Akio Toyoda: “Hybrid technology may not be ready for distance yet”

With TS050 Hybrids superior in number and displaying a certain level of performance, as evidenced by the qualifying record of Kamui Kobayashi, Toyota had a new golden opportunity to finally win the double round of the clock in Sarthe after a crushing defeat last year with one lap to go.

But this time, the Japanese LM P1s were unable to fight to the end against their rivals Porsche, the mechanics coming to break the momentum of the n°8 (hybrid system on the front axle), then of the n°7 (clutch), the n°9 being eliminated after contact during the night.

“For my first time at Le Mans, our drivers said: “We want you with us in the center of the podium. We certainly don't want to lose, so let's fight together. » comments Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation. In return, I said, “Give it your all while riding.” Trust the cars and mechanics prepared for you. Enjoy Le Mans. »

Despite this, I could not allow them to do this. I really regret it. Even though our drivers have evolved with confidence in our cars, I cannot express how sorry and full of regret I am.

I believe the Toyota engineers, mechanics and parts suppliers who built our cars for this battle all feel the same way. Therefore, as a representative of all these people, please let me say once again: “Sorry, we weren't able to let you give it your all. »

Hybrid and the 24 Hours

After congratulating Porsche on its 19th victory at La Sarthe, Akio Toyoda also spoke about hybridization, the heart of the current LM P1 category. “Toyota was unable to deliver the kind of fight that could captivate the fans, like last year, continues the Japanese manager.

This time, both Porsche and Toyota were unable to finish without incident for 24 hours in the hybrid cars that we put on track at Le Mans. The winning car #2 and the TS050 Hybrid #8, which finished the race, were forced to undergo extensive repairs caused by problems, before struggling to cross the finish line.

While hybrid technology which has progressed thanks to competition in the World ChampionshipEndurance FIA ​​proves its capabilities in six-hour races, it may not yet be ready for the long distance of 24 Hours of Le Mans »

A statement which, however, does not seem to call into question the relevance of the technology, nor the search for a first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “Electric power is absolutely necessary for cars to have a more emotional presence.

Le Mans is a valuable laboratory in which we can continue to address the challenges linked to the technologies used, and put these technologies to the test in an extreme environment.

We will sharpen our technologies and mature them in order to provide our customers with technologies that make you smile. And we, Toyota, will continue to make effort after effort to continue producing ever better cars. »

Comments joined by those of Toshio Sato, president of the team. “We have to leave Le Mans again without the winner’s trophy, despite the incredible support from the fans. We will analyze what went wrong because we cannot accept a double abandonment like that overnight.

We will come back stronger and more determined than ever. Our “Le Mans” challenge will continue. »

Find the full report and analysis of the 24 2017 Hours of Le Mans, produced by our special correspondents in Sarthe, in issue 2119 of AUTOhebdo, available this evening in digital version, and this Wednesday on newsstands.