Lots of interesting topics to ponder over the next few days.
Looking at the Toyota crash again a few times it threw up an interesting observation on car construction.
I estimate that the Toyota was doing around 160mph when contact was made. The 456 probably around 140mph. The Toyota lost some momentum when it went airborne, the 456 lost some speed with its four locked tyres, but both hit the wall at roughly the same time which suggests that at impact they were both travelling at roughly the same velocity.
The Toyota hit at around 45 degrees, the 456 full on the side. Therefore the mass of the Toyota was concentrated on a smaller area.
Now take a look at the barriers after the crash. Both hit at the same speed but the damage to the barriers was much worse where the 456 hit.
That is a graphic illustration on just how damn heavy those GT cars are. The Toyotas carbon structure also dissipated the impact better, whereas the 456 hit hard and bounced off, flipping over as it went.
My conclusion is that the lighter car made from glorified plastic was the safer place to be in an accident.
Audi, love them or hate them, always use Le Mans as a proving ground for technologies that they pass onto the road cars. This year, as well as demonstrating Hybrid technology, they have taken their 'Ultra' technology one step further. If the result becomes lighter road cars then this can only be a step forward. Probably a greater step forward than the Hybrid concept.
Cars have become very bloated and heavy over the last two decades. A lighter car is not only more efficient but looks to be safer in an accident too. If the cars we get to drive become safer as a direct result of these new technologies then Le Mans it can be said, is a revelent as it always been in improving road cars. Be it lights, disc brakes, seat belts, turbochargers, fast and efficient diesel engines, this year has shown that even after 80 glorious races, Le Mans is still forfilling it's original objective as laid down in 1923- to show innovation and worth of the manufacturers product.
The fact it still remains a bloody great sporting event to boot is quite remarkable.
Here's to the next 80 years.
