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

[Articus]

Originally Posted by TF110

Couldn't read the whole article, but it was a good piece. I assume the capacitor is not much heavier than their driver, and they say they carry ballast. Must be pretty good weight distribution there. And this is just their first solution, so more development can mean better packaging and less weight. But I like the quote "Realistically, this year we want to be the fastest Hybrid".

Thats interesting because Audiis also running a Hybrid. And Audi claims the hybrid is faster than the conventional.

[aneesh99]

Any good info on the Audi hybrid specs and how it compares to the TS030?

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Finally it says Toyota will run a minimum of six rounds of the WEC. That is supported by quotes from a spokesman who says they have to do at least six rounds to be a 'full-time' entrant. Only race that is off the table is Sebring.

Also said: sporting regs might be changed due to the situation. One car would score points instead of two and only six best finishes (Toyota does six, coincidence?) would count. Hopefully back to the original rules right away in 2013.

[TF110]

I believe they can make the hybrid system lighter, which is also in the article. So the ballast weight could increase. I think the fact they use two different systems right now might have an effect on that. Once they choose a direction to go, RWD or AWD I figure they can make the system more optimized and reduce some of the weight.

[TF110]

Buemi Interview here- ems.lexus-europe.com/News/Pages/newsdetail.aspx?newsId=63&returnUrl=/Pages/default.aspx

In the interview they ask a question about how does he feel about being a Toyota driver and a Red Bull 3rd driver. He answers saying the schedule doesn't conflict.

There are no clashes with the calendars so it is quite good because I want to be racing – being third driver you don’t race. Here I am going to race quite a bit – especially if you think about a 24-hour race which is a lot of grand prix!

Before that they ask how does it feel to be a Toyota driver- he says

I am really proud obviously... I’ve already been to TMG and it is the best motorsport facility I have seen. There are all the tools there to build a really fast car. I am sure we can have a bright future so I am delighted to be part of the team; hopefully we will have a lot of good races.

Seems like subtle hints they may have 2 cars in more rounds than just LeMans.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by TF110

Buemi Interview here- ems.lexus-europe.com/News/Pages/newsdetail.aspx?newsId=63&returnUrl=/Pages/default.aspx

In the interview they ask a question about how does he feel about being a Toyota driver and a Red Bull 3rd driver. He answers saying the schedule doesn't conflict. Before that they ask how does it feel to be a Toyota driver- he says Seems like subtle hints they may have 2 cars in more rounds than just LeMans.

Hope so. That certainly seems to be what a few people are saying. They really should have two cars for at least Spa, Le Mans and Fuji. It's not much more effort to bring a second to Silverstone, especially with the prospect of Ant at his home race.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by TF110

Buemi Interview here- ems.lexus-europe.com/News/Pages/newsdetail.aspx?newsId=63&returnUrl=/Pages/default.aspx

Link isn't direct, but sounds like same than here: http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/se...toyota-driver/

[TF110]

^Yeah that's the right link. I took the link from twitter, so it's different.

[Bentley03]

Originally Posted by Simmi

It's not much more effort to bring a second to Silverstone, especially with the prospect of Ant at his home race.

Really hoping they do decide to bring that second car to Silverstone. After last year's disappointment, it would be fantastic for Ant (and the British fans) if he could participate in his home race.

Come on Toyota, make it happen!

[Articus]

Where are the brake ducts?(or atleast why are they covered)

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Articus

Where are the brake ducts?(or atleast why are they covered)

Testing in January during one of the coldest European winters in recent years should be reason enough for minimal cooling needed.

[Acid09]

John Dagys latest interview with Gerard Neveu very much makes it sound like Toyota's undoubtedly in it for the long haul:

http://t.co/SgkRHGSp

[deggis]

Well, so was Peugeot too...

[gwyllion]

The RCE article also covered the duration of Toyota's endurance program: http://gb.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue...t&prev=si&p=14

No one knows how long the TS030 will be racing. Even TMG do not know as the programme's budget is signed off on an annual basis, but the enthusiasm for the project is clear. Toyota Europe turned one of the early TS030 test days into a PR event with a very large number of guests, showing that the car company is full engaged with the motorsport programme.

BTW in the article Vasselon commented that they would design a new monocoque for 2013 if needed.

We could do several seasons with the same monocoque. We improved our correlation in terms of mileage testing with the TF109 during the Pirelli tyre testing programme. We found out it was possible to do very long mileage with our monocoque, so it is still to be decided if we do a new design for next year or continue with this one.

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by deggis

Well, so was Peugeot too...

5 years- not exactly a toe in the water........

[Adam43]

Good point. Porsche or Audi aside five years is a decent run for a manufacturer. Certainly longer than their '90s run.
(bordering on wrong thread here)

[Aysedasi]

True, but juggling Peugeot/Audi/Toyota/Rebellion threads to keep them on-topic is quite a challenge!

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

True, but juggling Peugeot/Audi/Toyota/Rebellion threads to keep them on-topic is quite a challenge!

currentley all threads are flowing into each other

[TF110]

I like how Wurz describes the differences in power delivery, saying with the Toyota you can steer with the power and how different the diesels are. Also about the fact that the chassis can last for such a long period of time, and the comments from Vasselon, I'd say at least they'll run 2013 in addition to this season. I guess this confirms an update to the car as well for next season. But the decision to make a brand new car, or use the current monocoque is up in the air. I just want to see what they have in store for the rest of this month, and we haven't even made it to their first race yet. Big things to come it seems.

[tyronnezx]

Originally Posted by TF110

I like how Wurz describes the differences in power delivery, saying with the Toyota you can steer with the power and how different the diesels are. Also about the fact that the chassis can last for such a long period of time, and the comments from Vasselon, I'd say at least they'll run 2013 in addition to this season. I guess this confirms an update to the car as well for next season. But the decision to make a brand new car, or use the current monocoque is up in the air. I just want to see what they have in store for the rest of this month, and we haven't even made it to their first race yet. Big things to come it seems.

i just want them to change them headlights no point trying to battle Audi in the Ugliest LMP1 category

[TF110]

I don't think it's ugly. The headlight just might change though. The drivers were saying the brightness wasn't significant enough so I think they'll go with LED's. Just look at their twitter page's 'avatar' picture. Blue leds? Where is this on the car? I think they'll implement them, or at least hope they will.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by TF110

I don't think it's ugly. The headlight just might change though. The drivers were saying the brightness wasn't significant enough so I think they'll go with LED's. Just look at their twitter page's 'avatar' picture. Blue leds? Where is this on the car? I think they'll implement them, or at least hope they will.

Well it's an artist impression, so very hard to say.
But if the follow Peugeot's path with the 908bis then we will likely see a new set of headlights.

Personally i believe we will see Led's once Toyota have found them effective enough, and not causing unnecessary risk in the night. (See the Rockenfeller Crash at Le Mans 2011)

[lms]

Originally Posted by tyronnezx

i just want them to change them headlights no point trying to battle Audi in the Ugliest LMP1 category

hehehe. well said

[Articus]

They said on interviews that the lighting system was sub-par(as in not big enough or bright enough) so presumably we will see changes to that area.

[TF110]

Articus is correct, it was mentioned before that the lights weren't sufficient, and LED's are the 'in-thing' so I expect them to at least consider it. I wouldn't be surprised if it (new lighting) makes an appearance soon, perhaps the next couple of tests?