GT Class

[Mirek]

While You are right about traction the point about disadvantages of 4WD applied in 80' just like now. The Audis suffered from huge understeer (also due to the stupid engine placement) and could not turn into sharp hairpins without reversing. That's why Lancias 037 were able to keep the pace for a long time. For example in 1983 Lancias 037 were completely dominating force on asphalt events even with 1980' tyres which are nowhere close to recent ones.

If I'm not mistaken Saabs were FWD, weren't they? That's IMO the worst possible configuration for traction. Still ten years later FWD were able to fight WRC cars. But that was in time when everything was already about rules. The 1980' were nicer in the point of view that much more was allowed to be tried out.

Actually You brought a good point with turbos. In my opinion one of the reasons why RWD disappeared from rallying was that turbo engines in 1980' were quite unsuitable for RWD. There were no anti-lags, the engines had a raw power but were hard to control. Gearboxes were slow and a smooth delivery of torque to the rear wheels was something to dream about.

[Oppositelock]

Don't forget that Audi Quattro's main problem in hairpins was a not working handbrake. Or more specifically the handbrake blocking all four wheels because of the absence of a centre diff and any disengagement device. That problem obviously has been solved with current WRC cars, even when they again have no centre diff.

[Mirek]

That's only partially true. Yes, they could not do handbrake turns but even without handbrake the turning radius of Lancia 037 is maybe half of Audi Quattro. The reason is that without driveshafts in front You can have a lot wider angle of steering. The handbrake turns are often needed only because of the impossibility to turn without them. Otherwise it's mostly faster to turn without drifting if possible.

[Andre Oliveira]

No RGT at CoI. 2nd round of RGT Cup

[Mirek]

Afaik there is no RGT cup.

[PLuto]

Afaik there is no RGT cup.

There is RGT Cup, confirmed from FIA. But nobody is interested in it...

[AndyRAC]

There is RGT Cup, confirmed from FIA. But nobody is interested in it...

I wonder why? A nice idea in theory - but there was never the will to fully embrace it. Too many hurdles to overcome....

[Mirek]

I wonder why? A nice idea in theory - but there was never the will to fully embrace it. Too many hurdles to overcome....

The most stupid thing was to split it between WRC and ERC. As a result none of the two promoters had any reason to be interested in it. First they need to make it integral part of ERC if they want to have any success.

[Andre Oliveira]

[Jarek Z]

Wow! That is a beautiful car on a beautiful photo!