Akio Toyoda will meet in 2017

The flagship image of this 84th edition of 24 Hours of Le Mans will remain that of the Toyota TS050 Hybrid n°5 stopped on the pit straight a few moments from the finish, while everyone saw the Japanese brand finally register its name on the winners list of the famous Sarthe double clock tower.

An image that will undoubtedly remain engraved for a long time in the mind of AkioToyoda, president of the Japanese firm. However, the big boss does not intend to stop there, and has already given an appointment for 2017 and a revenge.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank everyone who gave us their incredible support during these 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyoda comments. Within Toyota GAZOO Racing, we had enormous pressure to break our losing streak at Le Mans. All our dreams were about to come true.

Honestly, I don't know what to say. I can't find the words. At Toyota GAZOO Racing, we are “sore losers.” ». After having tasted the true bitterness of defeat, we will return to the World ChampionshipEndurance next year, and we will come back to participate in the battle of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For our quest to build ever better cars...for that, we will definitely return to Le Mans. We will be back next year and ready to fight with all our strength. The fight is not over. »

The Japanese brand nevertheless lands a new second place with the trio Conway - Kobayashi – Sarrazin, long in the race for final victory.

Find the full report and analysis of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, produced by our special correspondents in Sarthe, in issue 2068 of AUTOhebdo, available from 22 p.m. this evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.