Romain Dumas: the future between Audi and Porsche... (Le Mans)
(14 December 2011)
December is the month of rumours. It is difficult to know exactly what plans are simmering. We spoke to Romain Dumas, works driver for Audi and Porsche to find out.
The evening gala of Audi Motorsport did not provide the expected information about the upcoming season of endurance racing for the manufacturer. In 2012, the R18 will face new hybrids from Toyota and perhaps even Peugeot.
-- In December 2010, the Audi R18 was presented as a car designed to accommodate a hybrid system. Since then, we have heard nothing more about it...
Romain Dumas: "Everyone is working on the hybrid, Audi included, because the regulations for LM P1 support that initiative. Developing such a system takes time and deep pockets, but the results are there, both in terms of ecology and performance. However, for private teams, it will be difficult to find the resources because new technologies are very expensive."
-- Will it be a hybrid that wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2012?
"Maybe ... But those who choose this option will need development because it will not be easy to go for 24 hours!"
-- Why?
"Through my experience at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid, I know it is difficult to use such vehicles to 100% without error. The system works all the time, and works well. For the driver, it is still a new parameter to manage. Porsche, has had a few years to master all that ... We'll see which manufacturer will be most effective to achieve this with a prototype."
-- Speaking of Porsche. What do you think the return of the manufacturer in 2014 in the premier class (LM P1) of the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"It's beautiful, very attractive ... This is what many people have been waiting for. This is a big challenge, but Porsche does not start from zero because the experience with the RS Spyder is still recent."
-- Will you be in this new adventure?
"2014 ... it is a long way off. I do not want to miss the 2012 and 2013 races. This year, I will still be at Audi and Porsche in GT. So ... yes, obviously I think about it!"
-- Porsche has announced a return to endurance and then ... Nothing. Do you know more?
"Yes, though I do not know ... maybe not everything, but I know a lot!"
...Romain alas refuses to say more at this time...
ALMS: 911 GT3 R Hybrid beats all GTs at Laguna Seca
(September 2011)
The 911 GT3 R Hybrid finished ahead of all the other GT-class cars in the American Le Mans Series at Laguna Seca, California. Works drivers Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) charted the fastest race lap, and took just three pit stops during the six-hour race whilst opponents needed five. Starting from the rear of the grid, the GT3 R Hybrid chased through the field to take the lead within a few laps, and turned in consistently fast lap times.
“The start phase was huge fun, because it was relatively easy to overtake the slower competitors,” said Dumas. “But it’s even more fun because we can apply superior tactics thanks to the lower fuel consumption. We are much more flexible and we made the most of this today.”
Lietz added: “We had the least pit stops of all the teams and showed clearly what the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid can do. We didn’t experience one technical problem and left all the other GT vehicles behind us. Our expectations have been far exceeded.”
911 GT3 R Hybrid in Laguna Seca -- Video Link
