WEC News Roundup: Toyota Tilting Towards Staying in LMP1

After the dark and gloomy weekend at Fuji, a ray of light has broken through the clouds hanging over the WEC grid.

Discussions at the Tokyo Motor Show have revealed Toyota have every intention of staying in LMP1 not only for the 2018-2019 ‘Super Season,’ but for the introduction of the new reg’s in 2020 and beyond.

Pictured: Toyota TS050 in the wet at Fuji

The Japanese manufacturer had been contemplating an exit in favor of it’s WRC program, since it was announced Porsche would be withdrawing. Without any manufacturer challenging Toyota, there stood little incentive to running their cars as many would write off their success.

Talks with the FIA/ACO began to alter the regulations so LMP1 Privateers would have a more competitive package, enabling them to contest Toyota for outright victories. It would seem Toyota are content with results of their meetings with the WEC organizers and governing bodies.

Toyota Gazoo Racing President Shigeki Tomoyama hinted the new regulations will be released in December, and are appealing to their marque.

“Once things have calmed down, we will make a decision, but we will probably continue to be racing in a new top-flight class which they are looking to create. We are looking to stay – and only with the goal of winning,” Tomoyama said.

In response to Tomoyama’s comments, a Toyota spokesperson issued the following statement.

“Toyota is willing to participate in WEC 2018-19 but our commitment will depend on the appropriate regulations being confirmed.”

Speculation to the remarks from Toyota lead some to believe Toyota have agreed with the WEC to race in the 2018-19 season contingent on the regulations not yet ratified. Once the regulations are approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in December, Toyota will confirm their entry.

Additional good news hit the LMP1 Privateer side of things just over a week ago, when it was announced by Engine Developments and AIM Co. are collaborating with former LMP mainstay Judd to build a new engine.

 

Engine Developments is the garage producing the Judd engines and plan to work with AIM to produce a V10 engine for the LMP1 Privateer class. Badged as AIM-JUDD, the 5.5 liter naturally aspirated powerplant will be available to run in the 2018-19 season.

With the already announced and rumored LMP1 Privateers teams having their engine supply set, the announcement leaves speculation open as to whether more competitors will answer the call of the Le Mans grid for the upcoming ‘Super Season.’

Pictured: 2002 No. 27 Doran Lista Racing Dallara SP1-JUDD at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

The scream of the JUDD engines will be literal music to the ears of WEC fans worldwide.

Meanwhile, in LMP2, a bit of controversy has erupted surrounding implementation of the joker upgrade provision in the regulations.

To summarize, when the FIA/ACO restricted the global LMP2 class to four manufacturers, there existed a provision for the car designers to upgrade their aerodynamics package once during the agreed four-year time period. This season, ORECA dominated. So much so, no other chassis was entered in the WEC full season.

Pictured: No. 36 Alpine badged ORECA 07, No. 32 United Autosports Ligier, No. 47 Cetilar Villorba Corse Dallara

Obviously, this is a less than ideal situation. To alleviate the issue, the FIA/ACO has allowed Ligier and Dallara to use their joker upgrades as well as allow Riley-Multimatic to fully re-homologate their car. It was further determined by the FIA/ACO ORECA would not be allowed to make any changes to their car on the basis of the distinct advantage they had.

ORECA of course are justifiably perturbed by the decision, voicing their position in an email by President of the French constructor Hugues de Chaunac to the Motor Sport media outlets.

“We disagree with these decisions and contest their legitimacy, considering the detailed analyses conducted and provided by ORECA.

“Only European Le Mans Series races were looked at – four rounds to start with, then five. As for IMSA races, they haven’t been taken into account, which we think is regrettable.

“Contrary to technical regulations, these decisions regarding performance adjustments are not based on data evaluating performance deficits.

“As the only manufacturer not allowed to develop its car, ORECA finds itself unfairly penalized today, together with all the teams which have put their trust in us and have successfully entered the Oreca 07.”

With a full season of data to work from, it is hard to imagine the other three constructors have not gathered data they can tailor their new aerodynamic packages to surpass ORECA.

Pictured: Mazda RT24-P Riley-Multimatic ran by Team JOEST at a test session.

In the case of the Riley-Multimatic, who were deemed well off the pace and permitted for a full re-homologation, new partners JOEST Racing in IMSA’s Mazda DPi team will have a huge role in upgrading the car. It could very well wind up being preferred car in the upcoming season.

As long as ORECA are provided the same option to use their joker upgrades if in fact a distinct advantage is spotted early next season, it is tough to be fully opposed to the FIA/ACO’s decision. Equally as difficult to not understand ORECA’s opposition after a dominant 2017 season nonetheless.

This wraps up the WEC news roundup for now, for more WEC news and discussion be sure to follow us on Twitter @LTMSport as well as our Prototype expert @rob_c_14

China is next on the calendar. Will Toyota make it back to back, or will Porsche rebound wrapping up both titles in the process?

Stay tuned…