Toyota signs Nyck de Vries

In accordance with what we revealed to you in preview last February (see Ah n°2256), Nyck de Vries will take on the role of reservist and test pilot of the Toyota Gazoo Racing for the end of the 2020 season and for the next one.

Resident of Mercedes en Formula E, from Racing Team Nederland in WEC and G-Drive Racing in ELMS, the 25-year-old Dutchman is undoubtedly one of the most prominent drivers of the moment.

« Driving the TS050 Hybrid in Bahrain (during the rookie tests last December. Editor’s note) was a fantastic experience, underlines the champion F2 outgoing. I thought it would be a one-off and am therefore delighted at the idea of ​​driving this car again, and am even more so when I think of the testing of the new LMH at the end of the year. . I hope I can help ensure a successful start to this new era for the team. »

Nyck will be requisitioned this week, during a test session conducted by the Japanese team on the Paul-Ricard circuit with a TS050 Hybrid fitted with the new low-drag kit in order to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (September 19-20).

« The feedback I got about him after the Rookie Tests clearly shows his immense potential, says team president Hisatake Murata. With Kenta Yamashita, we have two very promising young people who will be able to develop with us, which is very motivating for the future. I look forward to seeing them progress and at the same time wish Thomas Laurent (his predecessor. Editor's note) the best for the future and thank him for his contribution this season. »

Thomas, who we hope will bounce back as quickly as possible – by shining at Signatech Alpine in LM P2 then possibly under the colors of another major manufacturer – ultimately made little contribution by Toyota.