Toyota’s factory team has finally disclosed the reason for its heart-breaking loss in the Le Mans 24 Hour in the closing minutes of the marathon.
The #5 TS050 Hybrid lost turbo boost following a defect on a connector from the air line between the turbo and intercooler.
“The team attempted to modify the control settings to restore power and this was eventually achieved, allowing the car to complete the final lap,” a team statement revealed.
“However, it was achieved too late to complete that lap within the required six minutes.”
“Currently it is not clear exactly why this failure occurred as we have verified the process used to produce the part here in Cologne.
“Further analysis is required to determine the root cause.
“It is clear that the issue has no link whatsoever to the engine issues experienced at Spa earlier this season.
“Comprehensive investigations are underway at TMG to determine the precise reason for this issue with the aim of establishing countermeasures to avoid any repeat in the future.”
The latest body blow to Toyota’s aspirations of conquering the pinnacle of sportscar racing comes at its 18th attempt at the French circuit.
Since its first appearance in 1985, Toyota has gone through anguish and hardship in its campaigns with five, second-placed finishes all it has to show for its heavy investment.
A reference to Toyota’s results at Le Mans
(Chassis name in brackets)
1985
#36 (85C-L) – Qualifying: 29th. Race: 12th.
#38 (85C-L) – Qualifying: 22nd. Race: DNF (mechanical).
1986
#36 (86C-L) – Qualifying: 40th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#38 (86C-L) – Qualifying: 30th. Race: 20th.
1987
#36 (87C-L) – Qualifying: 14th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#37 (87C-L) – Qualifying: 16th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
1988
#36 (88C) – Qualifying: 8th. Race: 12th.
#37 (88C) – Qualifying: 10th. Race: 24th.
1989
#36 (89C-V) – Qualifying: 24th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#37 (89C-V) – Qualifying: 17th. Race: DNF (accident).
#38 (88C) – Qualifying: 25th. Race: DNF (accident).
1990
#36 (90C-V) – Qualifying: 10th. Race: 6th.
#37 (90C-V) – Qualifying: 14th. Race: DNF (accident).
#38 (90C-V) – Qualifying: 16th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
1992
#7 (TS010) – Qualifying: 3rd. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#8 (TS010) – Qualifying: 4th. Race: 8th.
#33 (TS010) – Qualifying: 5th. Race: 2nd.
#34 (92C-V) – Qualifying: 11th. Race: 9th.
#35 (92C-V) – Qualifying 15th. Race: 5th.
1993
#22 (93C-V) – Qualifying: 10th. Race: 5th.
#25 (93C-V) – Qualifying: 12th. Race 6th.
#36 (TS010) – Qualifying: 2nd. Race 4th.
#37 (TS010) – Qualifying: 5th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#38 (TS010) – Qualifying: 4th. Race 8th.
1994
#1 (94C-V) – Qualifying: 4th. Race: 2nd.
#4 (94C-V) – Qualifying: 8th. Race 4th.
1995
#27 (Supra LM) – Qualifying: 30th. Race 14th.
1996
#57 (Supra LM) – Qualifying. 36th. Race: DNF (accident).
1998
#27 (TS020) – Qualifying: 8th. Race: 9th.
#28 (TS020) – Qualifying: 2nd. Race: DNF (accident).
#29 (TS020) – Qualifying: 7th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
1999
#1 (TS020) – Qualifying: 1st. Race: DNF (accident).
#2 (TS020) – Qualifying: 2nd. Race: DNF (accident).
#3 (TS020) – Qualifying: 8th. Race: 2nd.
2012
#7 (TS030 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 5th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#8 (TS030 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 3rd. Race: DNF (accident).
2013
#7 (TS030 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 5th. Race: 4th.
#8 (TS030 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 4th. Race: 2nd.
2014
#7 (TS040 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 1st. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#8 (TS040 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 3rd. Race: 3rd.
2015
#1 (TS040 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 8th. Race 8th.
#2 (TS040 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 7th. Race 6th.
2016
#5 (TS050 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 4th. Race: DNF (mechanical).
#6 (TS050 Hybrid) – Qualifying: 3rd. Race: 2nd.
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