The never ending Toyota return to Le Mans (LMP1) Saga - Page 34

gwyllion · 23 Dec 2011, 23:21 (Ref:3003735)

This recent tweet of Alexander Wurz gives a small indication how the development of the Toyota LMP1 car is progressing:

Quote:

Originally Posted by @alex_wurz

Now taking my 134th flight of 2011 (on way to Toyota Motorsport for a Simulator session and seatfitting)...

If Wurz is fitting his seat, the rollout of the car will not take much longer.

However, this does confirm that the car will have done much testing when it is presented to the press (scheduled for 24/01/2012) and that the Paul Ricard test (scheduled for 25-27/01/2012) is probably the first proper test session.

**Adam43** · 23 Dec 2011, 23:52 (Ref:3003752)

Ah, yes the simulator. Toyota's is top notch and should aid roll out of the first car.

gwyllion · 24 Dec 2011, 08:24 (Ref:3003826)

FYI http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...ar-next-month/

It repeats most of what we already know.

gwyllion · 28 Dec 2011, 08:50 (Ref:3004734)

Another tweet from Alexander Wurz that mentions him visiting Toyota.

Quote:

Originally Posted by @alex_wurz

Good morning, gorgeous day here in Nice. On way to toyota factory, I am just about to board my 135th flight of this year #LotsOfAirMiles

gwyllion · 29 Dec 2011, 11:27 (Ref:3005110)

More twitter activity from Wurz:

Quote:

Originally Posted by @alex_wurz

I spy something with my little eyes.... Something very cool ! Just standing next to the Toyota LMP1 ! #cantwait to drive the #DieselKiller

Quote:

Originally Posted by @alex_wurz

seems many of you like to see the new toyota, I would love to send u a pic, but I'm afraid that I'm not allowed to send a pic, very sorry

rich07 · 29 Dec 2011, 11:33 (Ref:3005111)

Now he's just teasing !

Japanese Samurai · 30 Dec 2011, 08:36 (Ref:3005433)

Japanese Autosport says that Kazuki Nakajima participates also in SGT aside from WEC.

AGD · 30 Dec 2011, 08:41 (Ref:3005435)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

Japanese Autosport says that Kazuki Nakajima participates also in SGT aside from WEC.

What are they going to do at Spa? Assuming they do Spa that is. I think that date conflicts with Super GT. I guess they could run two drivers there.

Japanese Samurai · 30 Dec 2011, 08:45 (Ref:3005439)

There is a rumor that JAF is rescheduling the schedule of SGT.
Therefore, he can participate in Spa.

Japanese Samurai · 30 Dec 2011, 09:34 (Ref:3005455)

Japanese AUTOSPORT says that Toyota will participate by one car at first, and by two cars from the middle of the season.

AGD · 30 Dec 2011, 10:01 (Ref:3005464)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

Japanese AUTOSPORT says that Toyota will participate by one car at first, and by two cars from the middle of the season.

So 1 or 2 cars at Le Mans?

Simmi · 30 Dec 2011, 10:32 (Ref:3005469)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

Japanese AUTOSPORT says that Toyota will participate by one car at first, and by two cars from the middle of the season.

That's good news. I was getting concerned that well-connected people seemed adamant they would just run a single car.

They surely need to have a second car there at LM. Big risk not to in my book.

wewantourdarbyback · 30 Dec 2011, 14:59 (Ref:3005549)

Or they rush to build two cars in time for Le Mans and forgo some development and look foolish.

The Badger · 30 Dec 2011, 16:15 (Ref:3005571)

They obviously have a test hack , and a race car ..... 2nd car for Le Mans . De Chaunac wont do things in halfs , and runs this show , otherwise whats the point in having him .

I have every confidence that as long as De Chaunac in holding the reins , this will not look like a foolish effort , in any way shape or form .

alexkiller8 · 30 Dec 2011, 16:32 (Ref:3005579)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich07

Now he's just teasing !

or just singing trololo

JAG · 30 Dec 2011, 16:55 (Ref:3005588)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

There is a rumor that JAF is rescheduling the schedule of SGT.
Therefore, he can participate in Spa.

That's a big deal alone, then again Super GT is basically run by Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

As I said in another thread, I think we'll ultimately see these Super GT manufactuers running concurrent P1 programs, given the technology share that can take place and the move to greater spec parts and touring/coupe cars, with P1 being the platform to develop new tech.

Quote:

Japanese AUTOSPORT says that Toyota will participate by one car at first, and by two cars from the middle of the season.

So that's at least two more drivers, possibly three, who need to be signed up soon.

Acid09 · 30 Dec 2011, 17:05 (Ref:3005590)

I would bet the house on Toyota racing two cars at Le Mans, there's no way they'll show up with just one car.

They badly need all the data and experience they can get after being away for so long and one car only limits you a lot in that regard. Plus, it's TMG we're talking about here...they will have no problems having a second car ready.

It will be one car for Sebring and/or Spa and two cars from Le Mans and the rest of the year, everything else would be highly unorthodox for a full works effort.

Mr Pink · 30 Dec 2011, 17:15 (Ref:3005594)

So who do we think will drive the second car? Any Super GT prospects?

JAG · 30 Dec 2011, 17:50 (Ref:3005606)

Duval's the hottest free agent, I would have thought he was a shoe-in for Peugeot, but perhaps De Chaunac offered him a Toyota seat first.

Simmi · 30 Dec 2011, 18:51 (Ref:3005630)

I might be wrong but in theory I don't think it's cut and dry that Wurz/Nico/Naka will necessarily form a Le Mans line-up.

CTD · 30 Dec 2011, 21:54 (Ref:3005706)

It is likely that we will see an all Japanese car. As with the Ts020 and the Dome S102.

AGD · 30 Dec 2011, 23:31 (Ref:3005723)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG

That's a big deal alone, then again Super GT is basically run by Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

I have no idea why Super GT is considering changing their schedule. The post yesterday was the first I've heard of it. It may have absolutely nothing to do with Spa. Maybe not, but I don't know.

Quote:

So that's at least two more drivers, possibly three, who need to be signed up soon.

Probably 3 more if they race 2 cars at Le Mans, but perhaps only 1 more if they bring the second car along after Le Mans. It could be another Super GT racer if it is just 1 and there aren't any conflicts. I guess it depends also on conflicts and how many races they plan on doing. What was the rumor before for post-Le Mans races, Silverstone and Fuji? I'm not sure if there are conflicts for those and/or if they plan on doing other races.

Japanese Samurai · 30 Dec 2011, 23:47 (Ref:3005725)

About 2nd car of Toyota,
According to Ausosport,
Hiroaki Ishiura and Kohei Hirate (SGT/FN drivers) will be a possible candidate.
Autosport says that they are the test driver of the hybrid system.
And in my opinion, Loic Duval will be a potential candidate, too.
It is because he will transfer to Toyota team (SGT/FN) next season.

TF110 · 31 Dec 2011, 05:45 (Ref:3005765)

If SGT is rescheduling races for Fuji that conflict with WEC dates, obviously they'll have SGT drivers in their P1 car also. Now that Nakajima has been confirmed for both SGT and WEC, it opens up other possible SGT drivers. I like how WURZ calls the Toyota "Diesel killer"

gwyllion · 31 Dec 2011, 07:45 (Ref:3005772)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

I like how WURZ calls the Toyota "Diesel killer"

Another person on twitter used that name and Wurz adopted it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by @tom13831a

@alex_wurz you should give us a sneak peek of the diesel killer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by @alex_wurz

"@tom13831a: @alex_wurz you should give us a sneak peek of the diesel killer." HAHAHA!!! "Diesel Killer", I like that!

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