smiles11

Sad

https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/p...-gtlm-program/

josephr25

What a shame. GTE will probably die in a few years with only BMW and Corvette left. Even BMW's future may be short-lived at this point.

smiles11

The prospect of them focusing their efforts into the LMDh is promising, but the thought they were planning to pull out of GTLM even before the pandemic I don't believe. From recent articles I've read, Porsche seems to be pointing towards cost cutting, to makeup financial losses blamed on COVID-19. I just think it's confusing to pull the GTLM class after a recent 1, 2 finish in the standings. It was a moneymaker for them. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come for Porsche. As I would be worried their "cost cutting" efforts will trickle down into the QC of their product.

Other manufacturers aren't acting like the sky is falling like Porsche.

I could be wrong. Maybe they had plans to put all of their eggs into one basket with LMDh or even F1 return?? Nonetheless. This is disappointing.

Guest89

Sure other manufacturers are! McLaren laid off 25% of workforce, Bentley laid off 1,000 employees, Aston Martin was rescued by Stroll’s Yew Tree consortium, replaced CEO etc.

The F1 thing IS interesting ... heard a rumor this morning that Porsche might be looking at Williams. Entirely unfounded as far as I know, however.

uniqueMR

Will love it if Porsche join F1

Just in time

The wise old minds of business have a tried and true mantra: stick with and exploit what you do best. Porsche has tried and failed in F1 before. Their wheelhouse is endurance racing. Something more than meets the eye is at work here. Like many other Cos they are blaming Covid 19.

smiles11

Is there a chance that since Porsche has pulled GTLM, there won't be a 992 version RSR? Or am I overthinking this

josephr25

I don't think they said anything about their future in the WEC, customer or works-wise. GTLM will probably go down the tubes soon if there's nobody but BMW and Chevrolet left though.

As an aside, I was supposed to see the last of the 2019 RSRs at Le Mans this year but my passport renewal has been frozen due to all of the coronavirus.

smiles11

Damn that sucks.

I was thinking BMW was pulling no?

At the end of the day. It's alright I guess since they'll be producing a 992RSR for WEC. I really didn't take that into account at first, as I follow IMSA more so.

That's about to change now. As I will be following the WEC even closer now... I do love Le Mans & the 'ring, but I'm going to miss Daytona and LS...

josephr25

I think BMW and Chevrolet will be running until the end of 2021... but it sounds like it would be a four-car race with an occasional appearance by Ferrari. I don't see a future for GTLM and possibly GTE Pro with all these manufacturers pulling out.

I see most of them moving to, or already participating in, GT3 (GTD), aside from Chevrolet.