2008 24 Hours of Le Mans

[JohnBM01]

If there becomes another deluge like there was last year, I'll be uncertain as to if Peugeot will get their third outright Le Mans win in their history. A 70% chance of rain is a pretty high chance of rain. Could it be pounding rain that can turn around this race substantially? And if it does, I think it may work to Audi's advantage and work against Peugeot. That is... unless Audi somehow loses just enough ground so that the Peugeots can have a chance to capitalize. I predicted a storybook ending for the Audi R10 TDI with a win, and it may seem like that now that we're heading closer and closer to 3PM in France.

 

[RACECAR]

It Looks like China may have its first driver on the podium and a GT2 car could finish in the top 20. This is shaping up to be one very awesome finish.

 

[McLaren]

The #7 is in the pits with the R10 still out there. Need to get out quick before it comes back around.

 

[Motominded]

if it keeps raining, i doubt the peugeot has a chance.

 

[JohnBM01]

The #7 Peugeot is lapped. May just be the end... yet stranger things have happened. Obviously, I want Peugeot to win. I just think Audi's going to get it done again realistically.

 

[JohnBM01]

Uh oh... the Dome [S102] got beached! Tough break...

 

[Motominded]

Uh oh... the Dome [S102] got beached! Tough break...

he'll get out, i hope

 

[Metar]

The last few laps played a few seconds in Peugeot's favor - especially the last lap, which was 4s against the #2 Audi and 7s against the other two Audis. If they get a safety-car, or keep that pace.. There's hope.

One Charouz and one Pescarolo are out.


Update: Holy crap. Klien put a 3'53, compared to Capelli's 4'09 and the #1 Audi at 4'01.

 

[Motominded]

Mclaren and Rocket Punch.....where are you watching from?

John, i know you out of Texas.

 

[JohnBM01]

First, the Dome S102 gets beached. Now, they whack the wall and lose some right-front bodywork.

* McLaren * and I are both Texans. I think Rocket Punch is too. Not real sure...

 

[Rocket Punch]

Mclaren and Rocket Punch.....where are you watching from?

John, i know you out of Texas.

NY. freaking 5am now......

 

[Metar]

#7 Peugeot back on the lead lap.

 

[Bram Turismo]

#7 Peugeot back on the lead lap.

 

[Motominded]

NY. freaking 5am now......

Same here, im on my 9th coke cola

 

[JohnBM01]

I may not stay online all night long, but I will try to do something I've NEVER done watching this race- seeing the finish LIVE. Peugeot just made life interesting. Plenty of time left. Or DID they get their lap back? All the timing and scoring says that they are still down a lap.

 

[Rocket Punch]

Cut slick going into the 908! Audi ready to change to cut slick too!

who will crash first!?! LOL

 

[daan]

The No3 Audi is on them already and is the fastest car out there at the minute

 

[McLaren]

The #7 Peugeot is now out according to the Time Sheet. If so, they've just given Audi the chance to go 1-2.
Holy crap, the time sheet says a LOT of cars went out. Apparently, I missed a lot during my little nap.

EDIT* Now it says it's back in....

 

[-Fred-]

The Audis have at the very least 3 pitstops less than the 908s. It's not just the fuel economy that comes in hand here; For one the closed cockpit has proven problematic as far as driver changes go, and the 908s aren't able to triple stint their tires, something Audi has been able to do since the first days of the R8 back in 2000.

Unless something goes horribly wrong, I'm pretty sure it'll be 8 in 9 for Audi.

#2 and #7 are running pretty similar laptimes right now... Gap won't really close at this rate.

 

[JohnBM01]

The #35 takes a hit from a GT2 Ferrari (I believe the Risi-Krohn entry) and left some debris on the track. Now it's the #2 Audis thinking slick tires. Time is running out if Peugeot wants to try to inch closer to make that final push.

 

[McLaren]

The #35 takes a hit from a GT2 Ferrari (I believe the Risi-Krohn entry) and left some debris on the track. Now it's the #2 Audis thinking slick tires. Time is running out if Peugeot wants to try to inch closer to make that final push.

I think the Risi Krohn car has actually been out. I believe the driver's door is now on the Farnbacher Ferrari.

 

[Metar]

Audi's race to lose now - 3'15 ahead of the #7 Peugeot, now a McNish/Gene battle.

 

[Bram Turismo]

#2 and #7 are running pretty similar laptimes right now... Gap won't really close at this rate.

Actually, now that the track is so dry everyone's going on slicks, I think we're going to see the same scenario as yesterday noon. Peugeot will own Audi in terms of pace again, but they've got an economy to think of... I'm holding my breath right now, but I still hope Peugeot can clinch it.

Also, Mcnish or Kristensen for the finish? Tom for his 8th, or Allan for his 1st? Allan really wants to go out there right now, the guy's exited like hell 👍

 

[JohnBM01]

Okay, I'm done online. Full report, debate, discussion, and more in my next post. Good night/day, everyone!

 

[McLaren]

Audi's race to lose now - 3'15 ahead of the #7 Peugeot, now a McNish/Gene battle.

I think it was. Status says the Peugeot has...once again...pitted. And yep, it's now 1 lap down again.

 

[-Fred-]

Actually, now that the track is so dry everyone's going on slicks, I think we're going to see the same scenario as yesterday noon. Peugeot will own Audi in terms of pace again, but they've got an economy to think of... I'm holding my breath right now, but I still hope Peugeot can clinch it.

Also, Mcnish or Kristensen for the finish? Tom for his 8th, or Allan for his 1st? Allan really wants to go out there right now, the guy's exited like hell 👍

If the 7 car starts to push very hard to catch up to the 2 car, chances of a mistake happening or even a mechanical failure aren't out of the way, either, and that for both cars. It will be a very entertaining finish one way or another, but at this point I think the experience of the Audi crew places them better for the win.

 

[MustangSVT]

Still up, watching the race in excitement. Nearing that 24 hour mark. I'm gonna go to sleep when the race is done because im pretty tired.

 

[Metar]

Audi were the first to pit this time, and Peugeot pitted afterwards. The timing is a little ****ed up in the official site, they only update it when the cars cross the line - if a car is behind the lead, it's +1 lap until it crosses the line too - in our case, that means the gap is correct for about 20 seconds.

 

[Muzaffar]

Oh god, Tom Kristensen is back in the Audi!!!!! Also, Gene is back in the Peugeot, with just a few hours left and with the track drying up, lets hope the Peugeot can catch up to the Audi. 👍 But I think Kristensen will not mess up.....

Oh god, stupid Eutosport now changed their coverage to the FIA WTCC. Le Mans coverage will continue at 7.

 

[daan]

I think the Risi Krohn car has actually been out. I believe the driver's door is now on the Farnbacher Ferrari.

Yeah, the light green Krohn racing is out. I didn't see it, but it was seemingly in a crash that wiped out both ends of the car.

One of the other Ferraris needed a door, so they are using the Krohn door on their white 430.

Oh god, stupid Eutosport now changed their coverage to the FIA WTCC. Le Mans coverage will continue at 7.

Le Mans is still on Eurosport 2. Eurosport have the whole race live but it alternates between Eurosport and Eurosport 2.