Porsche to return to Le Mans:

cool, it's been too long.

 

They have been there for years, it's just that they renamed the team 'Audi'.

 

As we've seen through history though, Porsche dosent
get involved in anything unless they have a clear advantage
in the rules.

It could mean a shift towards hybrid or KERS which
Porsche has a leg up on already.

BHW

 

This is true, so it makes you wonder what's coming down the road, rules-wise.

 

Porsche returning at Le Mans from 2014 surely means that AUDI has only two more years to compete before packing up.
The VW group certainly doesn't contemplate two of its brands competing against each other.
From a marketing viewpoint, AUDI has greatly improved its image thanks to participation in sports car racing.
Porsche's return could also mark the end of diesel domination at Le Mans.
Traditionaly, Porsche has also provided prototypes to private teams.

 

AUDI and Porsche are 2 completely different organisations.
There is in fact quite a rivalry within the VW group between the 2 firms.
AUDI developed its GT R8 against the 911, for example.

 

Here is the Porsche Press Release in it's entirety as I received it this morning -

http://www.viacorsa.com/news_updates/manufacturer_news/PorscheAG/porsche063011.html

 

Some of the best news I've heard so far. Hope they kick Audi's and Peugeot's diesel rear end to kingdom come!

 

Agreed. Will be interesting to see if the decisions on inter-company rivalry will extend from LMP down into the GT classes by then..... It will also show us who has the power with the organization...

 

Sweet. Can't wait.

Now, if Porsche would just compete in Formula 1....

 

Would be great too see another TAG engine wouldn't it? I did not read the links provided but to have Porsche (the entity) compete again would be fantastic. Maybe it will convince Ferrari to make a return to the 24 Heures du Mans?

I see that the tides are slowly but surely turning in motorsports and now we must convince Jim G. that an attack on 24 Heures du Mans with P4/5C would be nothing short of amazing,inspiring and just downright badass.

 

For the GT classes, AUDI and Porsche already compete through private teams.
We see that in the GT3 European championship.
But a serious Le Mans effort for vistory in LMP1 would have to be factory-supported, and I just cannot see AUDI and Porsche official teams competing head-to-head.

Until there is a Ferrari return at Le Mans, Porsche will remain my favourite in endurance.
Are you listening Luca de Montezolo?

 

As soon as I made that statement, I was proven wrong, according to the latest AUTOSPORT issue, who writes that parent company Volkswagen would probably allow AUDI and PORSCHE to compete head to head at Le Mans, as long as it would be using different technologies.

Probably that AUDI would continue on the Diesel path and Porsche challenge it using petrol engines. Sounds good to be!