The 2024 Championship-defending Toyota GR010s feature a brand new livery for the coming season – but are there any changes under the skin of the three-times Hypercar title winning cars?
John Litjens, Project Leader Chassis from Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe offers the following insights:
So what can you tell us about the 2024-spec GR010 HYBRID? Are there any changes at all?
“This year, there are only detailed technical changes, and from the outside only the new headlights are noticeably different.
“We always target continuously improved reliability and during 2023 we found a few areas to look at, so there are updates to smaller components, sensors and heat protection.
“From a practical point of view, we have enabled left-hand-side refuelling for the first time in preparation for the new races in Austin and Sao Paulo, which are anti-clockwise circuits.”
What is different with the headlights?
“Last season we fitted a new generation of headlights, but the drivers found they created too much glare, and this meant that visibility was, unexpectedly, slightly worse than before.
“We have taken their input on board and returned to the previous generation of LED light which worked well in the past and should reduce the glare, for better visibility in wet conditions and at night.”
Aside from the headlights and the reliability changes, has anything else been modified?
“Efficiency, in terms of cost and operations, is always a consideration and the updated anti-roll bar is a good example of this.
“The original specification was chosen after the GR010 HYBRID design had been completed, due to the way the Hypercar regulations evolved, and it was based on a conservative estimate of the load cases. With one year of experience, we see that a simpler lever locking system can do the job without compromise.
“The simpler system reduces the parts costs and is easier for the mechanics to work on so brings additional efficiency. Sometimes we had no choice because a few components – the lift pump in the fuel system, a crash sensor and the power box – are not commercially available in the original specification anymore.
“Even such small changes need integration work, and that was particularly true with the power box, due to the impact on the electrical looms and packaging.”
Are there any notable changes to the regulations?
“The technical regulations are stable, with no real changes, which is in line with the philosophy of the Hypercar class. There are a few updates in the sporting regulations.
“The biggest is the new Hyperpole qualifying format, which we all know from Le Mans. This will add excitement and tension to qualifying and hopefully the fans will enjoy it; the drivers are always happy to have more low fuel, new tyre laps.
“Pit stop regulations have evolved slightly and it is an interesting change. We are now allowed two driver helpers during a pit stop.
“Our pit crew is already a benchmark in WEC, but we keep pushing to stay ahead of the game, so we are looking into any way to improve our processes.”
Why are there no performance updates this season?
“Unlike in the LMP1 era, Hypercar teams are not allowed to continuously improve car performance. Changes for performance are limited to a fixed number of ‘jokers’ during a car’s homologation period, and these require agreement from the governing body.
“We carefully consider how to use the ‘jokers’ in order to continuously improve reliability, drivability, serviceability and of course performance within the context of a Balance of Performance. Based on the 2023 data, we did not see any obvious performance weak point so we have focused our efforts on reliability.”
Do you expect the competitors to improve their cars?
“Our rivals are at an earlier stage of their Hypercar project than us, so logically they might be making more updates and using some of their ‘jokers’.
“Many of them also had a lot more testing before their first race, compared to when we developed the car in parallel to competing with the TS050 HYBRID, so each team has a different programme.
“But it is not only a matter of car development; we can expect our rivals to continue making rapid progress in terms of set-ups and strategies after a full season of WEC experience.”
Does that mean the challenge will be even tougher for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing?
“We are certain of a tough fight, and we look forward to it.
Already last season we experienced very strong competition, particularly at Le Mans where almost all Hypercars were challenging at the front at some point.
“For most of our competitors, 2023 was their first season with new cars, so we fully expect them to return stronger this season, with more experience of the circuits and the tyres. For sure, it doesn‘t get any easier for us!”
What are you expecting from the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar?
“We tested in Qatar at the end of last year along with other Hypercar teams and it was an extremely valuable experience.
“We always want recent experience at a track to guide our set-up preparations.
“The facility itself is very impressive; modern and well equipped. From what we had heard from other series, we expected severe tyre degradation so it was helpful to learn more about the track characteristics before we race there.
“All teams will be learning how the track evolves during an event, so it will be an intensive Prologue and an interesting first race.”
