[WEC] Toyota LMP1 Discussion

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by J Jay

I would be surprised if Duval (and Di Grassi) stuck to FE and didn't take on anything else. The clashes probably rule out a full-season commitment to anybody in the WEC, but like Lotterer they are too good (if not quite as good as Andre) to be left alone.

Might get some LMP2 teams. They aren't big payers, but we know FE drivers are getting paid a lot of money, so LMP2 teams could provide some pocket money. That way the clashes don't matter as LMP2s can easily find somebody for one off races to replace a pro elsewhere - see G-Drive with Rast and Brundle.

[TF110]

Motorsport.com thinks Duval and Jarvis will end up with Toyota in their third car. Not much evidence to it, but that is their guess. I don't think we'll see both. I assume if the third car is real, it'll be Hirakawa and Sarrazin with maybe an Audi guy.

[chernaudi]

From TMG's Facebook page:

[Ephaeton]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

From TMG's Facebook page:

If only we could be as classy.

[Akrapovic]

I think the class shown between all 3 P1 teams has been outstanding. The Porsche winning video mentioned Toyota, Toyota were holding flags up for Tom K, Audi were down congratulating Porsche, and saying they (Audi) didn't deserve a podium whilst Toyota did. It's been lovely.

Unlike GTE where they're all a bunch of whiny little brats that make Vettel and Lewis look like grown ups.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

I think the class shown between all 3 P1 teams has been outstanding. The Porsche winning video mentioned Toyota, Toyota were holding flags up for Tom K, Audi were down congratulating Porsche, and saying they (Audi) didn't deserve a podium whilst Toyota did. It's been lovely.

Unlike GTE where they're all a bunch of whiny little brats that make Vettel and Lewis look like grown ups.

Grown ups or not, Toyota and Porsche hopefully have a good, civil rivalry until the next manufacturer or competitive lmp1 car comes along.

[roderick]

Not so good news.
Toyota wont be running 3 cars next year.
Not sure what's going on with drivers tho

[TF110]

Sad if true. But every indication has been 3 for at least Le Mans.

[roderick]

Originally Posted by TF110

Sad if true. But every indication has been 3 for at least Le Mans.

Every indication has not been by Toyota.
And whatever TMG says isn't same as what Toyota says.

[TF110]

It's up to TMG in the end to do 2 or 3 cars, but Toyota has the budget decision. 2 or 3, I just want to see them win LM and get another shot at the wec titles.

[GasperG]

Things have changed with Audi leaving, apparently they rather compete with the same number against Porsche, it's better that way from PR perspective, especially if they lose another LeMans. An a win with less resources is even more sweet.

[kvenom]

Pathetic. The Toyota board don't care about this at all.

[TF110]

Where is this information coming from? If Toyota hasn't said anything then it's not decided one way or the other.

[GasperG]

roderick apparently has some inside info, it wouldn't be the first time

[TF110]

Lots have info, but not all are right. Let's see what happens. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with for the new car and what the lineup will look like.

[Hiro]

If porsche will run 2 cars next year and use their budget on developing strong 2 cars, I think toyota may follow suit

[Spyderman]

http://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/t...ns-car-852807/

[GT6]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

http://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/t...ns-car-852807/

well that is encouraging at least

[Japanese Samurai]

JP.motorsport.com reports Hisatake Murata (Toyota) interview.

*Mazda, Peugeot and Hyundai are interested in LM24/WEC.
They are coming to ACO to research.
But it's not easy for them to join this race.
That's because the technical level rose in these 5 years.

*About new tech regulations postponement
ACO insisted to lower the (hybrid) technical level.
However, Toyota and Porsche opposed it. As a result, tech regulations were in status quo.

http://jp.motorsport.com/wec/news/we...%82%8B-853159/

[Acid09]

Interesting, Hyundai has been floated for many, many years but it never seems to go anywhere.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

JP.motorsport.com reports Hisatake Murata (Toyota) interview.

*Mazda, Peugeot and Hyundai are interested in LM24/WEC.
They are coming to ACO to research.
But it's not easy for them to join this race.
That's because the technical level rose in these 5 years.

*About new tech regulations postponement
ACO insisted to lower the (hybrid) technical level.
However, Toyota and Porsche opposed it. As a result, tech regulations were in status quo.

http://jp.motorsport.com/wec/news/we...%82%8B-853159/

Any way you can translate what he said about a third car? I tried to use Google translation but it's pretty bad I could only make out "it's under consideration".

[AoB Special Stage]

If my Japanese hasn't gotten too rusty stateside, Toyota wants to win LM badly (obviously), TMG wants to run three cars to accomplish that, but they're struggling to squeeze it in budget. But, per TMG VP Bob Rupen, "Now I just have to wait for that decision [from Toyota of Japan]. If we are ready to have a third car for Le Mans, we will definitely do it."

[Japanese Samurai]

Originally Posted by TF110

Any way you can translate what he said about a third car? I tried to use Google translation but it's pretty bad I could only make out "it's under consideration".

*There is a rumor that Toyota will enter a third car at LM24.
It's under consideration.

*If there will be 3 cars, driver selection is difficult.
I think that the performance difference of the car is bigger than the performance of the driver.
Even a great driver, the time will be decided depending on the car.
Of course, a quick driver is necessary.
But drivers get faster by practice in LMP1.
Kamui said that he had understood LMP1 driving by driving for a year.
You can also experience in Japanese SGT, but there is nothing better than real pracitice.
Every drivers are trying hard so that they will not be dismissed.
This is the world level category.

[Japanese Samurai]

*Do you became strong, too?
I thought that the European motorsport society is a dreadful world before.
They're severe on a loser very much.
But even if defeated, it's important to keep fight.
By doing that, they respects us for a rival for the first time.
This year, it was possible for us to fight while respecting each other.
When they can accept us once, it's very comfortable place.
European motorsport society is such place.

We got cheers from everyone after this year's LM24 and we were rescued it very much.
We want LM24 win.
If it's possible to win LM24 once, we may be able to win it 10 times.

[TF110]

Thank you, Samurai. Interesting comments by Murata. I like the "win it 10 times" remark I hope they stay on to accomplish that feat. Imo, that's what they should do. They should prove their technology in LM and aim to win and keep winning. None of that we won now lets move on.