Toyota presents new LMP1 car for 2018/2019

Toyota has shown the first photos of their new LMP1 car TS050 Hybrid with which it will compete in the 2018/2019 WEC superseason and which Fernando Alonso will drive in four races, including Le Mans 24h.

The new TS050 Hybrid has not changed significantly compared to its predecessor from the end of last season, but has been thoroughly upgraded and improved in key areas.

WEC superseason 2018/2019 starts on Spa Francorchamps on May 5th and ends at Le Mans 24h  15-16 June, 2019. Superseason consists of eight races and 24h of Le Mans and 6h of Spa will be driven twice.

The THS-R (Toyota Hybrid System-Racing) drivetrain system, developed at Toyota’s Higashifuji Technology Center in Japan, not only continues the existing four-wheel drive with energy recovery systems, but also has improved engine, electric motors and generator and battery reliability.

The minimum weight of the LMP1 car is 875 kg + 3 kg for cameras (without drivers and fuel), and the total power is about 1000 HP. The power unit consists of a 2,4-liter V6 engine and lithium-ion battery based ERS system. Power is transfered on all four wheels.

Toyota will compete with two cars, number 7 and number 8, and the main goal is to win 24h of Le Mans, a race they have not won even though in 2016 they led just over three minutes before the end.

Car number 7 will be driven by Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and José María López and car number eight will be driven by Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso.

From five races in 2018, Fernando Alonso will make four appearances and will miss Fuji on October 21 due to overlap with the US GP in Austin.

But because of the great promotion that Alonso makes for WEC series, the Fuji race organizers will try to move the race schedule on other weekend.

TOYOTA DRIVER LINE-UP FOR 2019/2019 WEC SUPERSEASON

2019/2019 WEC SUPERSEASON CALENDAR

Note: All WEC races last 6 hours except 24h Le Mans

ALONSO CALENDAR FOR 2018