Comments on: Stephane Ratel speaks about the GT1 World Championship

By: coleman

coleman — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:10:06 +0000

i couldnt agree with gavin anymore about everything he just stated

By: GAVIN REIKD

GAVIN REIKD — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:04:31 +0000

Have been trying to watch a replay of the championship race at Sachsenring. This is turning into total crap (and I am very keen for this to succeed). The driving on lap 1 of the championship race was like dodgems and the ability to access videos of the race on the website is somewhere South of total shit. 24 hours after the race I am getting some highlights (not the race itself) which are streaming very poorly. And the series is down to 17 cars. If Ratel does not sort this nonsense out the series is doomed, which is a pity because there is great racing and the cars are lovely. And I have been to two live races in the series off the back of the website.

By: I Rosputnik

I Rosputnik — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:35:28 +0000

I applaud Ratel for GT1. He’s given life in the old cars again, and introduced some new cars while at it. I believe a few years away from Le Mans should allow the series and regulations to shape itself in the way it pleases. I just wish TV coverage was a bit better. I can’t afford ESPN.

@HD any ideas what brands Ratel has got in mind?

By: HD

HD — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:21:02 +0000

If Ratel puts his goal very high ( 11 brands ), then you can conclude 2 things. First, putting the level high, it gives people an idea about his motivation to get there… Second, 11 brands x 2 cars gives 22 cars. At the moment, we’ve got 24. Conclusion, he already knows which 11 brands are interested… otherwhise, he should be talking about 12 brands.
Not beïng from the US, i’ll fully support the Laguna Seca idea.
About Bloomberg and rich people, give the guy some time… Another point. Who is buying these brands? Right, mostly rich people…
@XJ8, Ratel has been listening to you. Next year, there’ll be more GT2/GT3/GTN-races… ( see GT1-website, press conference SPA ).
Finally, i’m happy ( after all ) that more and more people, watching the GT1-races, are loving the show. The championshiprace could be better a little bit longer, 1,5 is enough ( then you’ve got a total of 2,5 hours of racing ), but it’s only 1 hour because that’s easier to sell to broadcasters…

By: XJ8

XJ8 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:38:26 +0000

An interesting debate with many questions:
- More manufacturers ? Yes please – if possible.
- More cars per manufacturer ? Probably not, manufacturer dominance has ultimately damaged sportcar racing since the 1960’s.
- Longer races ? Yes, but only if the series can attract TV, sponsors AND manufacturers to longer races, and M. Ratel advises that this is not the case.
- Weight penalties ? Ideally not, they are anti competitive and encourage the tactics we see in the WTCC. Lambo won at Spa [well done Reiter] but which ‘reliable’ team leads the FIA Drivers Championship ?

The 24 Hours was a varied, and interesting endurance race with a sting in the tale for BMW, but most of the GT1’s raced flat out in both their races. The fans loved them, and ultimately we buy the cars and products that the manufacturers and sponsore are trying to sell thro’ TV.

So more GT1 -AND – more GT2/GT3/GTN races please M. Ratel. many thanks to the RACB and TOTAL too, it was a good weekend, and it didn’t rain that often………..

By: Captain Spyro

Captain Spyro — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:56:23 +0000

If they come to the US, I want to see them at Indy. I want to hear those engines screaming down that front stretch and over those bricks.

By: SchellZ

SchellZ — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:06:38 +0000

I hope they come to Australia next year. Preferably to Sandown or Phillip island coz i’m from Melbourne and they’re both great tracks.

By: Captain Spyro

Captain Spyro — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 03:38:47 +0000

I guess he’s targeting only rich people as they seemingly watch Bloomberg? At least that;s what I thought was said in the article and I could be misreading it, but it seems like he is satisfied with what they have.

By: BMW Boy

BMW Boy — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:42:17 +0000

Great news if indeed the BMW does come on board.

Why isn’t Ratel pushing for better (more broadcaster) TV coverage for GT1? Bloomberg only shows the odd race and doesn’t even push the show in their commercials.

By: Marcus A

Marcus A — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:53:39 +0000

@ Anthony
I like your idea of the 1 hour qualifier and a 2 hour main event. Im even good with them remaining on separate days as they are now.
The 4 cars per manufacturer was required to get the series “up and running” I believe. No fun watching only 12 cars race, need the numbers on the track. And lets face it, the drivers need jobs too . . .
As for coming to North America, LAGUNA BABY ! ! ! I would buy my ticket now! In all seriousness, NA has MANY historic and competitive tracks to choose from (I just hope its Laguna Seca).