Ferrari back at Le Mans ... the veil is getting thinner

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Hun200kmh

Hun200kmh

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To mods: I am aware that this has been mentioned in the general Le Mans thread, but, if all signs lead to what is now all but officially confirmed, this is a piece of news that I have been dreaming about since I was a kid hearing stories of epic Ferrari/Ford and Ferrari/Porsche fights. And later watching, endless times over, "Le Mans".

In the beggining of the 1970's Enzo Ferrari decided his company had neither the size nor the money to fight at the highest level both in F1 and in Sporstcars. Still licking his wounds after being defeated by the might of Ford at Le Mans, Porsche became the new main contender there, and Porsche didn't have to split its resources between LM and F1. It was probably a difficult decision to take, but if Ferrari had to choose, then Formula One was the obvious option, considering Enzo's own history and beginnings.

Turns out it was a wise decision, and the Scuderia enjoyed the 70's decade as one of great success, returning to the front in 74, being the dominant force in 75, 76, 77, losing out in 78 (due to Colin Chapman's brilliance) and retuning to WDC victory in 79.

However, and even if Ferrari is unthinkable without F1, Le Mans was never forgotten. Of course the road going Ferraris never ceased to show up these last 40 years, with varying degrees of success. But, ironically thanks to Steve McQueen, even the new generations of enthusiasts know that Ferrari once was a formidable Le Mans contender.

Why all this?

Well, because Ferrari published this 20 seconds amateurish Youtube video today. And this can only mean one thing. They are coming back!




EDIT

Searching the "webz" a bit more this came up. I don't know this magazine or how reliable it is, but among their twitter account followers I see many respected teams and persons in motorsports so I guess they aren't noobs.

http://racetechmag.com/latest-news/sports-cars/item/762-ferrari-to-run-in-box-56-at-le-mans.html

According to this, Ferrari shows up with some experimental vehicle in 2015, and with a full LMP1 program in 2016. Does that make sense?
 
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One European manufacturer was rumored to enter the FIA WEC soon, it's possible.
Ferrari's issues in F1 might draw them there.
 
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Hun200kmh
According to this, Ferrari shows up with some experimental vehicle in 2015, and with a full LMP1 program in 2016. Does that make sense?
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Not really. It's assumed the current LMP1 regulations will be stable for 3 years before new ones are introduced for 2017. It wouldn't make much sense to build a new car for just one season before having to scrap it and start on a new one the very next year, it's better to do what Porsche did and come in at the same time as the new regulations.
 
SagarisGTB
Not really. It's assumed the current LMP1 regulations will be stable for 3 years before new ones are introduced for 2017. It wouldn't make much sense to build a new car for just one season before having to scrap it and start on a new one the very next year, it's better to do what Porsche did and come in at the same time as the new regulations.
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Sounds very likely, motorsport's been too expensive for some companies to be interested in it, a stable platform that benefits overall hybrid/race development will inevitably attract more companies and give a bigger platform for development of the next format change.

I still think this could be badged as an Alfa, they'll just have to be careful not to signal while they're using the wipers, radio or electric windows :D
 
This is probably a little off topic, but how much alteration would be required for Ferrari to enter an F1 car in garage 56?

I presume the wheels would need covering and room for a passenger, but is that all?
 
NFSCARBON1
This is probably a little off topic, but how much alteration would be required for Ferrari to enter an F1 car in garage 56?

I presume the wheels would need covering and room for a passenger, but is that all?
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Never happen. Garage 56 pace is supposed to be between LMP1 and LMP2 pace. No way would Ferrari or the FIA tolerate the LMP1's making F1 or Ferrari look that bad.
 
prisonermonkeys
I doubt it. The FIA won't let the two series compete.
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I never understood this mindset people have about the two "Competing" against each other. They are two completely different sides and its not like they are trying to one-up each other so I find it silly when people make such comments.
 
Bopop4
And how literally every single part would have to be different. ..
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And how Formula 1 cars are not built for endurance.

RACECAR
I never understood this mindset people have about the two "Competing" against each other. They are two completely different sides and its not like they are trying to one-up each other so I find it silly when people make such comments.
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They might be different series, but there can only be one that is accepted as the pinnacle of world motorsport.
 
NFSCARBON1
This is probably a little off topic, but how much alteration would be required for Ferrari to enter an F1 car in garage 56?

I presume the wheels would need covering and room for a passenger, but is that all?
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An F1 car runs at race pace (or thereabouts) for up to 80 hours a year, at a rough guess (practice, quali, race). That requires a minimum of 60 tyre changes just for the race portion of that (about 40 hours and presuming a reasonably constant weather pattern), and usually at least 5 engine/gearbox changes. I'm not sure it's worth going into the numbers any more than that.

prisonermonkeys
They might be different series, but there can only be one that is accepted as the pinnacle of world motorsport.
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Precisely.

RACECAR
Why does that just reek of elitism to me?
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Because that's what it is.
 
To bring this back a bit.

Last saturday Jean Todt signed a new deal with ACO. So it means that Fia and Aco want to developed the endurance championship further. Jean Todt (Ex Peugeot Sport, Ex Ferrari) has still strong ties to both companies I asume. F1 struggles and WEC seems to taking momentum. Nissan confirmed their entrance for 2015. Lotus shaping up nicely as well.

French presentors were speculating before the race about the return of Ferrari, Peugeot, Mercedes and Alfa. A Dutch presentor was saying that if Jean Todt could regain control and get Bernie out of the game he would.

Jean Todt is gaining more power and he is respected amoung manufacturers. He talks a lot to manufacturers that are in F1 and he will try to convince them to come to WEC (rumors).

So why would a manufacture like Ferrari want to stay in F1 with 1.6 liter engines with a lot of restrictions when they can develop more freely within an endurance championship. The technical evolvement is bigger in WEC than in F1. The WEC developments adds more to development/evolvement of roadcars that F1 (said by chief of Toyota). Ferrari could choose this direction and maybe the Fia is willing to pay Ferrari as well to come to WEC?

Just a few thoughts and maybe I am completely wrong but we are at a point that things can start to shift and that F1 will loose it's crown of racing and technical developement.

So the WEC contract is extended for 3 years. I think that the Fia and ACO will do the max to attract as many manufacturers as they can. If they succeed the WEC deal will be extended.
 
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Why would Ferrari repeatedly make a grand song and dance about their place in Formula 1 and then quit to make a political statement and join a series that only has a short-term future guaranteed?
 

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