk.

 

[cider_and_toast]

I am deffo drunk because I've been out for the night with wifey but I can't wait to get back home and catch up on the race.

 

[Galahad]

Not yet half distance and a bit of a stalemate at the very front. GT battle between Aston Martin and Porsche is raging. I had hoped for Porsche to win on the 911's 50th anniversary but now I'm rooting for the Aston.

 

[Galahad]

Oh dear, bad accident for Tony Burgess in the Porsche Curves

Thankfully he appears to be fine physically.

 

[Fenderman]

He's out of the car safe and sound. That was a real freak out.