[WEC] Toyota Hypercar Discussion

[Matador]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

Just watching some of the late night stuff from LM

Compared to other teams, Toyota at stops did obsess rather a lot about the front lip splitter, it was cleaned very thoroughly every stop I note, fascinated to know why on that car, other teams just seem to clean inside to remove rubber etc.

Rodents?

[Gerard C]

Yep, squirrels. Some teams do the same and clean the rear wing too (when applicable…).

[S griffin]

A red or grey squirrel? Which one is more effective?

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by S griffin

A red or grey squirrel? Which one is more effective?

The one you can swallow!

[Matador]

Originally Posted by TF110

I always thought that too. Maybe they were building the car to a certain spec before the rules changed a little? Idk

Just to follow up on the topic, from a 2018 Racecar Engineering article

Chassis
The introduction of the ERS on the front axle will have huge implications for the chassis manufacturers. To accommodate this hybrid system, the tub will most likely have to be redeveloped, so those manufacturers currently in LMP1 non hybrids may have to bring new chassis’ to meet the 2020-2021 regulations.
Add to this the geometrical parameters that are being suggested which include having two seats, larger cockpits and wider windscreens.

Perhaps Toyota got started with their basic design based on this and that is no longer the case when the regs were actually fixed inplace?


Given that I can see why there is some hesitance toward meeting the 2028 H2 Deadline (they keep insisting "we can be ready once regulations are fixed within x time")

[FIRE]

Toyota Gazoo Racing team director Rob Leupen has relinquished his role for the title-winning FIA World Endurance Championship outfit, it has been announced.

The Japanese manufacturer released a short statement on Wednesday on the eve of this weekend’s season-closing 8 Hours of Bahrain confirming Leupen’s departure, which it says was made by “mutual agreement”.

He will officially exit Toyota at the end of the year but his operational role within the team has been suspended with immediate effect.

The statement read: “Rob has made an immense contribution to TGR-E and Toyota in motorsport over almost three decades of service and the company places on record its sincere thanks, and wishes him success in the next phase of his life.”

...

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...ediate-effect/

Reshuffle in management at Toyota.

[seanyb505]

The immediate effect part is weird to me. Even if all parties have been planning the transition, that phrase is usually reserved for harsher agreements. Even the GM reshuffle will see people attend Bahrain.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

The immediate effect part is weird to me. Even if all parties have been planning the transition, that phrase is usually reserved for harsher agreements. Even the GM reshuffle will see people attend Bahrain.

I agree. Someone who leaves after almost 30 years deserves bigger farewell.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

The immediate effect part is weird to me. Even if all parties have been planning the transition, that phrase is usually reserved for harsher agreements. Even the GM reshuffle will see people attend Bahrain.

Could it be he will be on another manufacturers team next year and they want his eyes not focused on their data/process? But I mean he would know all that anyways after all the years.

[flatlandsman]

30 years is a damn long time that means her was possibly involved in F1 before and WRC, maybe getting involved with the F1 Haas linkup? Or just retired, seems odd to dump him before last round, wonder if he was poached?

[Mike E]

Maybe he just didn't want to go to Bahrain