24h Le Mans
The Japanese marque has no plans to build a new car for 2023, so the GR010 Hybrid is undergoing certain developments in order to face increased competition.
Next year, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will go up against Ferrari, Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac and Glickenhaus at the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans on 10-11 June and in the FIA World Endurance Championship. To remain competitive, the Japanese constructor intends to modify its GR010 Hybrid Hypercar.
The plans were announced by Pascal Vasselon, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Technical Director, during the preview screening of the official 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans film: "The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans poster is fantastic and I remember especially that a Toyota figures in the forefront. We are working diligently to make sure we do not underestimate the competition. It may seem we are hard to beat, but we are aware of what is not completely under our control. Starting in December, we will begin working on upgrading the car."
The Toyota GR010 Hybrid had already been further developed for the 2022 season, including different sized tyres and wheels than the 2021 model, and changes to the bodywork such as enlarged wing end plates.
During the evening of the preview screening, Vasselon also recalled this year's 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans when the #8 Toyota entrusted to Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa won ahead of its sister car. "There was an extremely tight battle between our two cars up until the #7 experienced mechanical problems eight hours from the chequered flag. For 16 hours, our drivers went head-to-head. When they got out of the car, they came to us and told us that what we were doing was insane. We didn't have much to say because we didn't want to decide which crew would win. We left it to their professionalism."
