[LM24] Toyota plans Le Mans return with hybrid!

[johntt]

Originally Posted by yamato

uhhhhh,..... yeah,...... I was being quite "tounge-in-cheek"

And yes, Algae produced bio-diesel is amoung some of the most effecient ways to produce fuel. The technology has been around for some time,...... what will be the impetus behind developing that technology on a large scale??????

I hope that it is motorsports.

Same here. If motorsports adopted it on a large scale it could be a very effective showcase for the technology.

[deggis]

"Toyota deny plans to leave F1"

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71780

and again acknowledges interest in LM.

[SALEEN S7R]

Yeah I saw that article too, fingers crossed that the FIA do go ahead and impliment these new engine rules, not because im particularly in favour of them (because im not) but because if they are implimented it will surely benefit sportscar racing in terms of bringing more manufacturers back to Le Mans and the LMS/ALMS. Would be great to see something similar to what we had in 1999 where we had Audi, Toyota, Mercedes, BMW all in the LMP class with factory efforts. The differnce this time is there is potential for there to be even more manufacturers than back then.

[FIRE]

After FIA destroyed prototype racing in the early '90s it's time FIA destroys F1...

[SALEEN S7R]

Originally Posted by FIRE

After FIA destroyed prototype racing in the early '90s it's time FIA destroys F1...

As much as I love F1, I agree wholeheartedly.

[JAG]

F1 eat's so much budget not only is a Le Mans program difficult to fund, they also have to cut back on rally and touring car program's that are important for the likes of the Australian importer.

A Le Mans car could also be used in the LMS, ALMS and JLMS, therefore spreading the cost.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by JAG

F1 eat's so much budget not only is a Le Mans program difficult to fund, they also have to cut back on rally and touring car program's that are important for the likes of the Australian importer.

A Le Mans car could also be used in the LMS, ALMS and JLMS, therefore spreading the cost.

Instead of F1 I prefer manufacturers would do touring cars, endurance and rally. Spreading costs and projects instead of doing one series.

[deggis]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71783

Q. There have been various reports over the past week based on comments from yourself and team principal Tadashi Yamashina suggesting that Toyota are poised to pull out of Formula One in the near future, perhaps for Le Mans. Can you clarify what the situation is?

John Howett: Generally we are assuming we are here until at least 2012. The ambition is to win and continue the contribution, if you like, to Formula One. The issue is we don't want a standard engine. If it is forced through, then it (quitting) is not a decision we will take here, it will be taken by the board in Japan, but they want a degree of differentiation between teams.

Q. Yamashina was last weekend's quoted talking about Toyota's long-standing interest in Le Mans. Has the situation for the team changed? Are plans now being formulated for a return to La Sarthe?

JH: Toyota have never hidden from the fact that they are interested in returning to Le Mans. That is the answer you will get if you ask any Toyota executive – just as they did not hide from the fact that there was an interest to enter NASCAR. But as to whether it (Le Mans) is the right time now. It (Yamashina's comments) have been quoted out of context and misused in recent articles.

[LeMans.pt]

Originally Posted by FIRE

After FIA destroyed prototype racing in the early '90s it's time FIA destroys F1...

And if you remember, prototype racing was destroyed to save F1... there's something of ironic in this!

[Aslak Vind]

A question, from a thought of the enviromental point of view..

It seems to me, that everyone has missed the plot of racing hybrids. The point is not to have more horsepower regenerated, the point is to use less fuel, and do at least a bit of good for the enviroment.

Has everyone lost it?

[Stefvh]

I think yes, it's racing, here.

They just go faster with the same amount of fuel.

[Mal]

Originally Posted by Stefvh

I think yes, it's racing, here.

They just go faster with the same amount of fuel.

And the technology that allows that will lead to fuel savings in road cars

[Nordic]

Originally Posted by FIRE

After FIA destroyed prototype racing in the early '90s it's time FIA destroys F1...

While the FIA did not help the cause of Group C in the early 90's. the Global recession played a far greater role than them.

Don't forget the new 3.5 rules had cars from Merc, Jag, Mazda, Pug, Toyota, Allard, Konrad, Lola, Spice built to race.

But the money could not be found and all but Mazda, Toyota, Pug and Lola pulled the plug. Given a different timeframe it could have been the very best era, and now that we a stareing down the barrel of another global slump it will hit Sportscars harder again than F1 IMHO.

Mad Max and the little chap know what they are doing. they have no intention of pushing a stock engine thru, its a threat to bring the companies into line and a deal will be worked out to reduce costs.

[Tom908V12]

Originally Posted by deggis

"Toyota deny plans to leave F1"

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71780

and again acknowledges interest in LM.

Therefore, I CANNOT see them returning to Endurance if they don't leave F1 instead(it's a matter of budget)

[JAG]

Unless they share the technology with F1 and Super GT.

A 2011 P1 will use an F1 like V8 and KERS.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Tom908V12

Therefore, I CANNOT see them returning to Endurance if they don't leave F1 instead(it's a matter of budget)

Toyota has often said they wouldn't run in both F1 and Le Mans!.
But unless we see a Toyota victory next year, i think we can wave bye bye to Toyota in F1!

[deggis]

Originally Posted by JAG

Unless they share the technology with F1 and Super GT.

Super GT? Since when the Tokachi Supra has been running in Super GT? Is Super GT going to allow hybrids or what you mean?

A 2011 P1 will use an F1 like V8

[JAG]

Originally Posted by deggis

Super GT? Since when the Tokachi Supra has been running in Super GT? Is Super GT going to allow hybrids or what you mean?

Super GT uses 3.4l V8's, that would be ideal for a 2011 P1.

Likewise Toyota could use a development of their F1 V8 and KERS technology in P1, afterall the Judds have an F1 heritage, and P1 engines are downsizing.

Just as Toyota tested their F1 engine in the TS010, it seems logical they could test the Dome with a Super GT 3.4l V8 and F1 KERS system, before committing to a major program.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by JAG

Super GT uses 3.4l V8's, that would be ideal for a 2011 P1.

ok, I misunderstood (somehow I thought you meant between F1 and Super GT).

[Japanese Samurai]

AUTOSPORT magazine(Japanese edition) reported that it was open secret that Dome jointly developed Hybrid prototype car with Toyota.
It is the first time to be reported that the partner of Toyota is Dome in Japanese autosport media!

[FIRE]

I have no doubt Toyota will enter LMP1 in 2010 or 2011.

[The Badger]

Any more truth to the rumour of 2 Dome hybrids in the LMS next year ?

[rich07]

Badger are those rumoured cars they to be run by Toyota or privateers?
Hope it is more then rumour. That would be awesome!! Short timescale between now and then though.

[Japanese Samurai]

I think that it is very difficult for Japanese racing team to participate in the Le Mans series by Toyota LMP.
Because Japanese racing team and driver must participate in the Japanese race like SuperGT series.
So Toyota needs the help of European top racing team.

[The Badger]

Well , there is a rumour about of a 1 and a 2 car privateer team in the LMS next year . Have to wait and see though . The single car teram is supposed to be Equipe Verscheur running a Dome with Verstappen in the LMS .

Mariantic are reporting the rumour , but its just a rumour as of yet , but a nice one .