[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

[flatlandsman]

Lol can't say I blame him to be honest!!

[TF110]

Pretty big development and I wish him well. I don't know what the reason is for his departure being so sudden. At least with Vasselon he went to another project. Leupen is just gone? Something is going on behind the scenes imo.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by TF110

Pretty big development and I wish him well. I don't know what the reason is for his departure being so sudden. At least with Vasselon he went to another project. Leupen is just gone? Something is going on behind the scenes imo.

Maybe Toyota Japan doesn't like whiners and rule breakers: https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...-comments.html

He was the only leadership member of all of the manufacturers who couldn't follow the rules.

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Team Director Rob Leupen has been sanctioned by the FIA WEC Stewards in response to his reported comments on Balance of Performance relating to the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2024 FIA WEC season.

Leupen was dealt a 10,000 Euro fine by Stewards meeting at Interlagos after responding to questions from a Dutch Motorsport.com reporter. His answers were deemed by the Stewards to be in breach of WEC regulations and a violation of the International Sporting Code.

The fine has been suspended for the remainder of 2024 for any similar infringement.

The issue arose after the regulations of the WEC were amended to include prohibition of public discussion of Balance of Performance by teams and drivers under Article 6.2.1 of WEC Sporting Regulations and 12.2.1.f of FIA ISC.

[Gerard C]

Its not that sudden, the decision is dated 14th of July this year.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Articus

Maybe Toyota Japan doesn't like whiners and rule breakers: https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/...-comments.html

He was the only leadership member of all of the manufacturers who couldn't follow the rules.

Kamui said something about the bop just recently. Peugeot spoke about it around Le Mans. I think there's a different reason. If Toyota were upset about that why not fire him when the fine was given? Im sure we'll find out soon.

[Adam43]

No change to the driver line up next year (obvs).

https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/release/2024/1113-01

[flatlandsman]

That to me is a shame, I would like to see Kamui go upstairs and I would also drop Hartley, too many errors and subtly moved from qualifying mid season if you noticed. Clearly the weak link there for me.

This is hyper critical however

[J Jay]

I think Hartley's move away from qualifying has just as much to do with weight (see Calado's recent comments) as driver skill and one-lap pace.


No need to change for Toyota though, the weak link already left last year.

[TF110]

Yet Hartley put it on pole in Bahrain. Lopez should be better next year in the RC F, I think this lineup is very strong. If there's a driver that needs to step up I'd say Ryo Hirakawa. Buemi has his hot-headed moments but he's been there since the beginning and proved his worth in Bahrain!

[S griffin]

Hartley will stay as long as he has the chance. We'll see if Lopez still has it. Hirakawa could be quite useful if he found a bit more speed. Buemi is still a good driver and very effective. He's been at sportscars long enough

[flatlandsman]

Sadly even though Kirokawa is maybe not that strong he will be more likely to stay than anyone else, due to his nationality.