On 24 January 2012, Toyota unveiled its new petrol-hybrid prototype known as the Toyota TS030 Hybrid, 13 years after its last appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The presentation kicked off the Japanese marque's first season in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). Nicolas Lapierre, Alexander Wurz and Kazuki Nakajima were the first to drive the successor to the Toyota TS010 and TS020 (seen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1990s). Ahead of the presentation, the Toyota TS030 Hybrid took part in a first endurance test at the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet, demonstrating excellent potential.

Ever since then, the Japanese manufacturer and its TS030 Hybrid, then TS040 Hybrid, showed remarkable perseverance despite all the trials and tribulations the legendary race guarantees. In June 2018, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in history thanks to Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso at the wheel of the Toyota TS050 Hybrid. To win the race in the marque's 20th attempt is a powerful lesson in determination and sacrifice: "Our dream was to win Le Mans and we finally did it," shared Hisatake Murate, team principal of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing back in June.

The success of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing could very well extend into 2019. There are three rounds left in the 2018-2019 World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) Super Season: the 1,000 Miles of Sebring (15 March 2019), the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (4 May 2019) and the 87th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (15-16 June 2019). Toyota may clinch a second World Endurance Champion title to add to the one from 2014, and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans a second time in the same season for the first time in history.

PHOTO: The Toyota TS030 Hybrid presented to the press at the Paul Ricard circuit.