from
www.sniffpetrol.com .........
LE MANS IN SOOT-BASED SHOCKER
Following the success of the diesel powered Audi R10 and the unveiling of Peugeot's equally dieselly 908 racer, the organisers of next year's Le Mans 24 have stunned motorsports fans by announcing that the 2007 event is to be re-named Les 24 Heures du Mans Run Economique. The newly titled race will still take place over a June weekend, but will now abandon the focus on tightly timed endurance racing in favour of exciting wheel-to-wheel sensible driving and considered frugality. "With the advent of diesel race cars this seemed the perfect time to change this most illustrious of motoring events," said a spokesman for Automobile Club De L'Ouest (now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Advanced Motorists). "These are magnificent cars that simply ripple with fiscal prudence. We thought it was time to change the rules so that they can show off their mighty miles per gallon figures and impressive range between, 'ow you say, the pumps".
Under the new rules of Le Run Economique, the winning car will be the one that records the highest fuel economy figure in 24 hours of driving, with additional points awards for skills such as courteous night driving to avoid waking up local residents, best wheel shuffling and pleasantest pit garage.
The teams taking part have been quick to react to the radical change in format, not least current race champions Audi; "With the new regulations we realised we need to find drivers who are best placed to give us the competitive advantage," admitted a team insider. "That's why we've signed Saj Choudhury, a minicab driver from Enfield. Already the team has been impressed with Saj's commitment, his professionalism, his refusal to wear a seatbelt and of course his determination to drive everywhere in fourth gear".
Not to be outdone, a Peugeot Sport spokesman was keen to reveal their own economy minded new signing; "It's Chris Goffey," he said.
