Lotus LMP2 will race in FIA World Endurance Championship

Lotus LMP2 will race in FIA World Endurance Championship

Lotus announces to participate in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The deadline for the Championship registration ended yesterday and the squad has submitted the entry for two cars for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Furthermore the team confirms that the German Thomas Holzer and the American Kevin Weeda will lead the driver’s line up. Both of them were competing for Lotus in the previous year and gained a lot of experience in endurance racing. After a successful first season in FIA WEC, the team will compete in LMP2 class with two brand-new Lotus T128 in 2013. The new car will be presented to the public in the next few weeks. Lotus team.

 

12C GT3 to get improved aerodynamics and electronics for second season

McLaren: Laying claim to top spot in 2013

British constructor intends being consistently among the front-runners in second GT3 season.

The debut year did not go quite according to plan for McLaren and the MP4 12C GT3, but the British manufacturer produced an impressive rise in form as the season progressed. Whilst in the ADAC GT Masters a fifth place at the Red Bull Ring for Sascha Bert and Christopher Brück in the car prepared by Gemballa Racing was the best result to date for the MP4 12C GT3, McLaren customer teams worldwide achieved 19 wins in 2012. McLaren intend establishing their GT3 as a permanent feature amongst the GT3 elite in the 2013 season, and so have reworked the 12C GT3 for its second season.

The 13 global McLaren customer teams in the 2012 season that include ADAC GT Masters stalwarts MRS GT Racing and Gemballa Racing are to be followed by yet more new customers in 2013. Consequently, in addition to the 23 examples of the British supercar that fought for wins and placings last year, McLaren are to produce a second batch of GT3 cars for the 2013 season.

The 2013 MP4 12C GT3 is to receive a number of updates that will also be made available to existing customer teams. McLaren promise improved drivability, better reliability, enhanced efficiency, and what should be at the end of the day a less complex and therefore more manageable racing car for the teams.

Reworked aerodynamics with a new rear wing have been introduced to combat understeer. Updates also include an optimised engine control unit with a new wiring harness and alternative dampers.

Since the 2013 specification 12C GT3 will be lining up on grids all around the world, McLaren have paid particular attention to improving cooling of the turbocharged V8 mid-engine and aerodynamics. This is immediately evident as the new bonnet features much larger air intakes for 2013. Revamped aerodynamics will also further improve the balance of the mid-engine sports car whilst reducing tyre wear.

ADAC GT Masters.

Audi customers are set for Daytona

Audi customers are set for Daytona

Audi customers are set for Daytona

• Four Audi R8 GRAND-AM cars at 24-hour race in Florida
• Audi factory drivers reinforce U.S. customer teams
• Audi R8 also used as pace car

Ingolstadt, January 17, 2013 – Audi Sport customer racing is promoting the Audi
R8 and the U.S. racing version of the fascinating mid-engine sports car with a
strong line-up at the 24-hour race at Daytona (Florida) on January 26/27.
With extended support from the Audi customer sport department, the American
Alex Job Racing, APR Motorsport and Rum Bum Racing teams are fielding a total of
four Audi R8 GRAND-AM cars. The U.S. version of the successful customer racing
sports car from AUDI AG has been subjected to further technical development for
the 2013 season and will be meeting with strong competition in the field of GT cars
at the U.S. endurance classic.
“We’re expecting a highly balanced and competitive field in the GT category this
year,” says Romolo Liebchen, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “We’ve got
reliable race cars and a good strategy – but our drivers play the crucial role. That’s
why we’re supporting our customer teams at Daytona this year with a high-caliber
driver squad. Our aim is clear: Everyone who’s toying with the idea of getting
involved in the GRAND-AM Series should put the Audi R8 GRAND-AM on their short
list of choices.”
Extremely strong driver line-up
At Daytona, all three Audi customer teams can draw upon drivers who have already
achieved major successes in the GT3 version of the Audi R8. Competing for the
squad of Alex Job Racing are the three Audi factory drivers Filipe Albuquerque
(Portugal), Oliver Jarvis (Great Britain) and Edoardo Mortara (Italy/France). Filipe
Albuquerque was the runner-up in the Italian championship in the Audi R8 LMS in
2010. Oliver Jarvis contested the FIA GT1 World Championship last year at the
wheel of the Audi R8 LMS ultra. Edoardo Mortara in the R8 most recently won the
GT Cup in Macau two consecutive times plus two events of the Audi R8 LMS Cup in
China in 2012. The AJR squad is completed by the American Dion von Moltke, who
was victorious in the GTC category at the 2012 Sebring 12 Hours.
A similarly strong squad is driving the Audi R8 GRAND-AM of Rum Bum Racing, the
current championship-winning team in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge
that is held as part of the GRAND-AM Series. The five-time Le Mans winner Frank
Biela (Germany) was involved in the development of the R8 racing version from the
first day on. Christopher Haase (Germany) and GT1 World Champion Markus
Winkelhock (Germany) won the 24-hour race on the legendary Nürburgring
Nordschleife at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS ultra in 2012. The American Matt
Plumb last year just barely missed winning the drivers’ title in the Continental Tire
Sports Car Challenge.
The team of APR Motorsport that was already on the grid in the GRAND-AM Series
with the Audi R8 last year is fielding two cars at Daytona. Three other German
endurance racing aces, Marc Basseng, René Rast and Frank Stippler, are running in
the number “52” R8 GRAND-AM. Frank Stippler in the R8 LMS ultra won the 24-hour
races at the Nürburgring and at Spa last year and is one of the development drivers
of quattro GmbH for motorsport. Marc Basseng in 2012 was part of the victorious
Audi team at the Nürburgring as well, and so was René Rast at Spa. The APR
foursome is completed by the American Ian Baas, who celebrated a GT victory at
Daytona in 2006. Car number “51” will be shared by the two Americans Matt Bell
and Alex Figge and the Canadians David Empringham, John Farano and Dave Lacey.
“We’re in an outstanding position with this high-caliber driver line-up,” Romolo
Liebchen is convinced. “In terms of technology the R8 GRAND-AM has meanwhile
become as sophisticated and reliable as the GT3 version.”
R8 GRAND-AM with optimized technology
For the 2013 season, the Audi R8 GRAND-AM has been optimized in numerous
details. Optional flics at the front, ventilation of the front wheelhouses using
louvers above the front wheels plus a new rear wing position have improved the
car’s aerodynamic efficiency. To achieve the minimum weight prescribed by the
regulations, Audi has further extended the ultra lightweight design concept for
2013. Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) doors are now also permitted in
GRAND-AM racing. Specifically developed for the United States were spring-damper
units with softer suspension rates and modified damper characteristics.
During the preparation of the race cars for the 24-hour race at Daytona, nothing was
left to chance. After the “Roar before the Rolex 24,” the final joint test at Daytona,
all four race cars were prepared and brought up to the latest technical level
together with the teams at Audi Sport customer racing’s branch in Indiana. During
the race, Teams AJR, APR and RBR will be supported by engineers and mechanics of
quattro GmbH as well.
Audi R8 serves as pace car, record sales achieved in the United States
Audi of America is supporting the 51st running of the endurance classic in various
ways. Among other things, the production version of the Audi R8 will be used as the
pace car. In the United States, Audi achieved new record sales for every single
month last year. Audi of America has increased the customer base of the brand with
the four rings by around 50 percent over the past five years. Audi Sport customer
racing is expecting its U.S. business to grow as well.
Qualifying of the GT cars at Daytona is scheduled for Thursday (January 24) from
16:10 to 16:25 (local time, CET +6 hours). The race will start on Saturday (January
26) at 15:30 local time.

The Audi customer teams at Daytona
Audi R8 GRAND-AM #13 (Audi Sport customer racing/Rum Bum Racing)
Frank Biela (D)/Christopher Haase (D)/Matt Plumb (USA)/Markus Winkelhock (D)
Audi R8 GRAND-AM #24 (Audi Sport customer racing/Alex Job Racing)
Filipe Albuquerque (P)/Oliver Jarvis (GB)/Edoardo Mortara (I/F)/Dion von Moltke
(USA)
Audi R8 GRAND-AM #51 (APR Motorsport)
Matt Bell (USA)/David Empringham (CDN)/John Farano (CDN)/Alex Figge
(USA)/Dave Lacey (CDN)
Audi R8 GRAND-AM #52 (Audi Sport customer racing/APR Motorsport)
Ian Baas (USA)/Marc Basseng (D)/René Rast (D)/Frank Stippler (D)

Schedule
Thursday, January 24
09:00 – 10:00 Free practice 1
13:15 – 13:45 Free practice 2
15:40 – 15:55 Qualifying (prototypes)
16:10 – 16:25 Qualifying (GT vehicles)
18:00 – 20:00 Free practice 3

Friday, January 25
10:30 – 11:30 Free practice 4
Saturday, January 26
15:30 Start
Sunday, January 27
15:30 Finish
Audi Sport.

Blancpain Endurance series: 10 minutes with Martin Whitmarsh

10 minutes with Martin Whitmarsh

Did the decision to develop the 12C yourselves for 2013 go as planned?

"Development of the 12C GT3 continued to as an on-going process throughout the season, and worked in two stages. We have been working with each of the teams, receiving data and feedback from them, and working closely to understand and manage the performance and characteristics of the car. This process started before the start of the first race, and has continued throughout the full season. The team at McLaren GT has also been working hard to develop the 12C GT3 and improve reliability, driveability and efficiency. This has been done through continued durability testing and looking at ways to optimise the 12C GT3 whilst respecting the SRO, FIA and VLN Balance of Performances.

"The start of the season was challenging but, through this dedicated development programme, the 12C GT3 is now proving to be a true contender on the grid. With 19 victories and a further 19 podium finishes in its competitive debut season in all competitions, it is considered by teams to be the ‘GT car to own and race."

How did McLaren find the level of competition from other manufacturers in the Blancpain Endurance Series this year?

"The Blancpain Endurance Series is one of the most competitive GT series in the world, and it was fantastic to see so many McLarens on the grid throughout 2012. It is also fantastic to see such a broad mix of major names in the world of automotive and sports car racing coming together to form such a strong grid. With major manufacturers in the mix, the competition is always going to be extremely high, and I think that has been evident throughout this season which has seen a range of winners from each manufacturer, and some of the closest racing I’ve ever seen.

"When dealing with such professional teams and manufacturers, the competition is always going to be tough, but that is what makes the Blancpain Endurance Series so appealing. And, looking at the size of the grids, especially at the Total 24 Hours of Spa, there is a real draw to teams and drivers to be involved. It is a real credit to the teams and the organisers that each of the races have been so close, and that the battles throughout the grid have been so frequent."

Has racing the 12C enhanced the McLaren Automotive brand in 2012?

"The 12C GT3 has really helped to support the global growth of McLaren Automotive. As a company, our goal is, and always has been, to win, and this is supported by the McLaren GT programme. The 12C GT3 has had a strong year, in what is the car’s competitive debut season and the results have helped promote the brand and the 12C.  

"It is great to have a successful product racing in a high profile series, such as the Blancpain Endurance Series, and with many of our customers fans of motorsport, it is fantastic to show what the 12C is capable of. We have seen more than 20 examples of the 12C GT3 racing throughout the 2012 season, visiting 14 countries, and it speaks volumes when you look at the level of support we received in markets where we currently do not have retailers such as Russia and Azerbaijan.

Do McLaren use the GT programme to give its young engineers more experience in a racing environment?

"As part of the customer-focused programme that we operate, each team was offered the support of a young McLaren Racing Engineer for the 2012 season. Working in a variety of roles within teams, including race engineers and data engineers, the aim of this has been to provide teams with a McLaren ‘implant’ who knows the car, the company and the processes and, who is a direct link to the factory. The young engineers work with the team to set up the car, optimising performance throughout the season, and gives these young engineers a fantastic opportunity to work in real race situations, and gain valuable experience in a racing environment.

What plans are in place for the 2013 Blancpain Endurance Series?

"The 2013 season will see an additional production run of the 12C GT3 racing across the globe, and next season is shaping up to be another strong year for the Blancpain Endurance Series. I am pleased to see that there will be a strong presence of McLarens on the grid again. and we will be working with our customers to be at the front of the grid.

"The final race of the season saw Hexis Racing claim the first outright victory for the 12C GT3 in the series, and ART took the Pro-Am class win, which was a great way to end the season. We are always looking forward as a company, and will be looking to build on this platform to achieve further success, and challenge for more podiums and victories."

BES.

The World’s Most Advanced Car Factory As It’s Never Been Seen Before

Matt Hardigree

McLaren is more than a carmaker. They've created a temple for the world's best engineers, designers, and problem solvers. The new factory where they build the MP4-12C is a technology advanced, 344,445-sf automotive nirvana tucked away in the English countryside.

A few people have ventured inside during business hours, but no one outside some cleaners and security guards have ever seen it like this. At night. Without the 750 assembly "experts" creating the company's extreme supercar.

Photographer GF Williams captures this amazing place, frozen in time at each stage of production for this exclusive Jalopnik photo shoot.

Fourteen days. That's how long it takes for the various parts shipped to the McLaren factory to come together to create the $240,000 MP4-12C. In the roughly eight months the plant has been open they've produced over 1,000 of them.

The McLaren Factory At Night

View the gallery

"The only people around were cleaners making sure that everything is absolutely perfect, which is the Ron Dennis way," says Williams, referring to the company's Chairman.

Although the cars are hand-built, the plant is almost cyborg-like in how it combines man and machine. Vertical conveyer mini lines feed multiple stations, each equipped with an advanced human-machine interface that aids the workers in installing parts correctly.

The computers are integrated into the tools and assembly equipment and the system won't let an engine advance, for instance, until the current one is completed successfully.

At the end of the line, engines are tested to assure they match performance specs before being put into the cars.

The plant is so precise and carefully designed it doesn't have the roar one would expect from a place cranking out cars.

"Having been to the factory during the day a few weeks prior to the night time visit it's amazing to note that the factory is so quiet when the workforce is in full flow that there isn't much difference in noise level when none of them are even there," says Williams.

Visually, though, the contrast is stark.

As you click through the gallery you'll see each station has the stage of build completed for us, so that you can see what it looks like before it goes onto the next part of the process.

Finally, there are completed cars at the end of the production line ready to go off to their lucky new owners. Click through the gallery to see each car and download wallpapers.

Our thanks go out to McLaren for inviting us and for having a rather late guiding us round the factory in the dark with a flashlight.

---

GF Williams is a UK-based automotive photographer and car enthusiast.

Ready to race: 2013 Dunlop 24H DUBAI is on this weekend!

Ready to race: 2013 Dunlop 24H DUBAI is on this weekend!

DUBAI (January 8^th, 2013) – This weekend, January 10^th till 12^th, the Dubai Autodrome will host the eighth running of the Dunlop 24H DUBAI, the first international endurance race of the year for GTs, touring cars and 24H Specials. Organised by Dutch agency CREVENTIC in co-operation with DNRT and the Dubai Autodrome Motorsports Club, the race has become established as the most international endurance event of the year. The entry list for this year’s event shows a total of 82 teams from 18 countries and drivers with 41 different nationalities, competing with 25 different car brands. The race once again promises to be thrilling affair!

No less than 27 cars have been entered in the A6 class, predominantly for machinery to international GT3 standards. With Aston Martin Vantage GT3, Audi R8 LMS ultra, BMW Z4 GT3, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper Competition Coupé, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo LP600 plus, McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Porsche 997 R, RSR and Cup S, this class is filled with breath-taking sportscars which, theoretically, could all be contenders for overall honours. Last year, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 cars locked out the podium in Dubai, but BMW and Porsche are also in the winners’ list of the event and both brands again have a strong presence. Moreover, the debut of the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 in Dubai is being eagerly awaited, the car having won the 24H BARCELONA last September.

The SP2 class has eight entries, including Renault Mégane and GC Automobile silhouette cars, a Chevrolet Corvette, an Audi TT RS and two new cars: a BMW M3 silhouette and the Belgian VDS GT 001-R, which is making its competition debut. The 997 class for Porsche Cup cars includes seven teams, while the SP3-GT4 class is the second-biggest category with twelve participating teams, running Aston Martin, BMW, Ginetta, GC, Lotus, Nissan and Porsche cars. A special feat: all the winners of the various Nissan PlayStation GT Academy competitions will be on the grid for this year’s race.

The A3T class includes three SEAT Leon Supercopa cars and a BMW 320D with an all-female line-up, the five Dutch lady racers once again competing under the ‘Racing Divas’ banner. Traditionally, the A4 class is an all-BMW affair, while various BMWs and a pair of Lotus cars have been entered into the A5 class. In the D1 diesel class, a Volkswagen and a SEAT will be up against three BMWs and the A2 class has nine entries, with a Honda, a Citroën C2, a Lotus Elise, three Minis and as many Renault Clios.

 Cars and equipment have arrived, teams start preparations

No less than 70 cargo containers with the cars and equipment of the various teams have arrived at the Dubai Autodrome and have been placed in the paddock, directly behind the pit boxes. One by one, teams are arriving in Dubai as well and start preparations for the race. “It is always nice to welcome the people to Dubai and see the smiles on their face as they arrive here, no matter if they are first-time competitors or regulars of the event,” says Gerrie Willems on behalf of CREVENTIC. “With daytime temperatures of around 25 degrees, it is very pleasant here in Dubai and everything looks set for a great race. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Dunlop, Nissan, Bilstein and Besaplast, our main event sponsors, for their great contribution towards this race.”

More than 100 media representatives from all over the world are expected in Dubai as well. MOTORS TV and various other TV channels will provide extensive live broadcasting with up to 16 hours of live coverage during the event. The experts from Radio Show Ltd, the team behind Radio Le Mans, will be on site to provide commentary. Information about TV coverage can be found online at www.24hseries.com. Live streaming, timing and latest news will be available at live.24hseries.com, while the event will also be covered on Twitter (@24HSERIES, #24HDUBAI) and on Facebook (24H Series).

Creventic.

BMW, PORSCHE SWEEP SATURDAY MORNING SESSION AT DAYTONA

             BMW, PORSCHE SWEEP SATURDAY MORNING SESSION AT DAYTONA

Roar Before the Rolex 24, Session Reports

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla - Dane Cameron led a trio of BMWs atop the time sheets to kick of Saturday’s test sessions for the Roar Before the Rolex 24. In GT, it was Patrick Long’s Porsche GT3 Cup leading the way, while another Porsche, the Caymen driven by Shane Lewis, topped the GX times.

Driving the No. 42 Team Sahlen BMW/Riley, Cameron laid down a 1:42.101 (125.52 mph) early and could not be bested by either of the Target/TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing BMW Rileys, which came on strong late in the one hour and 45 minute session.

Long’s time of 1:48.569 (118.045 mph) in the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche GT3 Cup led a train of three Porsches for the best GT time of the session.

The new GX category was led by Shane Lewis, who turned a 1:56.592 (109.92 mph) in the No. 16 Napleton Racing Porsche Caymen

The next Rolex Series test session at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. (ET). Live timing and scoring is available on grand-am.com.

Allmendinger Picks Up Where He Left Off, Fastest On Day 1

Defending Rolex 24 winners AJ Allmendinger and Andy Lally led their respective classes in Friday afternoon’s second and final practice session to open the Roar Before the Rolex 24.

With the track dry following a damp morning sessions, the afternoon times were fastest of the opening day of the three-day test in preparation for the Jan. 26-27 Rolex Series season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Allmendinger led the Daytona Prototype competitors with a lap of 1:42.918 (124.53 mph) in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford/Riley, followed by Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Memo Rojas (No. 01 BMW/Riley) and Dario Franchitti (No. 02 BMW/Riley).

Lally paced the GT contingent, running 1:49.322 (117.23 mph) in the No. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche GT3.

David Donohue was fastest in the debut of the GX class, running 1:57.466 (109.10 mph).

McMurray Paces Opening Rolex Series Session At Roar Before the Rolex 24

Under rainy skies, NASCAR Sprint Cup standout Jamie McMurray led the first Roar Before the Rolex 24 practice session driving the No. 02 Target/TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley. Nick Tandy in the No. 32 Orbit Racing Porsche GT3 Cup topped the GT field. Both drivers steadily improved their times through the one hour and 45 minutes session as the steady rain came to halt and the track conditions improved. McMurry ended the session with a 2:01.852 (105.177 mph), Tandy a 2:05.183 (102.378 mph). BGB Motorsports was the quickest of the GX entries, as Ryan Eversley laid down a 2:13.408 (96.066 mph) in the No. 38 Porsche Cayman GX.R. The next practice session is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (ET)

Source: GrandAm.com
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