MOTORSPORT: Toyota versus Aston Martin the future for Le Mans

Toyota and Aston Martin are preparing for a head-to-head contest at Le Mans with a new generation of hypercars that will also rewrite the rules for road cars.

Toyota plans to continue its hybrid drive with an all-new hypercar that picks up technology from its Le Mans-winning TS050 prototype while Aston Martin will use a track-focussed version of its Valkyrie.

McLaren is also close to a Le Mans commitment, the American boutique brand Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus already has a hypercar prototype, Porsche is virtually a given for the new rules, and the coming change could also make it easier for David Brabham to take his Australian-made BT62 to the French classic.

Hypercars will lead the field at Le Mans in 2021 but the battle has already begun with Toyota and Aston Martin both announcing their commitment during this year’s race at the weekend.

“This era of competition is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our credentials, not only as a race team against some of the best in the business but also as a sports car manufacturer,” said Shigeki Tomoyama, president of Gazoo Racing.

“This is a project that will be conducive to the transformation of Toyota. Transformation in the way of how we work, and also how we create cars.

“We are very happy to have a race with Aston Martin, which is a legendary maker. And I think that will stimulate the other OEMs in their participation. We hope other OEMs will compete, like Ferrari and Porsche.”

Aston Martin sees the hypercar rules as a chance to return to Le Mans as an outright contender, not just a GT-class runner, in a race it last won in 1959.

“Clearly, it’s David versus Goliath. We’re looking forward to it,” the CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, told caersales.com.au at Le Mans.

He said Aston already has its Valkyrie race project underway with a surprisingly clear target for the Le Mans car.

“We have to make it slower,” he joked.

The Valkyrie program was aimed from the outset as a way to create a track car that could lap as quickly as a Formula 1 racer, using the assets of Red Bull Racing including its superstar designer Adrian Newey.

For Brabham, confirmation of the hypercar rules moves the BT62 closer to Le Mans.

“We are still evaluating the rules in the World Endurance Championship, as they need to be consistent so we will be able to commit to a program,” Brabham told carsales.

With Glickenhaus already committed to sports car racing, and Porsche avoiding any speculation on a future car during its 911 RSR run this year, McLaren is the other high-profile contender.

Company boss Zak Brown has ruled out an entry during the first hypercar season but says he is open to a program in following years.

“Overall, we’re pleased with the [hypercar] direction. We will all work together to ultimately come forward on a recommendation on if we are going to do it, how we are going to do it, when we are going to do it,” Brown said.

He says a coming change in Formula 1 regulations, including a budget cap, could also make it easier to commit to Le Mans.

“It’s all part of the analysis of how and when we would do it. So, as you look to restructure your whole organisation, that is opportune timing.”