Toyota has confirmed that it will continue in the LMP1 division of the series for a seventh season on the release of the final technical and sporting regulations for 2018/19. The official statement follows on-stage comments from Toyota Motorsport GmbH president Hisatake Murata at the WEC prize-giving immediately after last month’s Bahrain season finale that gave an apparent confirmation of a return.
His short speech included the words “we will be back” and “see you next year”. Toyota was waiting for the final rules for 2018/19, which were signed off by the FIA World Motor Sport Council earlier this month, before firming up its return to the WEC and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
A statement read: “Toyota Gazoo Racing will compete in the 2018/19 WEC season after reaffirming its commitment to the development of hybrid powertrain technology through motorsport.
“Following the publication of the LMP1 regulations for next season, which Toyota has played an active part in defining, the team can commit to enter its TS050 Hybrid race cars for at least the 2018/19 season.”
Toyota’s statement said that it would release further details of its 2018/19 WEC campaign early next year, although it is understood it will continue with its six current drivers.
