Toyota Gazoo Racing today confirmed its participation in the 2020/2021 FIA World Endurance Championship with a brand-new hypercar. The news comes hot on the heels of the Aston Martin Valkyrie announcement and confirmation of the 2020/2021 Le Mans Hypercar Prototype rules.
The new-generation car from the Japanese manufacturer will be a hybrid-powered prototype based on the GR Super Sport road car. No further details have yet been released regarding the programme. However, both the road-going and race versions of the Toyota hypercar are undergoing design and intensive development in Tokyo and at the team’s European base in Cologne. Track testing is to begin next year.
“For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, this new era of competition is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our credentials not only as a race team against some of the best in the business, but also as a sportscar manufacturer,” said GAZOO Racing Company President Shigeki Tomoyama. “I am sure I join fans and competitors in welcoming the new regulations and looking forward to an exciting era of competition in WEC and at Le Mans.”
Toyota first competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985. The Japanese marque went on to finish second four times, before finally breaking its duck with victory in the 2018 race. The 2019/2020 season will mark the swansong for the TS050 Hybrid.
Images © Toyota Gazoo Racing