Originally posted by whiteSE:
I wonder why the Bentley is the only closed cockpit car in that picture?
Bentley is the only closed cockpit car (GTP)because the rules of late have favored the open top 900 kilogram cars (LMP 900). The ACO doesn't necessarily say "We want the LMP 900's to be the premier class," but they will structure the rules to effect such an outcome. The primary reason GTP have disappeared is rear tire size. Because of the aero efficiency of the closed cockpit and a larger diameter air restrictor the ACO dictated that they must run a 14" rear tire; LMP 900's can run a 16" tire. Starting '04 GTP's will be allowed a 16" rear tire.
'04 will also mark the return of "ground effects" tunnels to prototypes and GTP's. All the current proto's and GTP's must run a flat bottom which has recently been shown to increase the likelihood of a blow-over, a la Porsche at Road Atlanta and Mercedes at Le Mans in 2000.
I need a life
