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Le Mans / ALMS
LE MANS: Toyota Withdraws From Spa
Damage from last week's accident rules out Spa debut for new Toyota TS030 Hybrid...
Toyota's new TS030 Hybrid will now make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. (Photo: Toyota Racing)
The highly anticipated debut of Toyota's new LMP1 challenger has been delayed following an accident sustained last week in testing.
Damage to the Japanese manufacturers' currently one-and-only tub has ruled out the TS030 Hybrid making its debut in next month's FIA World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Spa. The car will instead make its first start in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
The team confirmed its change of plans Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened to announce this decision and our sympathies are with the drivers, team members and fans who have been anticipating the Spa race so eagerly," said Toyota Racing Team President Yoshiaki Kinoshita. "Since the accident we have looked into all options but unfortunately there is no alternative course of action open to us.”
Nicolas Lapierre escaped injury following last week's accident during a planned 30-hour endurance test at Paul Ricard. The Frenchman was scheduled to share the wheel of the No. 7 entry with Alex Wurz and Kaz Nakajima at Spa, with a two-car entry planned for Le Mans.
“While it is disappointing for everyone concerned, we fully support Toyota’s decision to withdraw their car for Spa following the unfortunate accident at Le Castellet last week in which the TS030 monocoque was damaged," said ACO President Jean-Claude Plassart.
"We have to remember this is a brand new project and Toyota was originally not intending to be a full WEC entrant. The company have done a fantastic job to expand their plans and with six of the eight rounds counting for the World Championship, Toyota can still take the fight to Audi.”
With Toyota now in a race to prepare a new tub for additional pre-Le Mans testing, it's unclear if its second entry in the twice-around-the-clock French classic could now be in doubt.
Toyota's withdrawal from Spa also comes as a blow for its FIA WEC title aspirations, as only the lowest two results would be dropped in the Manufacturers' World Championship. The team will now join the series in the third round of the season.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
Damage to the Japanese manufacturers' currently one-and-only tub has ruled out the TS030 Hybrid making its debut in next month's FIA World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Spa. The car will instead make its first start in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
The team confirmed its change of plans Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened to announce this decision and our sympathies are with the drivers, team members and fans who have been anticipating the Spa race so eagerly," said Toyota Racing Team President Yoshiaki Kinoshita. "Since the accident we have looked into all options but unfortunately there is no alternative course of action open to us.”
Nicolas Lapierre escaped injury following last week's accident during a planned 30-hour endurance test at Paul Ricard. The Frenchman was scheduled to share the wheel of the No. 7 entry with Alex Wurz and Kaz Nakajima at Spa, with a two-car entry planned for Le Mans.
“While it is disappointing for everyone concerned, we fully support Toyota’s decision to withdraw their car for Spa following the unfortunate accident at Le Castellet last week in which the TS030 monocoque was damaged," said ACO President Jean-Claude Plassart.
"We have to remember this is a brand new project and Toyota was originally not intending to be a full WEC entrant. The company have done a fantastic job to expand their plans and with six of the eight rounds counting for the World Championship, Toyota can still take the fight to Audi.”
With Toyota now in a race to prepare a new tub for additional pre-Le Mans testing, it's unclear if its second entry in the twice-around-the-clock French classic could now be in doubt.
Toyota's withdrawal from Spa also comes as a blow for its FIA WEC title aspirations, as only the lowest two results would be dropped in the Manufacturers' World Championship. The team will now join the series in the third round of the season.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
FIA WEC Six Hours of Spa
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