Toyota prepare for hybrid F1

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Toyota appear to be resigned to the future direction of Formula One engines being homologated power plants mated to more environmentally-aware technologies.

This week they quit their place in the Grand Prix Manufacturers’ Association (which had been fighting Max Mosley’s engine homologation proposals). Now they are sounding the fanfare about their GS 450h (Lexus) endurance race car:

The gruelling, twice around the clock event allowed Lexus engineers to collect data on the potential of hybrid systems in motor sports, especially relevant as such systems are being discussed for imminent introduction to Formula 1.

What alternative power systems Formula One might be running on in the future is a mystery. But expect Toyota, with their expertise and reputation for building hybrids such as the successful Prius, to lobby hard for them.

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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