Toyota TS050 Technical Analysis
Toyota are the only remaining LMP1 manufacturer left in the World Endurance Championship which has left the ACO with a major problem ? how can they promote the hybrid technology of the Toyota whilst ensuring competitive racing with the LMP1 privateers"
This is a question that has sparked a huge debate and resulted in the Equivalence of Technology table, also known as Appendix B, which aims to give Toyota a slight advantage, but not enough to make it a one horse race. With this in mind, you might argue that it is therefore a given that Toyota are going to win it. However, as history has shown, Toyota?s previous Le Mans woes has meant that the Japanese outfit has never actually won the gruelling 24 hour race. Furthermore, Toyota have opened themselves up to an extraordinary risk because this year the Le mans 24 hours is their race to lose. This year?s Toyota LMP1 contender is an evolution of last year?s car, as suggested by the use of the same name, the TS050. However, despite the ?limited upgrades? highlighted by Pascal Vasselon, Technical Director of Toyota, there have still been some substantial changes which will improve the performance of this year?s Toyota TS050.
These upgrades include a beefed up clutch, with optimised wheel arches and bodywork. Although the majority of the bodywork has been carried over from last year, with just two aero kits; low and high downforce, homologated for this year, instead of the three used last year.
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