Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Turns First Laps of Sebring

Toyota Gazoo Racing has made its Sebring debut, with the Japanese manufacturer’s LMP1 hybrid having turned its first laps of the legendary airfield circuit ahead of next month’s FIA World Endurance Championship round.

A Toyota TS050 Hybrid took to Sebring International Raceway on Tuesday for the first of a planned three-day test that has also seen participation from other WEC teams.

As revealed by Sportscar365 late last year, Toyota is using the test as a validation of its simulation work, in order to prevent any unexpected issue during race week.

“We have no experience with this car at Sebring, so we are going there to learn a bit about the track,” Toyota technical director Pascal Vasselon told Sportscar365 in November.

The majority of Toyota’s drivers are in attendance, including Fernando Alonso and Mike Conway.

In addition to the Japanese manufacturer, DragonSpeed, Jackie Chan DC Racing and the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing WEC team are all slated to turn laps on Wednesday.

The majority of WEC teams are also expected to take part in a two-day official test on the weekend before the March 15 race.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John