Toyota Gazoo Racing has been at the forefront of advocating for the introduction of hydrogen-powered cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), a move that could significantly impact the lifespan of the GR010 Hybrid.
With a strong history of developing hydrogen technologies, Toyota has unveiled the GR H2 Racing Concept, showcasing its commitment to innovation in motorsports.
The planned introduction of a hydrogen category in the WEC, which includes internal combustion and fuel cell-powered vehicles, has already been postponed to 2027. John Litjens, Toyota’s Hypercar project leader, emphasized the importance of staying ahead in technology development and hinted that further delays could necessitate evaluating the need for a new chassis.
Regarding upgrading the existing GR010 Hybrid, Litjens highlighted the ongoing discussion with the FIA about future regulations. He expressed the need for strategic decisions to maintain Toyota’s competitive edge, especially with the potential introduction of hydrogen-powered cars. While confident in Toyota’s ability to compete with hydrogen technology by 2027, Litjens also stressed the importance of timely regulations from the FIA.
Toyota’s preference for a mixed class, allowing conventional and hydrogen-powered cars to compete together initially, reflects a pragmatic approach to the gradual adoption of new technologies. Litjens acknowledged the challenges of balancing different power sources but remained optimistic about finding solutions through effective data analysis.
