Ferrari 430 GT vs. Porsche 997 GT3 RSR | FerrariChat
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Ferrari 430 GT vs. Porsche 997 GT3 RSR

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by mawu, Mar 21, 2008.

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  1. mawu

    mawu Karting

    Jun 11, 2004
    69
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin
    #1 mawu, Mar 21, 2008
    Does anybody know about the advantages/disadvantages of these two cars racing in FIA GT, ALMS and Le Mans? In the recent years there was pretty much domination by Porsche, but recently Ferrari catched up with the 430 GT. I am actually a bit more in the Porsche subject, and I heard that Porsche has problems with traction on the rear wheels, where the 430 has a big diffusor and Porsche its engine compartment. They try to keep up with a wider tires and track and therefore introduced the 997 GT3 RS (which I own) as homologation pretty quickly with the wide chassis and some additional modifications. But in this year's Le Mans there are 8 430 and only 3 997 listed - what exactly is going on here?

    Regards, Martin
     
  2. stever

    stever F1 Rookie
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    Apr 18, 2006
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    Steve R
    #2 stever, Mar 22, 2008
    In the ALMS, Porsche has not supported the GT2 teams in the way they have in the past.....Tafel left for F-car because of things like Porsche not being responsive to email requests, 'not invented here' attitude when Tafel came up with a new idea. Porsche said their lack of success last year was due to the 997 being a new car, we will see this year what is true.

    It's my opinion that the RS Spyder with Penske is getting the attention from Porsche which effectively diminishes 997's importance...Wendelin is a businessman, and racing only makes sense if it makes money for him.
     
  3. mawu

    mawu Karting

    Jun 11, 2004
    69
    Munich, Germany
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    Martin
    #3 mawu, Mar 22, 2008
    Hi Stever,

    that sounds interesting and I heard something like that from somebody else. However, Porsche introduced an evolution of the 997 RSR a couple of weeks ago and even the 997 Cup S for GT3 class - from the outside perspective at least it seems as if they are still actively improving. But of course direct support of the teams is another matter...

    Regards, Martin
     
  4. Adrift

    Adrift Formula Junior

    Aug 30, 2004
    749
    Dallas area
    #4 Adrift, Mar 24, 2008
    Despite the race results, I think Sebring showed that the F430 is still quicker than the RSR this year (at least with Melo/Salo at the helm)...as long as you don't drive it into someone else's car. :D

    Congrats on the RS; a sweet ride to be sure.

    PS I heard/read that same quote from Tafel, but I am guessing not being competitive last year (with the lead F430) was a big part of their defection as well. I think the RSRs (most likely the Lizards) will get some attrition wins this year (like at Sebring), but the Risi F430 will be the car to catch again.
     
  5. jk0001

    jk0001 F1 Veteran

    Oct 18, 2005
    6,706
    Sun Coast
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    Jim
    #5 jk0001, Mar 24, 2008
    Tafel did a great job at Sebring. It was amazin what they were able to accomplish. The Audi & Porsche Spyder Teams had 200 people in the pits between both teams running around, Tafel had maybe 15 most. He did a great drive.
     
  6. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
    7,821
    Central Texas
    #6 jknight, Mar 24, 2008
    Even the entry list for FIA-GT this year makes GT2 look like it should be a Ferrari Challenge Race - 10 F430's vs. 3 997's. LMS has 4 F430's vs 6 997's. FIA-GT should be interesting to see how things shake out with CR Scuderia competiting with Scuderia Ecosse. Here in the US, I think that Seth's commitment to Porsche by including another car in their team and the Porsche Factory drivers speaks well for the Lizards.

    I can't speak for Porsche and the number of individuals in the pits but I can offer an insight to Audi. You may have seen various groups of folks throughout the day in race suits/wearing headsets with a leader - Audi hospitality has drawings for hot pit tours during the races. Sebring is run by Joest, so you had the Joest team and Audi Sport North America folks there.

    Carol
     
  7. mawu

    mawu Karting

    Jun 11, 2004
    69
    Munich, Germany
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    Martin
    #7 mawu, Mar 24, 2008
    Hi,

    I searched Google a bit and found a very interesting and pretty profound thread on exactly this subject: http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96851

    stever: what you wrote is exactly the case I read and heard in the mentioned thread. Also there is some guy of Tafel racing looking for sponsors in this forum and he stated the same.

    Also Porsche is still competitive, Ferrari has the edge with the 430 GT right now. And it seems to me too that Porsche is a bit too occupied with the RS Spyder momentarily. Actually I don't really understand the reason for this car... why didn't they make a GT1 out of their Carrera GT or so, why competing in the "small" LMP-2 class???

    Regards, Martin
     

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