Toyota still has a year of grace. After four victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2018 to 2021, the Japanese are favorites again in 2022.
Toyota is the favorite again in 2022.
For example, Toyota is only allowed to switch on the 270 hp electric motor at 190 km/h instead of 120 km/h as in 2021. Only then does the Toyota GR010 Hybrid have all-wheel drive. The system output with the 3.5-liter V6 turbo is 688 hp. The 3.5-liter V8 turbo in the Glickenhaus, on the other hand, can produce 707 hp. The Alpine-Gibson (4.5-liter naturally aspirated V8) is trimmed to 550 hp, and the reknit LMP1 race car has a range disadvantage of at least one lap. But it is aerodynamically more efficient.
Even if the opponents are manageable, it will still be exciting for Toyota at Le Mans. Because the question is which of the two GR010 Hybrids will win. Both have exciting stories. If the #7 Toyota with Mike Conway (38), José María López (39) and Kamui Kobayashi (35) wins, the team boss would win personally. Because Kobayashi has also been the boss of the project since 2022. “It’s a very special challenge to drive yourself, but also to contribute my experience on the other side of the pit lane,” said the ex-F1 driver. The last time there was a team boss who himself won Le Mans as a driver was in 1980. Jean Rondeau even developed the winning car himself.
In the second factory manufacturer class, the GTE Pro, two Porsche 911 RSR-19 are represented.
TV tip
As every year, Eurosport will broadcast the race in Le Mans in 2022 – over the full 24 hours. The start of the race is next Saturday (June 11) at 3 p.m.
