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Featured TOYOTA GAZOO Racing outlines 2017 motorsports activities (third TS050, Super GT Prius)

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by bhtooefr, Feb 2, 2017.

  1. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    Yes, you have a point. But what I was saying that because the track suits a low DF package, Porsche was able to get very close to the fastest lap time and, with a bit of luck, the pole starting grid.

    I think that's good for Toyota, they are fast even on a high DF package. So the battle for LM24 would be very interesting indeed. However, you don't win LM24 just with a fast car; luck, pit stops, tyre strategies, reliability and concentration matter more than being fast.

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  2. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    Anthony Davidson: why this has to be Toyota's year at Le Mans | Autocar

    Pretty interesting read... especially Toyota had 3 potential wins snatched from the jaw of victory. Davidson's story was also fascinating as well.

    Maybe, just maybe, that they could right the wrong and win it this year... what a sweet victory that would be for both Toyota and Davidson.
     
  3. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Always a bridesmaid - never the bride . . .

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  4. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    Well, that was certainly a qualifying session.



    Kamui Kobayashi now has the fastest average lap speed of anyone, ever, in the history of Le Mans, at 251.882 km/h. (Not the fastest lap, a 3:13.90, which he's almost a second off of, but that was on an earlier, shorter configuration of the track.)

    Nobody even got close to that, the LMP1 grid is Toyota #7, Toyota #8, Porsche #1, Porsche #2, Toyota #9, ByKolles #4.
     
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  5. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    Driving into the sun adds to the difficulty level.
     
  6. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    Pretty awesome hey!?

    But have concern for #8... Almost like in 2014 where one of their cars halted during qualifying and then during the race in the 13th hour. It was later found to be wiring loom issue. The #9 is not far off. Very good for Toyota still, but the race is a different beast... Toyota needs a lot of lady luck this year to win. They had none in 2014 and 2016.

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  7. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    The fact that he did the fastest average speed with 4 extra corners compared to the 1985 record is something to be awe with! It's a surprised it's taken 32 years to break that, despite the advancement in engine technology.

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  8. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    Also don't forget KK spun his leading car last year, resulting in a lengthy repair work which demoted him to 3rd. If he didn't do that, Toyota could have been 1-2 near the end... Well we can say all the ifs and buts. Let's hope he learned and don't do that again this year.

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  9. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    What Audi is doing now.
     
  10. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    ****



    And #8 has a massive deficit due to a front hybrid system failure. (Porsche #2 has one too, but didn't lose as much time, they're expected to get back to the podium, ahead of the two Rebellion LMP2s that are currently in 2nd and 3rd behind Porsche #1.)

    ...and why did that have to be my 1000th post?
     
  11. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Toyota/Flintstones/Gazoo needs to step it up - if they're going to be anywhere in the realm of sub 2 second pit stops going on now days.



    One might as well kiss off a few miles on the track if they can't get back out racing in a more reasonable time.
    ;)
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  12. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    Yeah, those are F1 pit stops, not comparable.

    A routine fuel stop in LMP1 (which, F1 doesn't have refueling) is 30 seconds for everyone, it's longer yet with a driver and tire change.

    And, that's assuming nothing broken.
     
  13. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    What rotten luck... Maybe it's not meant to be. Just like Davidson said, Le Mans winners are written in the stars. So be it...

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  14. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    And #2 Porsche managed to pull out the win over the #38 Jackie Chan LMP2, after the #1 Porsche also retired due to engine failure.

    #8 made it to the end in 9th place, so they get driver points, as well as second place manufacturer points.
     
  15. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Even with fielding three cars Toyota still has voodoo at LeMans.
    Nice try team Corvette. (y)
     
  16. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    I think the name they gave their self is causing the team to be cursed.

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  17. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    Yes, the way #7 failed, the car was giving warning to KK at the pit and for one full lap, but he choose to continue on... Ok you can understand why he wants to keep going because he didn't want to lose the lead, but IMHO he contributed to the death of the car.

    #9, well no one could see what actually happened. By going on the commentary, he was going too fast on a slow zone and made contact with an LMP2 car. Further reason why Lappiere was sacked in 2014.


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  18. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    How did they award 12 points to #8 drivers and 4 points to manufacturer only. I was in the thought that the drivers get 4 points for finishing 9th overall and Toyota gets 36 for 2nd in class?

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  19. godzillaismad

    godzillaismad Member

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    OK I was a little hard on the #7 car... the article below may have explained why the clutch failed prematurely.

    What's going on there... how could a driver from another team did what he did?! it's like the whole of Le Mans is against Toyota winning the thing. One thing to keep us fan having sleepless night is maybe they should just skip Le Mans for now.



    Vasselon “Frustrated” With Toyota’s Missed Opportunity - Sportscar365
     
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  20. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    My Japanese brother worked on the F1 team...and also on the Lexus LFa. That was the "consolation prize".