Thread: Le Mans: GT1 Preview

Ironic, but true, the 2010 GT1 fleet at Le Mans sees a small increase in competitors over last year. It's a transition year for the class as the classification is pushing more toward the FIA-spec cars like the Ford GT over the old guard ACO cars like the Corvette C6.R and Aston Martin DBR9. The question ahead of this year's race is how much will the older grandfathered-in cars be restricted compared to the new combatants. If the ACO gets it right, the GT1 could be as competitive as the GT2 class will be. Here's how things look as of now.

TIER A: Luc Alphand Corvettes, Larbre Competition Aston Martins

Although they could be hit with the large restrictors, the main combatants of this class should be the best bets to win. If anything at this point, the Aston Martins may have the edge at this point based on having a strong driver lineup, with Tomas Enge and Peter Kox appearing more competitive over Stephan Gregoire and team owner Luc Alphand.

TIER B: Matech Competition Ford GT (2), Mark VDS Ford GT

The brand-new Ford GT's join the party this year, but its up in the air as to whether it will end with a class win or not. Matech Competition is expected to have an all-female driving team with Cyndie Alleman and Natasha Gachnang being joined by Rahel Frey and the second Matech entry should also be strong if not stronger. The other Ford squad, Mark VDS should compare favorably to them. The question is how will the smaller engines in the Fords be able to keep up with the Corvette and Aston Martins on the Mulsanne?

TIER C: JLOC

Isao Noritake's Lamborghini squad returns thanks to winning the inaugural Asian Le Mans Challenge GT1 title. The car has struggled just to beat even the GT2 combatants so being competitive will be a problem, add to that the car has not been at all reliable.

GT1 Forecast: In the last several seasons the Aston Martins have had the edge over the Corvette, and that may occur easier now that Corvette Racing's factory operation has switched to GT2.

Pick: Larbre Competition (Aston Martin DBR9)