Le Mans Le Mans and the WEC

[Galahad]

When the engine gearbox and rear wheels completely separate themselves from the tub, that qualifies as a bad one. Lucky boy.

 

[Fenderman]

 

[Galahad]

Struggling? If you make it to sunrise it gets easier.

 

[Fenderman]

At least I have you for company Galahad. That's helping

 

[Fenderman]

/// and here comes the rain ...

 

[Galahad]

It hasn't been a classic, and in hindsight I could have grabbed an hour, but with the rain pouring down and an imminent restart I can't possibly go to sleep now.

 

[Galahad]

This is more like it, the GT leader getting a full brake change. Proper Le Mans.

 

[MCLS]

 

[Fenderman]

It's one of the most intense LM24hr's I've watched in recent years. I have to say I'm surprised about how much Armco is still "unpadded" these days. They've commented on it a little in one of the feeds I'm watching and whilst I accept the problem of how much is required they have decades of history to judge the hot spots, surely..

Edit: Hey!! MCLS

 

[Galahad]

There are tyres in several of the most dangerous places, but you're right, a few more wouldn't do any harm and might do some good. The second part of Tertre Rouge, where Simonsen had his accident, is normally a flat-out kink; the first part has a gravel trap and tyre barrier.

 

[KekeTheKing]

You guys are hardcore!! 2nd intermission in the hockey game. Bout to get a restart here?

Edit - Has anyone come up with the number of former F1 drivers in the field? Could be almost 20 I reckon.

 

[Fenderman]

Hi KekeTheKing. It could get interesting again. Mist and/or fog expected, spatterings of rain. Lot's more to look forward to methinks

Edit: As well as watching on Eurosport I have in car footage from Audi here: http://www.audi-motorsport.com/uk/en/explore/events/24-hours-le-mans.html

Tried to run all three of Audi's screens but laptop too weak!

 

[MCLS]

Rains getting heavier now!

 

[Galahad]

I make it 18 ex-F1 drivers in the field Keke

 

[KekeTheKing]

I said you guys were hardcore, but the gentlemen about to go racing in these conditions are just a bit more so I think.

Edit - Thanks G. Is that including Test/3rd drivers?

 

[Galahad]

P1: McNish, Gene, di Grassi, Wurz, Nakajima, Davidson, Buemi, Sarrazin, Heidfeld
P2: Nakano, Chandhok
GT: Bruni, Fisichella, Beretta, Kobayashi, Magnussen, Lamy, Senna

 

[Fenderman]

Lead Toyotas back onto lead lap thanks to safety cars. Fuel saving not necessary now so there will be a race tpward the end! green light and flag ...

 

[MCLS]

Hardy souls in the grandstands now in that weather, I don't envy them at all....... Oh wait, yeah I do.............

 

[Galahad]

Quite a few test and third drivers, but my memory won't be good enough to catch them all. Lotterer and Rossiter for Jaguar? Rossi clearly. Bouchut maybe, Collard I think, Jani too. Kristensen was, Conway, Briscoe, Turvey, Hartley...

 

[Fenderman]

Lapiere steams past The Moose