| Motorsport GmbH’s LMP1 racing car brings hybrid technology to endurance racing, heralding a new era in the sport. |
TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) confirmed last week that accomplished racers Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima will share driving duties in the company’s newly developed LMP1 car that would compete in World Endurance Championship events next year, including the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.
TMG said it will work with the drivers in determining the specific demands of endurance racing, as well as in continuously developing the car. The company said such efforts will include sessions on TMG’s driving simulator that features the Le Mans track and an LMP1 vehicle model.
According to TMG, all three drivers are expected to take the hybrid LMP1 car through its paces for the first time at the car’s roll-out, which will take place early next year at yet unconfirmed track in Europe.
Track stars
Wurz, a two-time Le Mans winner and multiple Formula 1 podium finisher, holds Le Mans 24 Hours records for winning the race on his first attempt and for being the youngest driver to do so. The feat was achieved in 1996. After more than a decade in F1, both as a racer and test-driver, Wurz won Le Mans again in 2009. Additionally, he has won Sebring 12 Hours (also on his first attempt), the Spa 1,000km and Petit Le Mans.
“As soon as I heard about the possibility to join the team I was instantly excited and keen to be involved,” Wurz said. “I am fascinated by the new challenge of competing with a hybrid car. It is the future of racing so I am very excited that Toyota comes in with this technology. I know Toyota has a lot of expertise in this area and I hope this plays to our advantage.”
For his part, Lapierre has scored victories in GP2 and A1 before making the move to endurance racing in 2007. He has won 1,000-kilometer races at Portimao, Spain, and Silverstone, England, before taking the top podium spot of the 12 Hours of Sebring this year.
Meanwhile, Nakajima is a successful graduate of the Toyota Young Drivers’ Program, and has enjoyed successes in Formula 3 and GP2 on his way to F1.
FAST TIMES
