TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will showcase the past, present and future to fans around the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours, held on 14-15 June. As well as its expression through unique liveries on the team’s race cars, the theme is central to activities for the public at the Circuit de la Sarthe, in the city and in a virtual world.
At the Manufacturers Village within the circuit, a fan display takes visitors through Toyota’s 40 years of Le Mans heritage. It includes the Toyota 85C car which competed in the company’s very first race at La Sarthe in 1985, in addition to Toyota’s first hybrid-powered Le Mans car – the TS030 HYBRID – and its first Le Mans winner, the TS050 HYBRID.
Elsewhere, the new Karting Fan Zone features a Lexus LFA from the 2014 Nürburgring 24 Hours, while at the Le Mans 24 Hours Museum, a 1998 TS020 – known in Europe as the GT-One – makes a special appearance alongside the winning TS050 HYBRID from 2020, and the 94C-V which finished second in 1994.
Toyota’s development of hydrogen technology and its contribution to accelerating a carbon neutral future for mobility and motorsports will be showcased in the ACO H2 Village, a dedicated display area organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). Demonstrations include a TOYOTA Mirai used for CO2 emission-free power supply and a cargo bike powered by portable hydrogen cartridges and the Moving e fuel cell bus which can be used by guests as a mobile phone recharging station.
Hydrogen vehicles are also bringing new possibilities to long-standing Le Mans traditions. The Moving e fuel cell bus, which produces zero CO2 emissions, is in use by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team to attend various appointments, including travel to last Saturday’s scrutineering, where all race cars are checked, and drivers registered to compete. Hydrogen will also power TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s drivers around their traditional city centre parade on Friday, when each car crew will ride in a Hilux Prototype, which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
In addition, a new vehicle showcasing the future will be unveiled during the inauguration ceremony of the ACO H2 Village, starting at 11.30am CEST on Wednesday 11 June.
As well as engaging with fans on and off site, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will contribute to safer operations within the circuit as part of a cooperation with the ACO. Toyota Hilux vehicles will again be part of the fleet of safety vehicles in operation at the race while a new initiative sees TOYOTA GAZOO Racing branding on two pedestrian bridges. These will enhance the safety of spectators and staff by creating safe crossing points at two of busiest areas within the circuit for fans and vehicle traffic. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is also a Mobility Partner of the ACO for Le Mans and has provided several electrified road cars for ACO staff use.
