Most liked posts in thread: Dieselgate effects on motorsport

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #2 Nathan, Nov 1, 2016
    While Dieselgate has some part in the WEC pullout there is more to it than that. Porsche is in the same series, both teams were individually spending $500,000.00 annually to in effect, race each other. That ROI doesn't pan out.

    After dipping their toe in Formula E with ABT, Audi is going full on for in the series for the next season.

    As to WRC, I do think that is fully a casualty of Dieselgate.
     
  2. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #3 Steve, Nov 1, 2016
    All true re the Audi, Porsche clash in high profile endurance racing. I figured the writing was finally on the wall when Audi announced they "planned to incorporate Formula E into a factory-backed motorsport programme as of the 2017/18 season." It still feels strange, though, to think of it as a switch from big time prototypes to Formula E. Those who forget this is all VW and they still have Porsche in WEC will be even more confused.

    May mean a lot of advancement coming soon in the electric racing world...maybe.

    The timing of VW pulling out WRC is unfortunate. They're in the throes of finishing development on their all new 2017-spec runner and now it will just sit on the shelf? I assume that means all the development is now shelved.

    Also means a bunch of top tier drivers are now on the market. Mark Webber is quitting at Porsche so there's one open seat available. Wonder where all the others will go. Can't imagine Ogier deciding it's a good time to retire from WRC.
     
  3. MCS02

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    #4 MCS02, Nov 1, 2016
    I hate to hear this for WRC
     
  4. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #5 Steve, Nov 2, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2016
    And now they've confirmed it. Out of WRC as well, though, unlike their WEC switch to Formula E, there isn't a motorsport series swap for the WRC effort. So, two for one: out of WEC and WRC, full manufacturer effort in Formula E. Much less budget and I guess it fits with the parent company's recent emphasis on electric drive trains for production cars.
     
  5. Crashton

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    #6 Crashton, Nov 3, 2016
    I'm sure electric is what VW sees as the future. So going whole hog into Formula E makes sense. I'm sad to see them leave WRC, but with Toyota coming back it still should be a good show. :fingerscrossed:
     
  6. Steve

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    #7 Steve, Nov 5, 2016
    Ullrich already planned to retire soon so I'm not sure how related this announcement might be to the news about Audi pulling out of the WEC.

    Ullrich to Step Down as Head of Audi Motorsport at End of Year (sportscar365.com)