Toyota spotlights hydrogen at Le Mans
Hydrogen combustion
Over 300,000 motorsport fans will be able to see the latest developments in hydrogen combustion during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Toyota is developing various technologies to support customers on their individual journey to zero emissions. One example is the hydrogen combustion technology already used in the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept car. This car will drive a demonstration lap of the 16.626 km Circuit de la Sarthe on June 10 at 12:20 a.m. (CEST) to promote the potential of hydrogen for a carbon-neutral future.
Super Taikyu
Toyota will compete with the Rookie Racing team in the Super Taikyu endurance championship in Japan with the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept. The project is part of activities to make ever better cars for motorsports. The GR Corolla H2 Concept – with hydrogen combustion engine – makes noise and offers sensations like traditional racing cars, but with almost zero emissions.
TS050 Hybrid and GR010 Hybrid
From June 1 to July 2, Toyota GAzoo Racing’s five 2018-2022 Le Mans-winning hybrid race cars will be on display at the Le Mans 24 Hour Museum. The exhibition is part of the centenary of the famous race, organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The three TS050 HYBRID and two GR010 HYBRID race cars are preserved in the condition in which they crossed the finish line of the 24-hour race. They have never been shown together before.
Future and history
Moreover, the 2018 and 2022 winning cars will be driven by two former Le Mans winners, Alex Wurz and Kazuki Nakajima, respectively. The cars will join other historic cars in action during the Centenary Parade around the Circuit de la Sarthe on June 10, just before the start of the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours.
Together with the Japan National Tourism Organization and Mazda Motor Corporation, Toyota will hold a themed exhibition to promote tourism to Japan and also introduce technological developments for achieving a carbon-neutral society in Japan.
Enjoying it all over the world
To help fans enjoy the Le Mans 24 Hours even more, Toyota GAZOO Racing has launched a special section on its official website, www.toyotagazooracing.com. A live video feed from the on-board cameras of the two GR010 HYBRID cars will be broadcast via the website throughout the race, which will also feature new footage of the cars and images of the five Le Mans-winning Toyotas.
GT CUP in Gran Turismo 7
Fans from around the world who participate in the third round of the ongoing TGR GT Cup on Gran Turismo 7 will receive a GR010 HYBRID Gran Turismo virtual car in the 2023 livery. The third round of the e-motorsports series will be held June 4 at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Registration details are published on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing website.
Countdown to the race
On Saturday, June 10, the 24 Hours of Le Mans starts at 4 p.m. In the standings, Brendon Hartley, Sébastien Buemi and Ryo Hirakawa, drivers of the GR010 HYBRID with start number 8, are first in the overall standings with 71 points. In second place are Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in the GR010 HYBRID with start number 7. In the constructors’ championship, Toyota GAZOO Racing is first with 90 points after three races.
