24h Le Mans
With the FIA WEC Prologue due to get under way tomorrow in Monza, Toyota has officially unveiled the TS050 Hybrid for its 2017 campaign. The revamped prototype’s prime mission will be to heal the wounds inflicted during the dramatic last lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June.
On the eve of the season’s first official tests, to be held this weekend at the Italian circuit, the Japanese manufacturer appeared more determined than ever.
“The whole team is motivated and determined for this season,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing President Toshio Sato before taking the wraps off the car. “We want to win – there is no doubt about that – but we know it will be an incredibly tough fight with Porsche. The team in Higashi-Fuji and Cologne has worked incredibly hard to update the TS050 HYBRID and the first indications are encouraging.”
The Japanese firm’s updated prototype will still have the same powertrain configuration, but substantial development work has resulted in an all-new 2.4-litre V6 turbocharged engine and 8 MJ hybrid system.
TMG engineers in Cologne have also been working hard on the chassis to offset the reduced aerodynamic efficiency imposed by changes to the regulations for 2017. The front splitter is now 15 mm higher and the rear diffuser has been made narrower.
“Our 2017 TS050 HYBRID represents a significant update,” said Technical Director Pascal Vasselon. “The only item which is not changed is the monocoque. At several races last year, we showed the potential of our car with strong performances. But to achieve our targets we need more, so as well as big aerodynamic changes, we have optimised each area for performance and weight. What happened at Le Mans last year was painful so we gave extra attention to quality management. Zero risk doesn’t exist so we operate according to a given level of risk, which this year we have reduced. Pre-season testing has gone well in terms of performance and reliability so we feel positive but we also know we face a tough competitor.”
His words echo those of Team Director Rob Leupen. “This is a big season for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in WEC and we are ready for the challenge,” he promised. “The team at Higashi-Fuji and Cologne have worked in tandem to update all aspects of the TS050 HYBRID whilst also preparing for the challenge of running three cars at Spa and Le Mans. Our targets are once again very clear; we want to compete at the front and ultimately win Le Mans and the World Championship.”
Photo credit: Vision Sport Agency/ACO
