As hybrids take more and more of these races, the traditional 'gear heads' are faced with the reality that hybrids are the future. EVs don't have the range but have already burned up the drag race tracks. Given a solid, air-<something> battery, EVs can take these endurance races too. Bob Wilson
I was late getting to the feed but I get the impression the Audi team got out front early and the Toyotas stayed behind the rest of the race, pretty much the same offset. Since the Audi hybrid system is speed limited, it suggests they got their lead early but were . . . less effective thereafter. I suspect we'll see a better strategy on the next race. The ability of the Toyota hybrid system to operate at all speeds suggests they should be more competitive in the next round. It looked like the Corvette in the race . . . had problems. As for the rest of the field . . . I suspect they're rethinking their attitudes on hybrids. <GRINS> Bob Wilson
Unless the race rules have changed, the toyota system should be speed restricted. The race rules give hybrids a small advantage.
2012 24 Hours of Le Mans: ACO/FIA Announce Hybrid Braking Zones | Speed:Sport:LifeSpeed:Sport:Life Ok the rule were different than I think they used to be. The audi's must be above 120 kmh because they send power to the front wheels, they have removed speed restrictions from rwd hybrids, and Toyota opted to use that. I would think the awd hybrid would have the advantage even with the restrictions. It looks like toyota had tire issues, perhaps they have time to work on that. LE MANS: Audi Sweeps Silverstone WEC Opener
I only saw the last 1/3 of the race but noticed how the relationship between the E-tron and Toyotas remained fixed. All four continued to increase their lead over the third pair. The fourth Toyota had two extra pit stops. It looks to be an interesting race season. Bob Wilson
Source: Planetlemans.com | FIA WEC: one-two victory for Audi at Silverstone The technology involved is interesting: The one thing I don't get is the '20 percent smaller' fuel tank leading to quicker pit stops. Is there a flow-rate limit on the fueling hoses? The Toyota team debrief: Source: Toyota Racing Begins Season With Podium Finish :: PaddockTalk :: F1, Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, MotoGP, ALMS, And More! Interesting how close it was at the top. Bob Wilson
I don't think there is restriction, but less fuel at the same speed is faster. The big thing on the pit is tire change though, lower fuel only helps if you don't have to change tires, and Toyota had tire problems. The RWD hybrid system should have an advantage exiting the pits. They try to make these rules to be fair. The quarto AWD hybrid system and aerodynamic down force, better tires helped audi take turns faster. The second place audi actually lost its hybrid system during the race, allowing the other audi to pass it.
National Electric Drag Racing Association I hadn't followed it in a couple of years. Just I remember some of the early ones were making pretty quick runs . . . all that torque at the start without any engine run-up or clutch games. Bob Wilson
