Toyota have already been engine supplier for the LMP1-team
Rebellion Racing this year but the full-scale Le Mans appearance
will be the first since its GT-One car finished second in the 1999
race.
According to Toyota the new car will enter several other FIA World
Endurance Championship rounds alongside Le Mans.
The chassis will be constructed by the brand's former Formula 1
division in Germany, while the engine will come from the Toyota
Motor Corporation in Japan.
"I have known this for a while, but it is nice to be able to
welcome Toyota officially. Of course we are interested in having
the strongest sports car field possible and with Toyota back in the
endurance series the competition will be even harder. The last time
Toyota contested at Le Mans was one the most fantastic races. I was
at BMW with J.J. Lehto and Jörg Müller, and I remember we had the
most thrilling battle with Thierry Boutsen, Allan McNish and Ralf
Kellernes during the night. Changing position again and again. I
know Toyota very well from my years in Japan. They will be a great
contribution in the new FIA World Endurance Championship. Also
their hybrid powertrain will be exciting to see at Le Mans because
the layout of the track actually fits this configuration quite
well," Tom Kristensen says.
Toyota has plans to start extensive tests in early 2012.