Toyota enter World Endurance Championship with ORECA
Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) have confirmed a partnership with ORECA to provide operations support for their 2012 World Endurance Championship project.
The French team will bring its experience in sportscars,and specifically of the 24 Hours of Le Mans,where it has competed for several seasons.
ORECA has shown its qualities by rivaling the two official constructors, Audi and Peugeot in the enduro classic.
Most notably, Hugues de Chaunac's men won the 12 Hours of Sebring in March 2011, and finished 2nd in the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta a few weeks ago.
The LMP1 chassis that will be entered in 2012 has been designed, developed and built at TMG's technical centre in Cologne.
The prototype will be powered by a petrol engine equipped with hybrid technology, provided by Toyota Motor Corporation.
ORECA will support the TMG track operations team and this partnership will begin in the coming weeks.
Hugues de Chaunac, President of Groupe ORECA, said: “It's a very big day for ORECA. To be chosen by Toyota Motorsport GmbH is a huge reward for the work we've done in recent years.
“ORECA has proven its worth at the highest level of endurance racing, winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2011 and finishing three straight times in the top 5 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Thanks to its know-how, ORECA now has the opportunity to work with the biggest automobile manufacturer, and on a project that's particularly interesting.
“We are proud to support Toyota Motorsport GmbH in this challenge and we're looking forward to an exciting future.”
Rob Leupen, Director Business Operations, Toyota Motorsport GmbH added: “This is clearly good news for TMG. ORECA's competence and track record are well known, which is why we were very keen to develop a relationship with them.
“They will enhance our track operations team as we make progress in the world of endurance racing.”
