Toyota reveals tweaks for its Hypercar

Toyota has revealed the specification of the latest version of the GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar with which it will defend its World Endurance Championship titles in 2022. The car has the different-size wheels and tyres as predicted, as well as some visible aerodynamic changes.

The switch of wheel sizes to the second option allowed within the rules

(see Autosport, 24 February) has been confirmed. The two GR010S will run 12.5in fronts and 14in rears rather than the 13in all-round of the original iteration of the car that won the drivers’ and manufacturers’ Hypercar titles last year.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe technical director Pascal Vasselon explained that the change has been designed “to address challenges we faced last season with management of the rear tyres”.

No mention has been made of changes to the so-called ’120 Rule’, which refers to the speed in kilometres per hour at which the hybrid power can be deployed at the front axle. This is moving from the technical regulations into the Balance of Performance system, meaning it can change from race to race. It is understood that the change was a contributing factor in Toyota’s decision.

A higher and longer engine-cover fin – also known as a dorsal fin – and enlarged rear-wing endplates were described by

Toyota as “the most visible” of the aerodynamic developments. These were made necessary by the change in wheel size to maintain airflow and remain within the performance windows laid down by the LMH regulations. The two aerodynamic fences on top of the cockpit have also been revised and are now longer.

The engine settings of the GR010 have been adjusted for 2022 in line with the introduction of a new 100% renewable fuel from the single supplier, Totalenergies. Vasselon described the new fuel, made from waste products of the wine industry, as

“an important step on the journey towards carbon neutrality for TGR and WEC”.