Dave Murry's Le Mans Journal
Submission #5
"Weissach Test"
This is my fifth trip across the Atlantic this year. I went to Weissach on Saturday, May 30 to test the LMP1 car. There have been a lot of changes to the car, including alterations of the aerodynamics and suspension, since pre-qualifying. I was originally scheduled to go over to Paul Ricard for the endurance test between our race at Homestead and Lime Rock. I'm glad that I didn't have to do that, since it was only four days between races.
I landed in Stuttgart on Friday morning and went straight to Weissach, where I was given the royal tour by Mr. Ampferer and Alwin Springer. It was terrific! From the outside, it appears to be a small facility, until you explore the many levels in each building. As you walk around, you notice how clean everything appears. Virtually everything has an artistic, functional design to it. There must have been twenty to thirty dynos, including the ones used for the Porsche F-1 and Indy car engines, as well as two wind tunnels and much more.
Of course, to me, the best part of Weissach is the test track at the facility, where you have the capability of testing each feature as you design and build the car.
After the tour, the GT1 car rolled out onto the test track. Although it was raining, we knew we'd need to run the cars to make sure everything was 100% before heading to Le Mans. The first day, both GT1s ran as the track dried. Then they headed out destined for Le Mans. The next day it was our turn!
Saturday, James Weaver and I watched with anticipation as they rolled out the car for our check run. Butch Leitzinger was also brought in as a backup driver since Yannick Dalmas' broken leg, which is still healing, casts a shadow of doubt regarding his participation. As fierce a competitor as Yannick is, he will probably drive, but it's good to know Butch is standing by just in case. After all, there are 12 drivers, and you never know what may happen, particularly in this sport! Breaking a leg is good luck in the theater, but you need more than luck at LeMans.
Overall, I think the test went well. The LMP1 car was as fast as the GT1. All of the changes were positive. And the car is fantastic to drive! Maybe Butch said it best after his stint behind the wheel: "It feels like a Porsche."
Now, it's off to Le Mans and my first experience with the Sarthe circuit. I'll talk to you then.
We'll talk again tomorrow...
Sincerely,
Photos courtesy of www.cyberspeedmedia.com
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