media kit - TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH

MEDIA KIT
LE MANS 24 HOURS 2012 - 16 & 17 JUNE
JOIN THE HYBRID REVOLUTION IN MOTORSPORT ON WWW.TOYOTAHYBRIDRACING.COM
INTRODUCTION BY YOSHIAKI KINOSHITA - Team President
TOYOTA IN MOTORSPORT
TOYOTA is passionate about motorsport and has competed internationally for more
than 50 years, so it is natural for our company to be participating once again on the
global stage. The same is true of TMG; we were founded to take the TOYOTA name
into international competition and we are very proud to be asked to do so once again.
FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
There are several reasons why the FIA World Endurance Championship appeals to
TOYOTA. Of course the Le Mans 24 Hours is one of the world’s biggest races and one
in which TOYOTA has a long tradition. Now this race is part of the FIA World Endurance Championship which is important to us because it provides a global stage for
our hybrid technology. This technological aspect is an interesting and unique aspect
because the championship is one of very few in global motorsport which allows different technologies to compete together.
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
TOYOTA is a pioneer in the field of hybrid technology so TOYOTA Racing benefits from this immense experience and
knowledge. This is a new technology in motorsport terms so there are many things to learn and develop, but Mr Murata
and his hybrid project team, as well as the hybrid vehicle development division at TOYOTA Motor Corporation, have
been working on these systems in racing for several years already. This gives us a unique knowledge which we hope to
demonstrate in the FIA World Endurance Championship this year.
TARGETS FOR 2012
This is a learning year for TOYOTA Racing but nevertheless we set ourselves high standards, so we want to prove the
performance potential of the hybrid system and the TS030 HYBRID. We know it is not easy to face such experienced
opponents and we face a steep learning curve, but the ultimate target for this project is to win Le Mans and the FIA
World Endurance Championship so we aim to take a big step in this direction in 2012.
TS030 HYBRID TECHNICAL INFORMATION
TYPE
BODYWORK
WINDSCREEN
GEARBOX
GEARBOX CASING
DRIVESHAFTS
CLUTCH
DIFFERENTIAL
SUSPENSION
SPRINGS
ANTI ROLL BARS
STEERING
BRAKES
DISCS
RIMS
FRONT RIMS
REAR RIMS
TYRES
FONT TYRES
REAR TYRES
REAR TYRES
SEAT BELTS
WIDTH
HEIGHT
FUEL CAPACITY
POWERTRAIN
ENGINE
FUEL
CAPACITY
VALVES
AIR RESTRICTORS
CAPACITOR
REAR HYBRID MOTOR
Le Mans Prototype (LMP1)
Carbon fibre composite
Polycarbonate
Transversal with 6 gears sequential
Aluminium
Constant velocity tripod plunge-joint driveshafts
Multidisc
Viscous mechanical locking differential
Independent front and rear double wishbone,
pushrod-system
Torsion bars
Front and rear
Hydraulically assisted
Dual circuit hydraulic braking system,
mono-block light-alloy brake calipers front and rear
Ventilated front and rear in carbon
Magnesium forged wheels
14.5 x 18 inch
14.5 x 18 inch
Michelin radial
36/71-18
37/71-18
37/71-18
TAKATA
2000 mm
1030 mm
73 litres
TOYOTA HYBRID System – Racing (THS-R)
90° V8 normally aspirate
Petrol
3.4 l
4
1 x 43.3mm
Nisshinbo
DENSO
PASCAL VASSELON INTERVIEW - Technical Director
DESIGN PRIORITIES
In modern endurance racing, performance is the dominant factor, unlike in the past
when reliability was more significant in terms of who won the race. Now it is very
clear we have to be extremely quick from the start of the race until the very end; the
standard of competition is very high indeed. So we have set ourselves challenging
targets for the TS030 HYBRID in terms of aerodynamic and outright performance,
whilst also simultaneously working to produce a car which is capable of pushing to
the limit for 24 hours.
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
The benefit of a hybrid system is the additional power it provides on corner exit untill
you reach the 500 kJ of energy released allowed by the regulation. It can improve overall performance or deliver better fuel economy according to what the race strategy
needs. One of the challenges facing us in designing and engineering the car is how to
manage the additional weight of the hybrid system so we have worked on packaging
and weight distribution to find the optimum solution.
DRIVER LINE-UP
We are really pleased with the drivers for TOYOTA Racing this year; they meet all the targets we set when we began this
process. Our priorities were very clear: a TOYOTA Racing driver has to be fast, reliable and a good team player. We studied driver performances over recent years in endurance racing to evaluate the candidates, which is a robust and logical
way of assessing driver potential. I am happy to say that since our team came together at the beginning of this year we
have not been disappointed; all our drivers are living up to the high standards we expect of them.
TARGETS FOR 2012
We need to develop and grow as a team in endurance racing whilst simultaneously delivering the kind of performance
expected of a TOYOTA works motorsport team. Our target is to show the TS030 HYBRID is the fastest hybrid car on the
grid and experience some enjoyable moments along the way.
ROB LEUPEN INTERVIEW - Director Business Operations
PROJECT ORIGINS
Originally we did not expect to be racing in 2012 at all; it was planned as a testing
year for TMG followed by our racing debut next year. But we are motorsport people so
when the green light was given to go racing this year we went full steam ahead to prepare. We didn’t have a lot of time as this decision came in October 2011, not a lot more
than six months before our planned race debut, but we like a challenge! At that stage
we were planning to race only a handful of times as part of a development season but
as circumstances changed for the WEC, so our plans also evolved. It’s required a lot
of effort to upgrade our plans at such relatively late notice but the staff at TMG have
performed professionally.
PRODUCTION CHALLENGES
The accident is April caused a major difficulty for our production department because
we had to accelerate production of the second chassis while in parallel plan for a
third chassis to be built before Le Mans. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as
the availability of raw materials and the sheer time it takes to lay-up and cure a complex part such as a monocoque. But
our engineering, purchase and production staff have been working around the clock; it has been a phenomenal effort
to produce two monocoques in record time and everyone in the team is grateful for their effort.
LONG-TERM GOALS
Our goal beyond 2012 is clear: we exist to win. It’s a different story for this year, when we are aiming to develop as a
team and fine-tune our technology. This year is a first step for us and we do not expect to reach our long-term goal
immediately, but we are impatient to succeed.
HISATAKE MURATA INTERVIEW - Hybrid Project Leader
HYBRID DEVELOPMENT
Development of a TOYOTA HYBRID System - Racing began six years ago when we first
considered how to bring this technology into motorsport. In 2006 a hybrid system
for racing simply did not exist, so my task was to work together with our partners
to create a joint concept. TOYOTA’s knowledge of road car hybrid systems gave us a
strong starting point, and we worked with our partners to develop the high-performance technology needed for racing. It was important for us to work together with
other members of the TOYOTA family and our partners on this development. We did
not want to rely on off-the-shelf components and we wanted this project to enhance
the overall technical capabilities of TOYOTA.
HYBRID BENEFITS
The primary advantage of the current generation of hybrid cars in the WEC is on the
exit of corners, where the additional power is available. TOYOTA’s goal has been focused mainly on generating additional performance via the hybrid system. It can be
used in two ways: either it delivers faster lap times through improving speed on the exit of corners, or you choose to
save fuel by using the internal combustion engine less on corner exit and allowing the hybrid system to compensate.
We are aiming for faster lap times, that is our clear priority.
SUPER CAPACITOR TECHNOLOGY
The advantage of a super capacitor system is that the power-to-weight ratio is more suited to racing. It is important to
recover and store energy very quickly under braking, then release quickly to deliver additional power. But we did not
choose super-capacitors in isolation; the decision was based on an evaluation of all aspects of a hybrid system and an
understanding of exactly what the hybrid system needs to deliver. We considered that for our racing hybrid system,
super-capacitors compliment the strengths of the other elements and therefore provide the most suitable storage
system.
JOHN LITJENS INTERVIEW - Project Leader
LMP1 DESIGN CHALLENGES
The challenge for any car designer is to deliver a car which is as fast as possible within the regulations and that’s no different in LMP1. Many of the priorities are very
similar to TMG’s previous motorsport projects; we want a car which has a good drag
coefficient, uses the tyres efficiently and is lightweight. We are fortunate at TMG
to have some fantastic facilities - modern wind tunnels, calculation tools and testing rigs for example - and we have used these extensively to design and optimize the
TS030 HYBRID.
TEST PROGRAMME
Our test programme went extremely well through January and February; we were
able to complete a lot of kilometers which helped us understand the car’s characteristics. Feedback from the drivers was positive and we established a clear direction to
improve performance. However, the accident we suffered at Paul Ricard in early April
was a setback in terms of the track testing programme because suddenly we lost the
whole month. But we rescheduled the testing during May and we have largely recovered the situation, even though
there is no replacement for race experience.
LATEST AERODYNAMICS
We always planned to build testing and race aero packages, although obviously the update was due to be on the car in
Spa. The testing package was a more conservative approach which allowed us to fully understand the powertrain and
basic characteristics of the car, before a more performance-focused aero spec was introduced for racing. This new spec
also included all legality items such as the holes over the wheels. After missing Spa, we’ve had the chance to test this
update and it delivers a noticeable improvement in performance, which validates the simulation and wind tunnel work
we did at TMG.
CAR #7 - ALEX WURZ
BORN
LIVES
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HOBBIES
PETS
FAVOURITE FOOD
BEST ACHIEVEMENT
15 February 1974, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Austria
Monaco
Married to Julia, 3 children (Felix, Charlie and Oscar)
1.87m
79kg
Kite surfing, mountain biking, climbing, triathlon
None
Italian and Japanese
Youngest Le Mans winner (1996)
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
1996
LE MANS STARTS
5
LE MANS BEST RESULT 1st (1996 & 2009)
CAREER HISTORY
1986
19
86
1989
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001-2005
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
BMX World Championship: 1st
BMX European Championship: 2nd
Austrian Kart Championship: 2nd
European Formula Ford Cup: 2nd
Austrian Formula Ford Championship: 2nd
European Formula Ford Cup: 1st
Austrian Formula Ford Championship: 1st
German Formula Ford Championship: 1st
Austrian Formula 3 Championship: 1st
German Formula 3 Championship: 2nd
German Formula 3 Championship: 6th
Le Mans 24 Hours (Team Joest): 1st
International Touring Car Championship (Opel): 16th
Formula 1 (Benetton): 14th
FIA GT Championship (AMG Mercedes): 10th
Formula 1 (Benetton): 8th
Formula 1 (Benetton): 13th
Formula 1 (Benetton): 15th
Formula 1 (McLaren): Third driver
Formula 1 (McLaren): 17th (one race)
Formula 1 (Williams): Third driver
Formula 1 (Williams): 11th
Formula 1 (Honda): Reserve driver
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): 1st
Formula 1 (Brawn GP): Test driver
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): DNF
Sebring 12 Hours (Peugeot): 1st
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): 4th
Petit Le Mans (Peugeot): 1st
Spa 1,000km (Peugeot): 1st
CAR #7 - ALEX WURZ INTERVIEW
GOAL
This season is a development and learning year; we know we have plenty of
areas to work on and we are modest enough to say that we do not expect to
be winning Le Mans this year. Of course we will be pushing like crazy to get the
best result. The car shows good potential and I am pleased with the start we
have made. However, I am very analytical person and I know there is a lot of
areas we must develop if we are to be truly competitive at the front.
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
I think motorsport is changing and hybrids are part of that future. I don’t think
we can expect to see internal combustion petrol engines racing in 50 years time
in the same style they do now. If you look back 50 years you already see a big
shift in the technology available in motorsport and for street cars so it’s logicial
that this will be repeated in the future. I don’t know if hybrid is a stepping stone
to electric motorsport or if it will dominate more and more on its own, but we
are definitely at the beginning of a shift in the basic nature of motorsport. I
think that is a good thing.
TEAM SPIRIT
You have three guys and everyone needs some opportunity to breath to extract
the best out of himself. Sometimes the team-mates play a big role; you cannot
be too egotistical in your approach with set-up work and team work. You have
to think not only for you as a driver but also for your team-mates. Sometimes
in some situations you need to motivate your team-mate, make decisions together and you can only do that if everyone gives enough space to the individual. It is not about an egotistical approach. That is something I have learned
that is directly translating into race results.
LE MANS RACING
I love sports cars and I always use the comparison that whenever you come
to Le Mans you feel a bit like Steve McQueen - like a cool actor. You just need to watch his movie Le Mans to understand that. It is a very heroic, classical motorsport event which I have been a fan of since my childhood. I simply love
sportscars and Le Mans. I have always had a fascination for sportscars and the TOYOTA GT-One was a really sexy, coollooking car. Whenever I see it at a motorshow I stop to have a look; some of the details are very forward-thinking. It was
a nice piece of equipment.
GETTING TO KNOW… ALEX WURZ
-Your favourite sport? Motorsport and cycling.
-Your favourite sportsman? No one in particular.
-Your favourite “hero”? Lightning McQueen.
-A “super power” you would like to have? To be good at mathematics. No in fact, to be unbeatable in mathematics!
-If you would not be a driver? A professional sportsman.
-Your favourite track? Le Mans, Monaco
-Your favourite corner? Porsche corners at Le Mans.
-The car that most impressed you? McLaren MP4-17D
-The car you would like to drive? A car which doesn’t need to refuel.
-Your motto? “Don’t die wondering.”
-Your favourite colour? Multicolour
-Your favourite music? Pop-rock
-Are you a big user of Internet, mobile and social network? Just what it needs and Twitter since one year.
-Your favourite destination (city or country)? At home!
CAR #7 - NICOLAS LAPIERRE
BORN
LIVES
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HOBBIES
PETS
FAVOURITE FOOD
BEST ACHIEVEMENT
2 April 1984, Thonon-Les-Bains (France)
Bursinel (Switzerland)
Single
170 cm
69 kg
Football
2 dogs
Italian
Youngest Macao F3 winner (2003)
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
2007
LE MANS STARTS
5
LE MANS BEST RESULT 5th (2009 & 2011)
CAREER HISTORY
1993
1993
1997
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Began his career in karts
European Kart Championship, CIK Cadet Class: 6th
French Formula Renault
French Formula Renault: 8th (4th in Junior class)
Formula Renault Eurocup (Graff Racing): 3rd
Formula 3 EuroSeries (Signature Plus): 4th
Macau Grand Prix: 1st
Formula 3 EuroSeries (Signature Plus): 3rd
GP2 Series (Arden International): 12th
GP2 Series (Arden International): 9th
A1 Grand Prix (Team France): 1st
GP2 Series (DAMS): 12th (2 wins)
Le Mans 24 Hours (Team ORECA): 9th
Le Mans Series (Team ORECA): 12th
Le Mans Series (Team ORECA): 6th
Le Mans 24 Hours (Team ORECA): 5th
Asian Le Mans Series (Team ORECA): 3rd
Le Mans Series (Team ORECA): 2nd
Le Mans 24 Hours (Team ORECA): DNF
Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (Team ORECA)
Le Mans 24 Hours (Team ORECA): 5th
Sebring 12 Hours (Team ORECA): 1st
CAR #7 - NICOLAS LAPIERRE INTERVIEW
FIRST IMPRESSION
At the beginning, it is a little weird. Starting up is really silent. Usually launching
the car is noisy, nearly brutal with the clutch. In this case it is really smooth, without any noise. And then you have the feeling to come back to reality with the
internal combustion engine. That said, it is really enjoyable to drive a car with
such a pleasing sound. The laps go by and you discover a new environment with
many new things to learn.
EXCITEMENT
I am very excited to find out how the car will be on the Le Mans circuit, at the 24
Hours. We’ve tried to simulate this as best we can, but Le Mans is Le Mans and
nothing can replace the real thing. During the practice sessions, it will be important to see how the car reacts in order to be competitive during the race. This
edition is a little different for me: the pressure is always greater when you drive
for a big manufacturer. On the other hand, we’ve completed more testing to
prepare ourselves, not forgetting the help from the simulator at TMG. It helps
us apply the handling of the car to other tracks and to prepare for its first laps
at Le Mans.
TOYOTA MOTORSPORT GMBH
It is impressive, I have to say. I have been to a top-level motorsport factories
but this is huge and the level of equipment is very impressive. People from different countries work for TMG: the atmosphere is quite eclectic, so the team
members are all very open-minded. You can feel that they are very experienced,
they have a great know-how. Working methods are highly professional, very
committed. I enjoy working under these conditions. The team equips themselves with the means required to realize their ambitions. This is the ideal
context to succeed!
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
The challenge of the hybrid system is an interesting one even if it’s not an easy one. We have discovered several things
and we have evolved a lot these past few months. We now have to extract the most from this technology, which is
new at this level of competition. It’s another parameter to manage, especially in terms of strategy, and also in the car’s
setup. We have less previous experience to refer to because we are innovating. That’s also what makes this challenge
so interesting and I’m happy to be participating in this development phase.
GETTING TO KNOW… NICOLAS LAPIERRE
-Your favourite sport? Jogging, swimming.
-Your favourite sportsman? Zinedine Zidane. He is world class!
-Your favourite “hero”? Goldorak!
-A “super power” you would like to have? Teleportation.
-If you would not be a driver? “Chauffeur” or engineer…
-Your favourite track? Spa or Macau.
-Your favourite corner? Eau Rouge.
-The car that most impressed you? The TOYOTA TS020 (GT-One)
-The car you would like to drive? This car exactly (the TS020)!
-Your motto? “Only winning is beautiful”
-Your favourite colour? Blue
-Your favourite music? Mainly pop. At the moment, I Follow Rivers, by Lykke Li
-Are you a big user of Internet, mobile and social network? Yes quite big, and Twitter for social network.
-Your favourite destination (city or country)? Australia and Sydney.
CAR #7 - KAZUKI NAKAJIMA
BORN
LIVES
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HOBBIES
FAVOURITE TRACK
PETS
FAVOURITE FOOD
BEST ACHIEVEMENT
11 January 1985, Okazaki, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Single
1.75m
62kg
Football, sightseeing
Fuji, Silverstone
None
Spanish and Japanese
First Japanese F1 driver to score points at Monaco
(2008)
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
n/a
LE MANS STARTS
0
LE MANS BEST RESULT n/a
CAREER HISTORY
1998
1998
1999
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2011
Suzuka Kart Championship, ICA class: 1st
Esso Formula TOYOTA: 1st
Japanese Formula 3 Championship (TOM’S): 5th
Macau Grand Prix (TOM’S): 13th
Japanese Formula 3 Championship (TOM’S): 2nd
Macau Grand Prix (TOM’S): 5th
Super GT (apr): 8th
Formula 3 EuroSeries (Manor): 7th
Macau Grand Prix (Manor): DNF
GP2 Series (DAMS): 6th
Formula 1 (Williams): 22nd (one race)
Formula 1 (Williams): 15th
Formula 1 (Williams): 20th
Formula Nippon (TOM’S)
Super GT (TOM’S)
CAR #7 - KAZUKI NAKAJIMA INTERVIEW
HONOUR
To be a Japanese driver and drive for a Japanese brand like TOYOTA, it’s huge! It’s
even more so because I have been working with TOYOTA for several years, since
I was very young. In addition to the national pride aspect, the project itself is so
important. It’s an honour to be a part of it. We have worked very hard to be up
to the challenge and it’s nice to see everyone has the same objective in mind.
Since the beginning, we have made progress in the right direction.
PRESSURE
I’m tempted to say that the pressure is not solely related to this race. As a driver
we always have a form of pressure, but it’s good to have it: it’s necessary to advance. To be honest, I have such a busy schedule this year, with so much travel,
that I don’t have time to ask myself questions. I’m going into this race with the
usual approach, that’s to say with maximum concentration.
SATORU NAKAJIMA
My father has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with TOYOTA on top of
that. The race was different at that time than what it has become today, but he
still gave me some advice. In the family, it’s cool to say that the father and son
both competed in the same event. Le Mans is very exciting and seems really
impressive, maybe even so more than F1. I can’t wait to discover it for myself.
AMBITION
As a driver, you always envision the best result possible. That said, the first
time is never easy whether it be for the drivers, the car, or the team, who are
making their return to Le Mans. It’s also the first time for our hybrid technology, which is quite impressive. To race with this technology is unique: it allows
us to recover energy and it’s very interesting in terms of strategy. We will learn
a lot, just as we have during these past months where everything is getting
better and better.
GETTING TO KNOW… KAZUKI NAKAJIMA
-Your favourite sport? Football and baseball.
-Your favourite sportsman? FC Barcelona.
-Your favourite “hero”? Captain Tsubasa.
-A “super power” you would like to have? It is from a Japanese comic: you knock the door and you are where you want to be.
-If you would not be a driver? Something related to motorsport or in sport.
-Your favourite track? Fuji Speedway and Silverstone.
-Your favourite corner? Maggots and Becketts.
-The car that most impressed you? Williams FW14B. It claimed lot of wins in 1992 and there is all the story behind
Nigel Mansell.
-The car you would like to drive? Red Bull RB7, which looks really fast.
-Your motto? “Just do it” even if I am not a Nike guy!
-Your favourite colour? Red and white.
-Your favourite music? Japanese pop.
-Are you a big user of Internet, mobile and social network? Yes when I have to.
-Your favourite destination (city or country)? At home, as long as I have time. I also would like to go to Bolivia.
CAR #8 - STÉPHANE SARRAZIN
BORN
LIVES
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HOBBIES
FAVOURITE TRACK
PETS
FAVOURITE FOOD
BEST ACHIEVEMENT
2 November 1975, Alès, France
Barjac, France
In relationship with Camille, 2 children
180cm
69kg
Cycling and motorbike
Spa, Sebring and Road Atlanta
None
Italian and sushis
Three Le Mans 24 Hours poles in a row
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
2001
LE MANS STARTS
10
LE MANS BEST RESULT 2nd (2007 & 2009)
CAREER HISTORY
1994
1994
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
French Formula Renault (La Filière): 1st
French Formula 3 Championship (LD Autosport): 2nd
Formula 1 (Prost GP): Test driver
International Formula 3000 (Apomatox): 6th (1 win)
Formula 1 (Prost GP): Third driver
Formula 1 (Minardi): 24th (one race)
International Formula 3000 (Gauloises Junior): 4th
Formula 1 (Prost GP): Third driver
International Formula 3000 (McLaren Junior): 4th
Formula 1 (Prost GP): Third driver
International Formula 3000 (Prost Junior): 14th
Formula 1 (TOYOTA): Test driver
World Series by Nissan (Racing Engineering): 7th (2 wins)
French Rally Championship (Subaru): 1st
World Rally Championship (Subaru): 11th
World Rally Championship (Subaru): 17th
Le Mans 24 Hours (Aston Martin): 9th
World Rally Championship (Subaru): 18th
American Le Mans Series (Aston Martin): 2nd
Le Mans 24 Hours (Aston Martin): 10th (2nd in GT1 class)
Le Mans Series (Peugeot): 1st
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): 2nd (pole position)
Le Mans Series (Peugeot): 4th
American Le Mans Series (Peugeot): 7th
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): 5th (pole position)
Petit Le Mans: 1st
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): 2nd (pole position)
Le Mans Series (Peugeot): 1st
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): DNF
Petit Le Mans (Peugeot): 1st
Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (Peugeot): 2nd
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot): 3rd
Petit Le Mans: 1st
Sebring 12 Hours Starworks: 3rd (1st in LMP2 class)
CAR #8 - STÉPHANE SARRAZIN INTERVIEW
RETURN
I am very happy and very proud to be back with TOYOTA. I have good memories
of when I drove for the team: I did a lot of tests in F1. TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH
is a team of a very high quality and they work very hard. It’s a new challenge
that is particularly attractive. I’ve seen several people again after meeting them
during my seat fitting which allows me to feel good within the team. It’s a real
pleasure to be back. I am at the team’s disposal and I will bring my experience
to the table.
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
It is a completely new technology in endurance racing and the learning curve is
steep as a result. That is what makes this technological challenge so exciting.
Not all avenues have been explored, the goal is therefore to choose the best direction in order to have the best car at the end. We will no doubt learn a lot this
season, but we have the benefit of being able to count on TOYOTA’s experience,
which remains the reference point for hybrid systems in road-going cars.
LE MANS
It’s the hardest race. Everything has to come together on that day, everything
must be at 100%, human and machine. I usually say Le Mans decides its victor,
everything must be in place, but you also have to have success on your side.
From year to year, this event keeps making me dream. It’s all you think about.
Even if I’ve sometimes had bad luck, it’s so magical that I only remember good
memories from my previous participations. Once again, I’ll bring the fight!
POLE POSITION
It’s often said that pole position isn’t a priority for the 24 Hours, but it has its
place. It gives the team a good momentum and motivates everyone even more.
To take the pole at Le Mans has a unique significance; the atmosphere is really
special. It’s mostly decided at night and you get the feeling you’re leaving on a
mission. It’s a different feeling.
GETTING TO KNOW… STÉPHANE SARRAZIN
Your favourite sport? Cycling and swimming.
Your favourite sportsman? Ayrton Senna.
Your favourite “hero”? I never had a hero.
A “super power” you would like to have? Be even quicker and resilient.
If you would not be a driver? Fighter pilote.
Your favourite track? Spa, Sebring and Road Atlanta.
Your favourite corner? Raidillon at Spa.
The car that most impressed you? Peugeot 908.
The car you would like to drive? A current F1.
Your motto? Never give up.
Your favourite colour? Blue.
Your favourite music? I listen to the radio.
Are you a big user of Internet, mobile and social network? Yes for Internet, a little on facebook.
Your favourite destination (city or country)? Corsica.
CAR #8 - ANTHONY DAVIDSON
BORN
LIVES
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HOBBIES
PETS
FAVOURITE FOOD
BEST ACHIEVEMENT
18 April 1979, Hemel Hempstead, Great Britain
Northamptonshire, Great Britain
Married to Carrie
1.66m
56kg
Mountain biking, running, music
One dog
Sushi
Winning the 12 Hours of Sebring
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
2003
LE MANS STARTS
4
LE MANS BEST RESULT 4th (2011)
CAREER HISTORY
1999
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
British Formula Ford Winter Series (Haywood Racing): 1st
British Formula Ford (Haywood Racing): 3rd
British Formula 3 (Carlin): 2nd
European Formula 3 Cup (Carlin): 1st
Formula 1 (BAR): Test Driver
Formula 1 (BAR): Test Driver
Formula 1 (Minardi): N/C (2 races)
Formula 1 (BAR): Test driver
American Le Mans Series (Prodrive Racing): 2nd place, GT Class, Petit Le Mans
Le Mans 24 Hours (Prodrive Racing): DNF
Formula 1 (BAR): Test driver
Formula 1 (BAR): Test driver
Formula 1 (BAR): N/C (1 race)
Formula 1 (Honda): Test driver
Formula 1 (Super Aguri): 23rd
Formula 1 (Super Aguri): 22nd
Formula 1 (Honda): Test driver
Formula 1 (Brawn GP): Test driver
Le Mans 24 Hours (Aston Martin Racing): 13th
Le Mans Series (Peugeot Sport): 15th (1 race, 1 win)
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot Sport): DNF
Sebring 12 Hours (Peugeot Sport): 1st
Formula 1 (Mercedes GP): Test driver
Le Mans 24 Hours (Peugeot Sport): 4th, 3 ILMC wins
CAR #8 - ANTHONY DAVIDSON INTERVIEW
AIM
We have to be realistic. As a driver, I want to have a strong race without mistakes and getting the most out of the car. I hope we will have reliability on our
side and I am excited to see our level of performance at Le Mans. Obviously, I
hope the car will be fast enough to be a challenger for the victory but, like I said,
we have to be realistic. If we have the reliability, we will be close to the podium.
NEW CHALLENGE
On some points, it is very similar to previous years. But there are also a lot
of things that are new for me. This is my first time with hybrid technology, a
different car, with a different engine, and a different team. It is a new and different experience so I am in a learning process. I feel privileged to be part of this
project and to work with this technology.
LE MANS
Le Mans has become 100% my goal as a racing driver. After doing it once, and
even more after doing it several times, Le Mans captures you. I understand how
difficult it is to win there. This is not a race where only driving at 90% is necessary. You have to be at the top because it is so hard, physically and mentally. If
one day I can say that I’ve won Le Mans, I will have achieved what I want as a
driver.
COMPARISON TO F1
At Le Mans you have to battle a lot more elements than in F1. You have to fight
against the lack of sleep, driving in the dark, in the traffic, with tyres that go
for several stints, and on a track with different kinds of grip. All of it makes this
race a really big challenge to be competitive and fight for the victory. You have
to maximize all the elements.
PREPARATIONS
As a team, we still have to work and grow. As a driver, I feel nervous before such a big event. It could seem strange but,
the more you do it, the more you become nervous. The first time, you don’t know what to expect. Then you know what
you will have to face and how big the challenge is. On the other hand, I am very excited: this race, it is only once a year,
and there is only one chance to win it. That’s why it is so special.
GETTING TO KNOW… ANTHONY DAVIDSON
Your favourite sport? Motor racing ! Also cycling and running…
Your favourite sportsman? (after reflection) Usain Bolt.
Your favourite “hero”? Santa Claus!
A “super power” you would like to have? To be able to grow up as tall as I want...
If you would not be a driver? Something in the technology. In computer tech.
Your favourite track? Suzuka... or Spa
Your favourite corner? Turn 8 at Istanbul.
The car that most impressed you? The Brawn GP F1…
The car you would like to drive? The last TOYOTA which raced at Le Mans, the TS020.
Your motto? I don’t really have a motto.
Your favourite colour? Blue electric.
Your favourite music? Dance music.
Are you a big user of Internet, mobile and social network? Yes for Internet. Only Twitter for social network.
Your favourite destination (city or country)? Mauritius.
CAR #8 - SÉBASTIEN BUEMI
BORN
LIVES
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HOBBIES
FAVOURITE TRACK
PETS
FAVOURITE FOOD
BEST ACHIEVEMENT
31 October 1988, Aigle, Switzerland
Monaco
Single
1.75m
68kg
Skiing, mountain biking, tennis
Spa
One cat
Italian
Scoring points in his first F1 grand prix
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
n/a
LE MANS STARTS
0
LE MANS BEST RESULT n/a
CAREER HISTORY
2004
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Formula BMW ADAC (Lars Kaufmann Motorsport): 3rd
Formula BMW ADAC (ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg): 2nd (7 wins)
Formula 3 Euro Series (Mücke Motorsport): 12th (1 win)
Formula Renault Northern European Cup (Motopark Academy): 7th (2 wins)
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 (Motopark Academy): 11th (1 win)
A1GP (Team Switzerland): 8th
Formula 3 Euro Series (Mücke Motorsport): 2nd (3 wins)
GP2 Series (ART Grand Prix): 21st
GP2 Asia Series (Team Arden): 2nd (1 win)
GP2 Series (Team Arden): 6th (2 wins)
Formula 1 (Red Bull Racing): Test and reserve driver
Formula 1 (Scuderia Toro Rosso): 16th
Formula 1 (Scuderia Toro Rosso): 16th
Formula 1 (Scuderia Toro Rosso): 15th
CAR #8 - SÉBASTIEN BUEMI INTERVIEW
APPREHENSION
I think that every driver who is getting ready to race in the Le Mans 24 Hours has
a little apprehension, including those who have competed in it several times
before. The stress, the adrenaline are things that are part of racing in general
and more specifically to Le Mans. It’s an event to be taken to heart. You have to
find the right balance between having sufficient pressure while taking on the
challenge with the most calm possible.
FAMILY SPIRIT
To be part of the Le Mans 24 Hours 50 years after my grandfather is of course
very special. When I told him, he was very proud. We will share something that
few drivers get to share. He has had a TOYOTA dealership for over forty years.
My parents also worked there: the entire family has had TOYOTA vehicles and
everyone is fond of the brand. Personally it will be a special occasion and I want
to do well.
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
The hybrid is fantastic but it’s also very complicated. The TS030 HYBRID is entering into a completely new technology in motor racing and the challenge is
greater than one might think. We are working hard to be on target and we are
learning at every test. We will also learn at Le Mans, there’s no doubt about
that. To be at the wheel of this car is unique. It’s the not too distant future of
the automobile. It’s also a spectacular experience, especially when you are at
the controls of the car in the pitlane, in all electric mode. The world is just not
the same !
ENDURANCE
I’m discovering a new philosophy. On one hand the TS030 HYBRID was designed and developed by TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH and you can feel the F1 knowhow. The level of technology is particularly high and, in this way, it reminds me
of my single-seater career. On the other hand, the nature of the car is different: it’s an endurance car and I needed time
to adapt. Thanks to our testing, I was able to accumulate mileage and I’m now ready.
GETTING TO KNOW… SÉBASTIEN BUEMI
Your favourite sport? Tennis, mountain biking, skiing, wakeboarding etc.
Your favourite sportsman? Roger Federer.
Your favourite “hero”? My father.
A “super power” you would like to have? To be able to fly!
If you would not be a driver? Another kind of sportsman.
Your favourite track? Spa.
Your favourite corner? Eau Rouge at Spa, the tunnel at Monaco, Suzuka’s 130R.
The car that most impressed you? Lotus 79 which ran in F1 in 1978-1979.
The car you would most like to drive? That Lotus - it looks amazing.
Your motto? Not to rest on one’s laurels. Keep on pushing.
Your favourite colour? Yellow.
Your favourite music? Pop-rock, R&B. Groups like The Offspring when I was younger.
Are you a big user of Internet, mobile and social network? My smart phone yes, as well Twitter and Facebook, but not
so much.
Your favourite destination (city or country)? A little town near Malaga. I go there every year in holidays since my childhood. And my home - I am never there!
JUNIOR DRIVER - ANDREA CALDARELLI
BORN
STATUS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
14 February 1990, Pescara, Italy
Single
1.75m
70kg
LE MANS HISTORY
LE M
MANS
ANS
AN
S DE
DEBU
DEBUT
BUT
T
n/a
LE MANS STARTS
0
LE MANS BEST RESULT n/a
CAREER HISTORY
2000-200
2000-2003
2000
2003
3
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Karting
Formula Azzurra: 4th
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia: 14th
Formula Renault 2.0 Asia Trophy
Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup (Prema Powerteam)
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia (Prema Powerteam)
Member of TOYOTA Young Driver Programme (TDP)
Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup (SG Formula): 3rd
Formula Renault West European Championship (SG Formula): 3rd
Member of TOYOTA Young Driver Programme (TDP)
Formula 3 Euro Series (SG Formula): 14th
Member of TOYOTA Young Driver Programme (TDP)
Young driver test for Panasonic TOYOTA Racing
Italian Formula 3 Championship (Prema Powerteam): 3rd
Young driver test for Scuderia Ferrari
Formula Nippon (Kondo Racing): 16th
GP2 Asia Series (Ocean Racing Technology): 21st
GP3 Series (Tech 1): 10th (4 races)
FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy member
TEAM MANAGEMENT
YOSHIAKI KINOSHITA
ROLE
ROLE
DATE OF BIRTH
CAREER HISTORY
1978-1989
1989-1995
1996-2001
2004-PRESENT
2005-2010
2010-PRESENT
Team President
10 March 1956 - Fukuoka City, Japan
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Engine R&D Engineer
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, World Rally Championship
and Le Mans programmes
TOYOTA Racing Development, Vice President Champ Car
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, General Manager Motor Sports
Division
TMG, Executive Vice President
TMG, President
PASCAL VASSELON
ROLE
ROLE
DATE OF BIRTH
CAREER HISTORY
1982-1985
1985-1988
1988-1991
1991-1994
1994-2000
2000-2004
2005-2006
2006-2010
2010-PRESENT
Technical Director
20 March 1963 - Firminy, France
L’Ecole Nationale Superieure de L’Aeronautique
et de l’Espace
Renault Sport and Renault, vehicle model making
and suspension development
Michelin, Head of Vehicle Dynamic Group
Michelin Competition, Advanced Research
Michelin Competition, Head of Circuit Activities
Michelin Competition, F1 Director
TMG, Head of R&D Chassis
TMG, Senior General Manager Chassis
TMG, Technical Director
ROB LEUPEN
ROLE
ROLE
DATE OF BIRTH
CAREER HISTORY
1993-1995
1995-2009
2010
2011-PRESENT
Director Business Operations
10 December 1963 - Helmond, The Netherlands
EMI Electra, Human Resources Manager
General Manager Human Resources
General Manager General Administration
Director Business Operations
TEAM MANAGEMENT
HISATAKE MURATA
ROLE
ROLE
DATE OF BIRTH
CAREER HISTORY
1987-1993
1995-2002
2003-2005
2006-2007
2006-PRESENT
2008-PRESENT
Hybrid Project Leader
3 December 1963 - Osaka, Japan
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division,
Race Engine Engineer Le Mans program
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division,
Race Engine Engineer Champ Car program
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Production Engine Engineer
TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Motor Sports Division,
Tokachi 24hr program
TOYOTA Motor Corporation,
Racing Hybrid Project General Manager
TOYOTA Motor Corporation,
Motor Sports Division Le Mans program
JOHN LITJENS
ROLE
ROLE
DATE OF BIRTH
CAREER HISTORY
1990-1993
1994-1997
1997-1999
1999-2000
2000-2004
2004-2008
2008-2010
2010-PRESENT
Project Leader
19 July 1968 - Horst, Netherlands
HTS Autotechniek Apeldoorn,
Bachelor Automotive Engineering
Inalfa Roof Systems, R&D department, product engineer
TOYOTA Team Europe, Le Mans project,
Integration and Race Engineer
TMG, F1 project,
Senior Engineer Integration
TMG, F1 project,
Group Leader Chassis Integration
TMG, F1 project,
Project Leader (Chief Designer)
TMG, F1 project, Chief Project Leader (Chief Designer)
TMG, Chief Project
j
Leader Race Cars
JOHN STEEGHS
ROLE
ROLE
DATE OF BIRTH
CAREER HISTORY
1990-1993
1994-1995
1996-1997
1997
1997-1999
2000-2006
2006-2009
2010
2011-PRESENT
Team Manager
17 October 1968 - Venray, The Netherlands
VIT Race and Tyres Services BV, Parts and tyre service (track
support) for Formula Opel team
Schübel Engineering GmbH, responsible for stores and lifing
Schübel Engineering GmbH, responsible for parts and car build
planning
Schübel Engineering GmbH, responsible for stores, lifing and
hospitality for Porsche GT1 program
TMG, responsible for stores and lifing for the Le Mans program
TMG, responsible for parts planning for parts logistic department
TMG, manager parts planning and strategies, responsible for
stores, lifing and car build coordination for the F1 program
TMG, Senior Coordinator Business Development
TMG, Principal Planner and Team Manager
TOYOTA LE MANS RESULTS AND HISTORY
Year
Y
ear
Team
Te
am
Car
Car
Ca
Number
Car
Car
Ca
Drivers
Qualifying
Position
Result
1985
Tom’s Team
36
Tom’s 85C-L
Satoru Nakajima,
Masanori Sekiya,
Kaoru Hoshino
29th
12th
1985
Dome Team
38
Dome 85C-L
Eje Elgh,
Geoff Lees,
Toshio Suzuki
22nd
DNF
(clutch)
1986
Dome Team
36
Tom’s 86C-L
Satoru Nakajima,
Masanori Sekiya,
Geoff Lees
40th
DNF
(engine)
1986
Tom’s Team
38
Dome 86C-L
Eje Elgh,
Beppe Gabbiani,
Toshio Suzuki
30th
20th
(NC)
1987
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
36
TOYOTA 87C-L
Alan Jones,
Geoff Lees,
Eje Elghe
14th
DNF
(engine)
1987
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
37
TOYOTA 87C-L
Tiff Needell,
Masanori Sekiya,
Kaoru Hoshino
16th
DNF
(engine)
1988
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
36
TOYOTA 88C
Geoff Lees,
Masanori Sekiya,
Kaoru Hoshino
8th
12th
1988
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
37
TOYOTA 88C
Paolo Barilla,
Hitoshi Ogawa,
Tiff Needell
10th
24th
1989
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
36
TOYOTA 89C-V
Hitoshi Ogawa,
Paolo Barilla,
Ross Cheever
24th
DNF
(engine)
1989
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
37
TOYOTA 89C-V
Geoff Lees,
Johnny Dumfries,
John Watson
17th
DNF
(accident)
1989
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
38
TOYOTA 88C
Kaoru Hoshino,
Didier Artzet,
Keiichi Suzuki
25th
DNF
(accident)
1990
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
36
TOYOTA 90C-V
Geoff Lees,
Masanori Sekiya,
Hitoshi Ogawa
10th
6th
1990
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
37
TOYOTA 90C-V
Aguri Suzuki,
Johnny Dumfries,
Roberto Ravaglia
14th
DNF
(accident)
1990
TOYOTA Team SARD
38
TOYOTA 90C-V
Pierre Henri Raphanel,
Roland Ratzenberger,
Naoki Nagasaka
16th
DNF
(engine)
1992
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
7
TOYOTA TS010
Geoff Lees,
David Brabham,
Ukyo Katayama
3rd
DNF
1992
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
8
TOYOTA TS010
Jan Lammers,
Andy Wallace,
Teo Fabi
4th
8th
1992
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
33
TOYOTA TS010
Masanori Sekiya,
Pierre Henri Raphanel,
Kenny Acheson
5th
2nd
Year
Team
Car
Number
Car
Drivers
Qualifying
Position
Result
1992
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
/ Kitz Racing Team
with SARD
34
TOYOTA 92C-V
Roland Ratzenberger,
Eje Elgh,
Eddie Irvine
11th
9th
1992
Trust Racing Team
35
TOYOTA 92C-V
Stefan Johansson,
George Fouché,
Steven Andskar
15th
5th
1993
Y’s Racing Team /
SARD Co Ltd
22
TOYOTA 93C-V
Roland Ratzenberger,
Mauro Martini,
Naoki Nagasaka
10th
5th
1993
Nisso Trust Racing
Team
25
TOYOTA 93C-V
George Fouché,
Eje Elgh,
Steven Andskar
12th
6th
1993
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
36
TOYOTA TS010
Eddie Irvine,
Toshio Suzuki,
Masanori Sekiya
2nd
4th
1993
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
37
TOYOTA TS010
Pierre Henri Raphanel,
Kenny Acheson,
Andy Wallace
5th
DNF
(gearbox)
1993
TOYOTA Team Tom’s
38
TOYOTA TS010
Geoff Lees,
Jan Lammers,
Juan Manuel Fangio II
4th
8th
1994
SARD Co Ltd
1
TOYOTA 94C-V
Eddie Irvine,
Mauro Martini,
Jeff Krosnoff
4th
2nd
1994
Nisso Trust Racing
Team
4
TOYOTA 94C-V
Steven Andskar,
George Fouché,
Bob Wollek
8th
4th
1995
SARD Co Ltd
26
SARD MC8-R
Alain Ferté,
Kenny Acheson,
Tomiko Yoshikawa
31st
DNF
1995
SARD Co Ltd
27
TOYOTA Supra LM
Jeff Krosnoff,
Marco Apicella,
Mauro Martini
30th
14th
1996
Team Menicon SARD
Co Ltd
46
SARD MC8-R
Alain Ferté,
Mauro Martini,
Pascal Fabre
38th
24th
1996
SARD Co Ltd
57
TOYOTA Supra LM
Masanori Sekiya,
Hidetoshi Mitsusada,
Masami Kageyama
36th
DNF
(accident)
1998
TOYOTA Motorsport /
TOYOTA Team Europe
27
TOYOTA TS020
Ukyo Katayama,
Toshio Suzuki,
Keiichi Tsuchiya
8th
9th
1998
TOYOTA Motorsport /
TOYOTA Team Europe
28
TOYOTA TS020
Martin Brundle,
Emmanuel Collard,
Eric Hélary
2nd
DNF
1998
TOYOTA Motorsport /
TOYOTA Team Europe
29
TOYOTA TS020
Thierry Boutsen,
Ralf Kelleners,
Geoff Lees
7th
DNF
1999
TOYOTA Motorsport /
TOYOTA Team Europe
1
TOYOTA TS020
Martin Brundle,
Emmanuel Collard,
Vincenzo Sospiri
1st
DNF
1999
TOYOTA Motorsport /
TOYOTA Team Europe
2
TOYOTA TS020
Thierry Boutsen,
Ralf Kelleners,
Allan McNish
2nd
DNF
1999
TOYOTA Motorsport /
TOYOTA Team Europe
3
TOYOTA TS020
Ukyo Katayama,
Toshio Suzuki,
Keiichi Tsuchiya
8th
2nd
HISTORICAL IMAGES
TOYOTA MOTORSPORT GMBH
As well as being the home of TOYOTA Racing, TOYOTA Motorsport
GmbH (TMG) is an engineering services supplier based in Cologne,
Germany since 1979 with extensive experience high-level motorsport and automotive development.
TMG won four drivers’ and three manufacturers’ championships
during a long participation in World Rally while its TS020 car set
a new standard in engineering at Le Mans in 1998-99 prior to eight
years in Formula 1 during which the company expanded its facilities and competences.
With two state-of-the-art wind tunnels, unique R&D testing facilities and extensive production departments as well as impressive
design and simulation capabilities, TMG is at the forefront of engineering
i services
i
supply
l to the
h motorsport and
d automotive industries.
Those facilities are widely used by companies from throughout the
top level of motorsport, as well as the wider automotive industry
and beyond.
In 2011, TMG was part of a Le Mans Series Manufacturers’ championship with Rebellion Racing and Lola, while it also set a new lap
record for electric vehicles at the Nürburgring Nordschleife using a
road-legal car with TMG electric powertrain.
TMG’s motorsport projects also extend beyond prototype vehicles. The company has returned to its rallying roots to develop the
Yaris R1A car, which is intended to provide private entrants with
an affordable way to enter the sport while delivering a top-quality
vehicle which lives up to TMG’s high standards.
The latest TOYOTA sportscar to hit the streets, the GT86, has also been given similar treatment, with a TMG version
already on the race track in the German VLN championship.
TMG has also extended its work on TOYOTA road cars in recent
years, ranging from the development of a TMG-exclusive Corolla
Compressor up to the super-fast iQ Sport.
Such projects within TOYOTA and for third-party clients continue
at pace in 2012 alongside TMG’s running of the TOYOTA Racing
team.
PARTNERS
DENSO: www.globaldenso.com
DENSO, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, offers advanced and
high-quality automotive technologies and systems to automakers worldwide.
Through conducting research and development of new technologies and products, mainly in its four areas of expertise: the environment, safety, comfort, and
convenience, DENSO contributes to creating an advanced automotive society
where it envisions motor vehicles functioning in greater harmony with people.
Over the years, DENSO and TOYOTA have closely cooperated in the field of car
racing. DENSO will continue to supply components and other necessary support
to TOYOTA Racing contribute to the team’s success.
TOTAL: www.total.com
Total is one of the world’s major oil and gas groups, with activities in more than
130 countries in every part of the industry – exploration and production of oil and
natural gas, refining and chemicals, trading and shipping, supply and marketing,–
to keep the world supplied with energy, both today and tomorrow
Our mission is to responsibly enable as many people as possible to access energy
in a world of constantly growing demand.
Our vision is to be an Energy Company that is a leading international oil company
and a global operator in gas, petrochemicals, solar energy and, tomorrow,
biomass.
MATMUT: www.matmut.fr
Matmut was created in 1961 by mutual insurance agents from Rouen. It is an insurance company proposing different schemes such as life insurance, health insurance and also provides banking and asset management services.
Matmut and auto racing…A logical and fitting partnership. As a leader in auto
insurance, Matmut sees auto racing as a teaching tool for driver training and
education.
Both popular and prestigious, the sport of racing conveys strong values such as
confidence, team spirit and reliability. These same values are shared with Matmut
in its services in the insurance industry. Matmut is a responsible and conscientious insurance company…
- More than 2,800,000 customers
- More than 6,100,000 contracts
- 575 offices all over France
- More than 4,500 employees…
As a personalized insurer, Matmut maintains one-on-one relationships with its
customers based on confidence and transparency with an attention to quality
service. Along these lines, Matmut proposes:
- contracts that are clear and easy to read so that customers can be engaged,
- both basic and complete products offering reliable and wide-ranging protection,
- a broad selection of services that makes life easier.
ZENT: www.zent.co.jp
ZENT Co.,Ltd is an amusement company which develops ‘Pachinko halls’in the
area of Aichi & Gifu prefectures in Japan. Currently, we operate 21 premises in the
region. 2012 is the final year of a project named ‘SAN-NEN-KAN project’starting
from 2010, which seeks possibilities for the future-style amusement. Under the
slogan of ‘ PLAY ! NEXT ’, which is applied to the project, we have opened largescaled halls equipped with more than 1,000 pachinko machines and aggressively
promoted ‘future amusement figuration’.
JTEKT: www.jtekt.co.jp
Focusing on three businesses, JTEKT supports development of industry in our
high technology and the outstanding quality. First, automotive components
such as steering which contribute «FUN TO DRIVE» and the improvement of environmental performance. Second, bearings those support industries and control
friction. Third, machine tools those are indispensable to manufacturing. We are
unique supplier, which have automotive components of JTEKT, bearings of KOYO
and machine tools of TOYODA. Through our consolidated technology, we will be
contributing society widely.
AISIN: www.aisin.com
Aisin, where “Quality First” is the corporate principle, demonstrates the total
power of more than 160 group companies around the world via product lines that
cover almost all domains of the automobile, including engine and body related
products, transmissions, brake systems and information related. This comprehensive technological capability combines with a wide range of product lines and
development and production capabilities as Aisin’s strengths. We are working to
inspire our customers by overcoming the barriers of product areas with new ideas
and providing high value-added products as systems that pursue safety, comfort
and environmental protection.
NIPPON STEEL: www.nsc.co.jp/en
The Nippon Steel Group undertakes the steelmaking and steel fabrication business as its mainstay operation. The Nippon Steel Group is developing business
in five other segments: engineering and construction, urban development,
chemicals, new materials and system solutions. The Nippon Steel Group seeks
to strengthen the existing competitive infrastructure by sharpening its technological edge and reinforcing its on-site expertise. By organizing, expanding,
and deepening a network for production & supply worldwide, most substantial
among the steelmakers in the world, we ultimately aim to become the “World’s
No.1 Steel Company in Total Capabilities”.
NISSHINBO: www.nisshinbo.co.jp/english
Nisshinbo Group focuses on the environment and energy, two areas of growing
social importance. We are concentrating on the development of high performance, quality and competitive products and technology such as Electric Double
Layer Capacitor and Bipolar Plate for Fuel Cell. In this manner, we will continue to
create value through our technology and products for the realization of a sustainable economy and a low-carbon society as an eco-company.
TAKATA: www.takata.com/en
Since its establishment in 1933, Takata has been dedicated to protecting human
lives. Takata now supplies automotive safety systems, including seat belts, airbags and child seats, to major automakers in Japan and throughout Asia, Europe
and America. Takata first developed full harness racing seat belts in 1996, and
since then has supplied racing harnesses for multiple racing categories in Japan
and overseas, including formula series such as Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula
NIPPON, and touring car competitions - based on modified production vehicles such as the Le Mans, PWRC, the Dakar Rally, and GT racing.
AISIN AW: www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en
In accordance with its «Quality Supremacy» principle, AISIN AW has endeavored
to develop products that bring high customer satisfaction. The results have firmly established the company as the world’s No.1 manufacturer of automatic
transmissions (AT).
We have also pioneered in the field of car navigation systems and is now worldleading in total production.
Furthermore we have developed technologies friendly to the environment, and
is designing hybrid systems, electric vehicles and other products that anticipate
the future of automobiles.
ADVICS: www.advics.co.jp/eng
Our expertise as a leading brake system supplier, along with our experience using
the latest electronic technologies, helps us exceed customer expectations. ADVICS develops outstanding brake systems through our continuous study of vehicle kinematic performance. We strive to provide exceptional vehicle safety and
comfort the world over, while being environmentally responsible.
HAYASHI TELUMPU: www.hayatele.co.jp
The needs for safety, environmental design and comfort continue to increase within the automotive industry. Hayashi Telempu responds to these needs as a total
supplier of automotive interior components. Furthermore, we utilizes advanced
technologies to manufacture high value-added products which are ahead of the
times. Our LCD backlight unit is one example of such products.
TOYOTA INDUSTRIES: www.TOYOTA-industries.com
The needs for safety, environmental design and comfort continue to increase within the automotive industry. Hayashi Telempu responds to these needs as a total
supplier of automotive interior components. Furthermore, we utilizes advanced
technologies to manufacture high value-added products which are ahead of the
times. Our LCD backlight unit is one example of such products.
AICHI STEEL: www.aichi-steel.co.jp
Growing as a Globally Valued Enterprise.
“Great cars are made with great steel.” This Aichi Steel principle, instilled by our
founder Kiichiro Toyoda, reflects his aspirations for development that inspires
us to further technological advances, so as to be of benefit in various realms of
the 21st century, from industrial activity to personal lifestyle and environmental
protection.
TOYOTA AUTOBODY: www.TOYOTA-body.co.jp/english
Toyota Auto Body, as part of the Toyota Group, is moving forward in our efforts to
expand our technical domain and overseas operations with products that satisfy
customers worldwide in looking toward our vision of “aiming to be a comprehensive manufacturer from development through production of minivans, commercial vehicles, and SUVs, and includes specially equipped vehicles and welfare vehicles”. Toyota Auto Body supports and shares the sense of challenge in the hybrid
technology of Toyota Motor Corporation by serving as part of the Toyota strategy
through our development and production of vehicles, such as the Prius and the
ultra compact electric vehicle “COMS”.
TOYOTA TSUSHO: www.TOYOTA-tsusho.com/english
Toyota Tsusho is working with customers worldwide, capitalizing on our global
network in over 60 countries. Our products and services encompass a wide range
of areas -- metals, automobiles, automotive parts, machinery, energy, chemicals,
electronics, foods, textiles, lifestyle materials and more -- essential components
to create an affluent and comfortable society. By achieving our «breakthrough»,
we will create new value on a global scale together with our partners. Toyota
Tsusho has challenged and continues to challenge itself, as a group of experts
who know how to do business around the world.
TOYOTA BOSHOKU: www.TOYOTA-boshoku
Become closer with your family, enjoy a drive with a friend, create lasting memories with that someone special... The many and varied times we spend inside a car
can never be replaced. That’s why Toyota Boshoku aims to ensure the time spent
there is irreplaceable.
Committed to our passion, every day we push technology to the limits as we
research the production of next-generation interior, and filtration & power train
components.
KANTO AUTO WORKS: www.kanto-aw.co.jp/en
As a member of the Toyota Group, we work from development to production preparation and on through to the production of passenger cars. We also actively
apply the skills and know-how we have acquired in making cars to the development of new products and services.
TOYODA GOSEI: www.toyoda-gosei.com
We Toyoda Gosei Group is a global system supplier of automotive components
and LEDs with an extensive network of 46 bases in 17 countries and regions worldwide. As a pioneer in the fields of polymer technologies and optical semiconductors, we strive to become a true global system supplier to bring happiness to customers all over the world.
HINO: www.hino.com
Hino Motors, Ltd. is one of the largest manufacturers of trucks and buses in Japan, and also involved in the motor sports. In 1991, Hino became the first Japanese
truck maker to enter the Dakar Rally. And ever since, Hino has finished in all 21
races in which it has taken part. In 1997, Hino surprised the world, becoming the
first team to make a 1-2-3 sweep in the truck category. Since then, Hino is till going
strong as one of the top teams. (For details, please visit the following website.)
DAIHATSU: www.daihatsu.com
- Innovation for Tomorrow Daihatsu is an automobile manufacturer with a history of over 100 years, established in 1907 through a consortium of industry and academia as a developer, manufacturer and seller of compact cars for the purpose of domestic production of
an internal combustion engines. Daihatsu has the three main pillars of business.
The first is the domestic business driven by mini vehicles, and then the overseas
business, including local production in Indonesia and Malaysia. As a member of
Toyota group, we are undertaking consigned production, joint development and
OEM business with Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, and in overseas markets.
TOKAI RIKA: www.tokai-rika.co.jp/en
At Tokai Rika, we have refined our technology to be friendlier and closer to our
users. Working from their perspective, we are focusing on safety, comfort and
security. Tokai Rika offers human interface products that convey people’s intentions to their vehicles, security products that protect their valued vehicles, and
safety products that protect their lives. We are contributing to the development
of a society in which both people and vehicles exist together. This is our theme at
Tokai Rika, now and forever: «Turn the delight into reality.
TOGO: www.togoh.co.jp/english/index.html
Keen mind, daring spirit, and fine attention…
Springs: changing power to motion and motion to power. Limitless possibilities
await discovery in the working of springs.
Togo means springs, and as a specialist of automotive small springs, we have
been striving to produce high-performance and high-quality springs to meet your
needs and trust the power to take and give that every spring conceals. To see
what needs discovery, we look ahead to stay ahead. To master springs, we continue to make further advances.
MICHELIN: www.michelin.fr
TOYOTA, the world’s biggest carmaker, and the tyre manufacturer MICHELIN will
work together as the Japanese make prepares to return to world class endurance
racing in 2012.
The two industry giants have been partners in motorsport for almost two decades.
In 1993, TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH called on MICHELIN’s expertise to equip its
factory-run Celicas in the World Rally Championship. TOYOTA and MICHELIN won
the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles together in 1993 and 1994, before marking
TOYOTA’s final year in the WRC with another Manufacturers’ crown in 1999.
In 1998, the Japanese brand took up the challenge of the Le Mans 24 Hours in the
prototype class, once again in association with its tyre partner MICHELIN. The
TOYOTA GT-One obtained one pole position and two fastest race laps in the world
famous endurance race.
In 1999, TOYOTA and MICHELIN announced their partnership in Formula One.
After two years of intensive testing, the MICHELIN-equipped TF102 made its F1
debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2002.
The French tyre manufacturer continued to equip the Japanese single-seaters until 2005, when TOYOTA and MICHELIN came fourth in the F1 World Championship
with a score of two pole positions and five podium finishes.
The 2012 season will see MICHELIN and TOYOTA return to Le Mans and the World
Endurance Championship (WEC).
HOW TO FOLLOW TOYOTA RACING?
WWW.TOYOTAHYBRIDRACING.COM
Official website of TOYOTA Racing, TOYOTA’s hybrid FIA World Endurance Championship team. All the latest news, photos and information from TOYOTA’s LMP1 tests and races, including the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Interviews and reactions from drivers and team members during the full season. An exclusive media section is also available.
TWITTER.COM/TOYOTA_HYBRID
The latest news is at your fingertips with our Twitter feed. Follow step by step the team and
how our drivers are doing during race week-ends with regular Tweets that put you in the heart of the
action. Pictures, news and race facts. By following us, you will also be kept informed of the various
goings on from the TOYOTA Racing team. All live!
FACEBOOK.COM/TOYOTAMOTORSPORT
The life and times of the TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH with the latest news
via daily status updates, behind the scenes photos and live results - all on an interactive platform that
allows you to share with other fans… On TOYOTA Racing team entry, but also other activities from TMG.
YOUTUBE.COM/TOYOTAMOTORSPORTGMBH
On track action, filmed interviews and behind the scene videos are available on our Youtube channel.
Perfect network to have sound and image, on TOYOTA Racing Le Mans project and TOYOTA Motorsport
GmbH’s other racing involvement.
MEDIA CONTACT
ALASTAIR MOFFITT
Marketing & Communications Manager
Tel: +49 2234 1823 5543
Mail: alastair.moffi[email protected]