Toyota Gazoo Racing's Ambitions with Hydrogen Technology in WEC
Key Ideas
- Toyota Gazoo Racing faces uncertainty in entering the FIA World Endurance Championship's hydrogen class due to delays in finalizing regulations.
- Despite the delays, Toyota remains committed to developing hydrogen technology for sustainable motorsport and keeping its options open for racing opportunities.
- Kamui Kobayashi, the team principal, emphasizes Toyota's willingness to take on the challenge of using hydrogen for carbon-neutral motorsport, even if it may not be limited to the WEC.
- Toyota's confidence in its current GR010 Hybrid's competitiveness and success in the manufacturers' championship reflects its readiness to embrace future advancements in hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Toyota Gazoo Racing's team principal, Kamui Kobayashi, has expressed uncertainty about the Japanese marque's participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship's hydrogen class. Delays in finalizing regulations have postponed the debut of hydrogen cars to 2028, with no clear updates on the process. Toyota has been a pioneer in internal combustion hydrogen technology in Japan and unveiled the GR H2 Racing Concept in 2023. While committed to sustainable motorsport, Toyota is keeping its options open for racing with hydrogen-powered machinery. Despite the lack of regulations, Kobayashi believes in the potential of hydrogen for carbon-neutral motorsport. The team is open to racing in championships beyond the WEC. While other manufacturers show interest in hydrogen technology, questions remain about competition and regulatory timelines. Toyota's success in Super Taikyu with hydrogen technology demonstrates its readiness for future challenges. The potential for delays in hydrogen regulations may extend the lifespan of the current GR010 Hybrid, which Kobayashi remains confident in despite newer competitors. Kobayashi humorously contemplates his future role as a driver in a hydrogen-powered Toyota. Overall, Toyota's positive sentiment towards hydrogen technology and sustainable racing underscores its proactive stance in embracing future advancements.