2014 24 Hours of Le Mans | FerrariChat

2014 24 Hours of Le Mans

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by BartonWorkman, May 10, 2014.

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  1. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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    Lets get the party started.

    Here is a technical briefing from Audi on their electronic architecture.

    Audi R18 e-tron quattro with complex electronic architecture
    • Telemetry connection between race car and pit lane
    • Permanent acquisition of far more than 1,000 parameters
    • Various electronic control units interlinked by a multitude of CAN Bus systems

    The Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the most complex race car created in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm to date. This not only applies to the mechanics. The electronics of the most recent LMP1 race car with the four rings is more sophisticated than ever before.

    The age of electronic data transmission from the race car on track began for Audi in 1989. At that time, an Audi 90 quattro in the IMSA GTO series radioed eight parameters to the garage where engine speeds and a few pressures and temperatures were plotted on printouts – a tiny step from today’s perspective, but one that provided important insights at the time.

    Today, an Audi R18 e-tron quattro on more than a thousand channels, in cycles that in some cases only amount to milliseconds, generates data of crucial importance to a staff of engineers at Audi Sport. At Le Mans, the engineers constantly monitor their race cars for 24 hours. Whether it concerns the functionality of the systems, compliance with the regulations or information that is important for strategic reasons, the race car – similar to a medical EKG system – continually diagnoses its condition and reports it to the team garage.

    For this purpose, the LMP1 sports car is equipped with an array of CAN Bus systems which interlink a wide range of electronic control units (ECUs). Sophisticated sensors measure various parameters, such as suspension and acceleration data, temperatures and pressures, or information in the area of energy management, to generate a database for the ECUs. The R18 e-tron quattro has a master system control unit that is primarily responsible for engine and hybrid control and additionally communicates with the other control units in the race car – such as the ECUs for the transmission, clutch actuators, windshield wipers and the laser beam headlights.

    The race car has a direct online connection to the computers in the team garage. It is used for high-speed data transmission in real time for operating conditions, such as temperatures, that do not require a high transfer rate. This makes it possible to effectively transfer limited data volumes for a general assessment of the car’s condition. In contrast, the sports car gathers detailed data on each race lap and transmits it via a burst signal when the car drives past the pit lane. Data volumes of more than 20 megabytes are generated per lap, depending on the measurement configuration – equating to more than 10,000 A4 size pages.

    Bi-directional data transmission is prohibited. Data may be transmitted from the car to the pits, but not vice versa. Radio communications with the race driver in the car are the only possibility which the team has to influence the car. If there is a need for action based on the engineers’ data analysis this information – such as brake balance, engine control or hybrid system settings – is communicated to the driver by radio. If necessary, alternative program versions stored in the car may be used.

    In addition, there is a telemetry system for the officials of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), which together with the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) monitors compliance with the regulations: Is the hybrid system within the prescribed amounts of energy? Is the energy consumption of the race car within the prescribed range? Are the boost pressure parameters correct? Does the cockpit temperature remain within the permissible limits?

    In addition, the FIA uses a GPS system. This year, the FIA has begun to use this system for measuring whether or not a race driver complies with the speed limit in critical situations, such as caution periods at the scene of an accident. Activities of the marshals (in marshaling areas to secure accident scenes, for example) are also displayed in the cockpit. This provides the driver with assistance that enhances the safety of all the participants. Furthermore, the position of the race car can be tracked on a map of the circuit in real time. Consequently, a modern LMP1 race car is constantly and comprehensively connected with the team and with race control.
     
  2. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    this year's LM24 is going to be epic.

    of course I'm hoping Porsche can with three of the four classes :)

    I hope it's a clean race with a dry track, we might see some amazing distance/lap records set.
     
  3. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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    Yes, lets hope for dry running and none of the debacles of last year.

    The ACO is supposed to have improved the safety standards with input from
    Tom Kristensen among others.

    When you hear that the armco barriers which have been in place since the mid-60s
    serve as the main safety barriers around the track and they're bolted into rotting old
    wood pylons and as we found out tragically last year, into the trees at Tetre Rouge, it
    doesn't make any sense.

    With the safety of the cars vastly improved over the past decade plus, the tracks simply
    cannot rest on their laurels and be left to rot year round.

    BHW
     
  4. ryan_qttro

    ryan_qttro Karting

    Jul 11, 2011
    73
    Definitely gonna be a show Porsche vs Audi
     
  5. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Toyota might steal that show...
     
  6. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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    If Toyota can avoid on track mistakes, have smooth pit stops and all the luck on their
    side, they'd have to be considered favorites just going by the pace they've shown so
    far.

    Even Tom Kristensen has stated that Audi are not the favorites going into Le Mans. But,
    Audi do all the sums well before they get to La Sarthe so even if they're on the back
    foot this year, it is hard to write off their chances.

    Porsche has some reliability issues to work out with that trick suspension they're running.

    BHW
     
  7. BartonWorkman

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    Fernando Alonso will be the special guest starter of the 82nd Le Mans 24 Hours, which takes place at the legendary La Sarthe circuit on 14 and 15 June. The Scuderia Ferrari driver will wave the flag to send the racers on their way, thus joining other notable start officials, such as Gianni Agnelli, back in 1968 and Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, who did the honours in 2009.

    The Automobile Club de l’Ouest invited Alonso as a leading representative of Ferrari, which has played a significant part in the history of Le Mans and also following on from several comments President Montezemolo has made relating to the technology and car development linked to this event.

    Fernando is delighted to have been asked: “I am very happy to have been chosen to start this race,” he told Ferrari country selector, “because it is one of a handful of races that has defined the history of motor sport.” Alonso will be able to see at first hand the Endurance cars, that this year more than ever have many elements in common with Formula 1 cars. “I’m keen to check out the details on this type of car. In Formula 1, we have also entered the hybrid era and I am curious to find out more about the working methods and technology involved in this series.”

    At Le Mans, Fernando will also be able to meet up with old friends. “For sure, it will be nice to see Mark Webber, who is a great friend of mine. We miss him in Formula 1 and I want to know how he’s getting on in Endurance racing.” Fernando will also be able to lend his support to the AF Corse drivers – Bruni, Fisichella and Vilander, as well as Rigon, Calado and Beretta – who will be aiming for another win for Ferrari in this legendary race, after the 458 Italia GT2, in the hands of Giancarlo Fisichella, “Gimmi” Bruni and Toni Vilander, won in 2012.
     
  8. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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    Audi R18 e-tron quattro ready for official test day at Le Mans
    • Only opportunity to drive on the track before the race
    • Set-up of hybrid sports car even more complex this year
    • Eight Audi drivers to start in three race cars

    Ingolstadt, May 27, 2014 – June 1 is the day of the ‘dress rehearsal’ for the new generation of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The official test day at Le Mans has traditionally been the only opportunity for all the teams to set up their cars for the track before the week of events for the 24-hour race begins.

    The 13.629-kilometer circuit at La Sarthe is legendary. Long sections of the ‘Circuit des 24 Heures’ are public roads which are closed to road traffic on the test day and during the race week. “This makes it particularly important to use this valuable time systematically, efficiently and thoroughly prepared,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “On June 1, we’ll have eight hours of testing available for a very extensive program. Due to the new regulations even more factors than before have to be considered this year. In addition to the previously known set-up work, the tests will be about achieving the specified consumption targets on this track for the first time.”

    Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen (BR/F/DK), Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) and Filipe Albuquerque/Marco Bonanomi (P/I) will share the test program created by Audi Sport in their three sports cars. From suspension kinematics to the hybrid system, from the engine to aerodynamics, from various control maps to the tires: The workload will be split between the three R18 e-tron quattro cars in order to generate a solid database that can subsequently be used by the whole team.

    A special task makes additional demands on the drivers and race engineers this year. Every R18 e-tron quattro may only consume 138.7 megajoules of energy at Le Mans this year – which equates to 3.95 liters of diesel fuel. The stewards of the meeting will receive the consumption data in real time, which allows them to monitor the compliance of all LMP1 sports cars with this requirement.

    “During our track tests, as well as in rounds one and two of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Silverstone and Spa, we saw that the new rules are associated with many learning processes,” says Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport. “Now we’re familiarizing ourselves with the application of the new rules, as well as our new car in the specification for the 24-hour race in the track conditions of Le Mans.”

    Two weeks after the test day, Audi will be contesting the iconic 24-hour race in the western part of France in which the brand has clinched twelve victories to date.
     
  9. NürScud

    NürScud F1 Veteran

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    I believe the same thing. Fortunately there are a lot of possibilities...
     
  10. Gran Drewismo

    Gran Drewismo F1 Rookie

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    Anyone know who is airing the race in the US? Or am I now stuck finding some live stream now that Speed is no more?
     
  11. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Truth in engineering!

    Best
     
  12. sindo308qv

    sindo308qv F1 Rookie

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    Fox Sports is airing the race.
     
  13. BartonWorkman

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    #13 BartonWorkman, May 28, 2014
    Last edited: May 28, 2014
    There will be live streaming sites carrying Le Mans as well because we may always count
    on FOX Sports to cut away to show something as vitally critical as NASCAR Truck qualifying
    or Dale Earnhardt, Jr. cleaning his garage while the most important race in the world
    is going on.

    Audi will be back with full coverage from their on-board cameras in all three cars at
    Le Mans and there is always Radio Le Mans.

    We'll have the direct links closer to the time the race approaches.

    BHW
     
  14. jzcar

    jzcar Karting

    Mar 23, 2012
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    thanks, Barton.

     
  15. flat-12

    flat-12 Formula Junior

    Mar 18, 2011
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    Germany
    Don't worry, it's the same with Eurosport. The only difference, the coverage is interupted some hours because of snooker not truck qualifying.

    I'm still thinking about getting to Le Mans this year, living in Germany it's not that big deal :-D the decision depands very much on the weather. Do you think 458's could make it?
     
  16. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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  17. gt4me

    gt4me F1 Veteran

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  18. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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  19. texasmr2

    texasmr2 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Yepper, FS1 (channel 219 for Direct TV users).
     
  20. BartonWorkman

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    Successful test day for Audi R18 e-tron quattro
    • Albuquerque/Bonanomi fastest Audi drivers
    • All three hybrid sports cars thoroughly prepared
    • Audi Sport Team Joest gathers valuable data for race week

    Audi intensively used the only testing opportunity for the Le Mans 24 Hours at the ‘Circuit des 24 Heures.’ The three R18 e-tron quattro cars on a total of 284 laps completed an aggregate of 3,870 kilometers before the 82nd running of the iconic endurance race on June 14 and 15.

    The eight hours of testing at La Sarthe proved very valuable for Audi. During the four hours in the morning, Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen (BR/F/DK) in car number 1, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) in the number 2 R18 e-tron quattro and Filipe Albuquerque/Marco Bonanomi (P/I) in the third car put all the set-up work into on-track action. In addition to the final aerodynamic configuration, the mechanically generated grip was another focal point of the program. Furthermore, all eight drivers had the first opportunity at Le Mans to align their race cars and their personal driving styles with the energy consumption targets which the regulations specifically define for each track. In the morning, Marco Bonanomi, on setting a lap time of 3m 23.799s, achieved the fastest time in the first practice session.

    During the course of 125 laps (1703.625 km) the Audi drivers met the requirements set by the engineers with such precision that all three driver squads were able to use the afternoon for extensive tire tests. The objective was to test the performance of the fundamentally new tire generation over the long run. Three interruptions of the practice session by red flags interfered with their rhythm only in a minor way. After 159 laps in the afternoon, Audi looked back on a total of 3870.636 kilometers driven. Filipe Albuquerque/Marco Bonanomi finished the practice session as the best Audi squad in third place.

    “Our drivers, Audi Sport Team Joest and all Audi Sport employees fully accomplished an ambitious program today and in doing so performed valuable work,” said Audi Head of Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “The squad surpassed our expectations. Now, in the remaining week before the event, we’re going to analyze this data in order to find an optimal set-up for all three race cars.”

    Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport, was pleased at the end of the test day as well. “We completed a long and extensive program on the test day. My thanks go to all the people involved in this project, who are looking back on some tough weeks and months. We’re entering the race week with the feeling of being thoroughly prepared. We know how tough Le Mans will be this year. Now we’re all focusing our joint efforts on a single big aim – we’re set on battling for victory in two weeks from now.”

    Test day results (parts 1 and 2 combined)

    1 Buemi/Davidson/Lapierre (Toyota), 3m 23.014s
    2 Nakajima/Sarrazin/Wurz (Toyota), 3m 23.156s
    3 Albuquerque/Bonanomi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro), 3m 23.799s
    4 Di Grassi/Duval/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro), 3m 24.453s
    5 Dumas/Jani/Lieb (Porsche), 3m 24.692s
    6 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro), 3m 24.757s
    7 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche), 3m 24.911s
    8 Beche/Heidfeld/Prost (Rebellion-Toyota), 3m 31.700s
    9 Belicchi/Kraihamer/Leimer (Rebellion-Toyota), 3m 33.043s
    10 Canal/Pla/Rusinov (Morgan-Nissan), 3m 37.795s
     
  21. Gran Drewismo

    Gran Drewismo F1 Rookie

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    Porsche is about right where I expected them to be.

    One thing that I am continually amazed at in Motorsport is how close each teams cars usually are.
     
  22. BartonWorkman

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    And one of the reasons the teams practice and practice and practice their pit stops, driver
    changes, and drill for any unforeseen circumstances during the race.

    The times are close for testing for sure. And, this was testing where each of the cars out
    doing going through different programs, how they run on different tires, aero, suspension and
    engine settings, etc.

    We should expect to see the times in qualifying to be even closer, it is just going to come
    down to what team wants pole position the most. They'll be going for it.

    BHW
     
  23. Heat Seeker WS6

    Heat Seeker WS6 Formula 3

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    They talk about that in Audi's 'Truth in 24'. Crews will simulate random failures and damage scenarios with them having very little time to prepare for the situation as in actual racing conditions. I think that's why the Audi drivers are so hell bent on bringing wounded cars back to the pits for repairs- they know the crews can respond.
     
  24. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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    That is correct.

    I have witnessed the Audi teams practicing driver changes in the paddock at Sebring. They
    do it dozens of times with team leaders standing with stop watches as the drivers cycle through
    getting out of the car and belting the next one in.

    If they're off by a tenth, they do it again until they get it right.

    The Audi team is as well drilled as any stick and ball sport team and they've worked
    hard to achieve all they have since 2000.

    BHW
     
  25. BartonWorkman

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