Toyota launch new LMP1 car

07 TMG LMP1 2015 Location__midToyota Racing has unveiled its latest challenger in its attempt to defend its World Endurance Champion drivers’ and manufacturers’ crowns. The updated TS040 Hybrid is relatively unchanged in terms of the overall concept, but the vast majority of the components have been revamped ready for the 2015 season.

As Dailysportscar reported in the run-up to tomorrow’s Prologue, the hybrid LMP1 racer will remain in the 6 megajoule category. However, this season will mark the final year of Toyota’s hybrid technology, with a brand-new system in development for 2016 and beyond. Other positive news includes Toyota Racing’s commitment to the World Endurance Championship for a further three years, pouring cold water on fears that the works Toyota effort in the 2017 World Rally Championship would signal the end of the prototype program.

In driver news, Kamui Kobayashi has been appointed as a second test and development driver alongside Nicolas Lapierre, while – unlike in previous years – Kazuki Nakajima will drive for the whole season, with no clashes with any of his other commitments.

Source: Daily Sportscar
Image source: Toyota press material