With just 30 days left now until the Le Mans 24 Hours 2013 we continue our alphabet preview with Graham Goodwin fromDailysportscar.com. Today we are looking at letters P through to R.
P is for Porsche
With their first factory team since 1998 Porsche are back with a vengeance and their new 991 based 911 RSR looks the biggest step forward for many a year.
The factory team will cp test the whole FIA WEC, including the Le Mans 24 Hours before 2014 sees customer versions of this car and the launch of a brand new LMP1 programme to take on the might of Audi and Toyota
P is for Paul Ricard
Not really new but more than ever becoming an integral part of the racing scene once again after years of being a strictly ‘behind closed doors’ spectator venue.
Whilst spectator facilities are few and far between this is a place worth visiting with unmatched track quality, the immensely quick Mistral straight and fabled Signes corner and a very good cup of expresso available in the paddock!
Q is for Quattro
The hybrid regulations last year gave the LMP1 factory tems the option of delivering their very considerable hybrid punch, energy collected under braking and then released, either via the rear or front wheels.
Toyota evaluated both options and went for rear wheel delivery but Audi went the 4wd route with many observers feeling that they had taken a marketing-led decision to more closely align their racing hardware to their premium road car product – The iconic Quattro moniker then could justifiably be applied to the 2012 and 2013 R18s.
R is for RAM Racing
A significant new addition to the European Le Mans Series grid, Silverstone based RAM Racing have brought a pair of brand new Ferrari 458 GTE cars to the Series and are looking to bring home the title.
Their lead car sees Johnny Mowlem and Matt Griffin form an Anglo-Irish alliance that should see their car right at the sharp end of the action.
R is for Rebellion Racing
The reigning WEC LMP1 Privateer Champions are back with a more than mildly upgraded version of their already impressive Lola Toyota package.
The crew for their full season WEC car is a hugely convincing one with ex F1 ace Nick Heidfeld teamed with the super quick Neel Jani and F1 test driver Nicolas Prost.
Their aim will be to retain their title, and to take advantage of any fumbles from the factory boys. That will be a tall order but don’t bet against them finding their way mighty close to an overall podium at some point this year.
It’s just a month now to the big one. If you still need tickets for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2013 then call us now on 0844 873 0203. We have a limited availability in tickets for on-circuit camping and rooms off-circuit.