Nissan - another f*ck-up

[Werner]

After their disaster performance last year (5 laps with the ZEOD) it looks like an even bigger f*ck-up is about to happen this year. A german media reports from a usually reliable source published some details today:
- They have just done 3.800 kms of testing.
- They have just managed one(!) uninterupted stint.
- They were 12 secs(!) off the pace at Sebring
- The Hybrid systems seems to be a mess and they still have no clue which configuration (MJ) to use

Is that all what a global manufacturer the size of Nissan has to offer after more than one year of development? It looks like the marketing guys had much more stakes (and budget) in this project than the engineers.

My prediction:
- We might see one of their cars at the test day.
- We will not see them at the race in Le Mans.

Those on the first 3 positions of the prototype reserve list can already start to make their travel arrangements.

[Kristof]

I've picked up a rumour this weekend that they would change to another engine and a completely different hybrid system.   The more I read and hear about it, the more the AMR-One comes to mind again.

They had a Q&A at Silverstone with the drivers, sadly couldn't make it there. 

[geoffd]

If, and I say if, Nismo are having any doubts about their participation in this years race then they need to confirm it ASAP and give the first three reserves (I think they are done in order, and not class) the time to sort out budgets, travel, crew, car prep, etc, etc for the test weekend, teams will be setting up in 6 weeks time don't forget.

I'd like to see them there, but the best I think will happen is a one or two car entry, but let's see.

[Barry]

Think the Viper is a shoe in, can't see Nissan getting 3 cars on the grid, struggling to get one to work.

[Lorry]

I remember them in 1989/90.  Lots of cash/effort/speed, but they never quite got their act together enough for Le Mans.

They seem to have tripped up more than last time, but its got more difficult since then, and at Le Mans, evolution usually beats revolution.

[mgmark]

As has been said elsewhere, top marks to them for a) returning to the fray and b) trying something different. 

But, if it isn't going to be ready for meaningful racing, I do hope that they make the call early enough to allow others who are waiting in the wings and are ready to race to do so....if they aren't ready to have a good stab at it, it would be an awful waste of 3 slots on the grid.

And there's the impact on reputation of if the new car is either a bag of nails or doesn't turn a wheel beyond a few laps.  Something which was not suffered by Porsche when their cars appeared for the first time last year, and who were very nearly on the pace - and are now well and truly on it a year later.

MG Mark 

[Barry]

Vipers in!!!  

Due to withdrawal of the no. 39 Morgan Evo-SARD.

[Lorry]

As has been said elsewhere, top marks to them for a) returning to the fray and b) trying something different. 

But, if it isn't going to be ready for meaningful racing......

I agree.  And they could do so much better