Wurz ditches Peugeot to lead Toyota Le Mans assault

Toyota has announced the trio of drivers that will spearhead their return to the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012.

The Japanese manufacturer will return to the French classic after more than a decade's absence next year with an all-new hybrid-powered LMP1. Having recently confirmed a link-up with French sportscar veterans ORECA Toyota have now named two-time Le Mans winner Alex Wurz, ex-F1 racer Kazuki Nakajima and sportscar regular Nicholas Lapierre as their drivers for 2012. The trio will contest selected World Endurance Championship rounds in addition to June's 24 Hours. “As soon as I heard about the possibility to join the team I was instantly excited and keen to be involved," said Wurz, who departs sportscar powerhouse Peugeot to take the Toyota berth.

"As an ambitious Le Mans racer, their heritage combined with the immense technical capabilities at TMG makes a very attractive combination. So I am extremely happy to be involved, along with Nicolas and Kazuki. One of the most important things in endurance racing is the connection between the drivers.

The trio is expected to drive the hybrid LMP1

The trio already has some experience working with their new team-mates: Lapierre and Nakajima raced for the DAMS GP2 outfit in 2007, whilst the Japanese acted as test driver for Williams F1 during the same year - with Wurz racing for the team. When the Austrian quit at the end of the season it was Nakajima who took his place.

All three drivers are expected to drive the hybrid LMP1 car for the first time at the roll-out, which will take place early in the new year at an as-yet-unconfirmed European venue. Watch endurance racing on Motors TV


James Weeks