A new challenge for Toyota hybridization

Faced with the Ginetta G60-LT-P1, Rebellion R13 and other BR1s, Toyota will appear at the start of the Super-Season of WEC with a slightly revised and corrected TS050 Hybrid to try to achieve a first victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Unlike previous years, the developments of our 2018 car are limited, specifies Pascal Vasselon, technical director of Toyota Gazoo Racing. In addition to improvements to powertrain reliability, we have updated the cooling system and developed the bodywork as part of our 2017 homologation.”

Reliability is therefore at the heart of Toyota's strategy this season, with an LM P1 which will also have to deal with significantly less fossil energy than its non-hybrid rivals. « This year’s regulations presented us with an unprecedented challenge” recalls Rob Leupen, team director.

A reduction calculated at 69% by the Japanese brand: if in Sarthe non-hybrids will benefit from 210,9 MJ per lap, the TS050 Hybrid will be satisfied with 124,9 MJ. The fuel flow will also be reduced for the Japanese prototype, which will benefit from 80 kg/h, compared to 110 for the non-hybrid LM P1s.

But as Rob Leupen points out, Toyota's objective is clear: victory at Le Mans and world title in the WEC.