Toyota has confirmed that it will enter three cars to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 6 Hours of Spa races in 2017, with José María López joining its full-season WEC line-up.
Toyota has long considered expanding beyond its regular two-car entry for Spa and Le Mans, but has opted against running a third car in previous years despite rivals Audi and Porsche doing so.
For 2017, the Japanese manufacturer will field a third LMP1 car for Spa and Le Mans, as confirmed on Thursday ahead of the publication of the season entry lists.
As expected, Stéphane Sarrazin has been dropped from Toyota's full-season line-up, with three-time WTCC champion López claiming a seat alongside Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi.
Sarrazin will race in Toyota’s third car, with the remaining two seats still being considered. The second full-season entry will once again feature Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.
“It’s great to be part of Toyota Gazoo Racing. This is a dream come true for me and I can't wait to get to the first race,” López said.
“Mike and Kamui are both great team-mates; I will learn plenty from them I am sure. Driving an LMP1 car is very different compared to WTCC cars but I am enjoying this challenge.
“The power and grip of the TS050 HYBRID is incredible and Toyota's hybrid technology is impressive. I am looking forward to my first experience of WEC and particularly Le Mans which is a very special race.”
“I believe this is an exciting time for Toyota Gazoo Racing in endurance racing,” team president Toshio Sato added.
“Entering three cars for Spa and Le Mans represents a new challenge for our team. We are working hard to be prepared and we are inspired to win.
“I would like to welcome José María to our team; I am confident he will fit in well as he is quick, intelligent and a strong team player.
“Our existing drivers have already proven their abilities in endurance racing; all are race winners and we are very happy to work together again.”
The full entry lists for both the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be published later today (Thursday).
