[Fumes]

Wow.

https://rennlist.com/articles/porsch...mpaign=content

from the piece...

After a triumphant return to the World Endurance Championship’s top-tier LMP1 class, Porsche has announced that it is planning to exit the series after the end of this season. The news follows a prior announcement that they would depart after the 2018 season, now opting to leave one year earlier.

This comes after Audi opted to leave LMP1 at the end of last year. With only Toyota left in LMP1, the future of the class is uncertain.

Starting in 2019, Porsche intends to compete in Formula E, the cutting-edge, all-electric racing series. When you think about it, it’s a logical progression for Porsche to go from the successful hybrid electric 919 race car to a full-electric Formula E car. Simply put, they proved their success and dominance and are prepared to move on.

Audi is also now competing in Formula E. It’s a good image booster for both companies, who, as part of the Volkswagen group, were on the fringes of the massive Dieselgate scandal that recently rocked the industry. Mercedes-Benz has recently announced that they are joining Formula E in 2019 as well.

[Otto]

just read about this

i guess it is a resource management / cost issue, because i don't see why don't compete in both

however, it will most likely be a good move

and yes, dieselgate was unfortunate, lets hope the bad character of those involved don't continue to tarnish the brands

at one point i was kind of looking for a used porsche cayenne diesel, but they are not to be found

[Dandelion]

They can only beat Toyota so many ways (including the last two years by inheriting it).

ed

[racer]

Dieselgate fallout and of course, Europe looking to ban Internal Combustion Engines by 2040 is another issue. Plus, no fun beating up the same kid over and over Mercedes is dropping out of DTM to join Formula E.

[Chakka]

I hope if more brands are getting in, that the racing is more interesting to watch. They manage their batteries, pit, get in a new car, run until the end. No tire strategy, fuel stategy(2 stop vs 3, etc) Tried watching it a few times, former Formula One drivers, short laps, sound like r/c cars. I get the worlds direction and won't be surprised to see driverless racing sooner than later. Next generation won't know what they're missing..

[roundel]

LMP1 died the fate of so many awesome classes before it. The cars got so advanced and so expensive with one team always winning. Nobody has the budget to blow on getting up to speed for 3 years.

In car of the 919 at La Sarthe is awesome though!

https://youtu.be/R_rPIWDew-M

[BlackTalon]

I think LMP reached the pinnacle with the panoz cars. It's been boring since they disappeared.

[Fumes]

awesome video and seems right for lmp1

not as much for p2 maybe... Jackie Chan/Jota (privateers) crushed. I believe they were podium overall and actually led overall briefly which was a first for a p2 car

Originally Posted by roundel

LMP1 died the fate of so many awesome classes before it. The cars got so advanced and so expensive with one team always winning. Nobody has the budget to blow on getting up to speed for 3 years.

In car of the 919 at La Sarthe is awesome though!

https://youtu.be/R_rPIWDew-M

[roundel]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

I think LMP reached the pinnacle with the panoz cars. It's been boring since they disappeared.

Was that back when you went to the track?

[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by roundel

Was that back when you went to the track?

Heck yeah!

I even worked for Bob Miller's team the weekend they were at RFK, and still drove in a handful of DEs that season.