Toyota Racing is making history this weekend at Le Mans 24 Hours by racing with two hybrid-powered cars set to compete in the elite LMP1 class and using a new powertrain developed specifically for motorsport.

A Denso rear hybrid motor has been fitted within the gearbox casing, and the car uses regenerative braking with energy stored until needed, for example as an extra boost on the exit from corners.
The TS030 hybrid chassis was developed and made at Toyota Motorsport in Cologne, Germany and has completed 18 test days. Toyota said that despite the challenges of optimising such new technology, progress has been rapid.