Nakajima Cleared for Le Mans Test Day

Photo: Toyota

Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Kazuki Nakajima has been cleared to participate in Sunday’s Le Mans Test Day, the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed.

Nakajima sustained a fractured vertebra in an accident during the FIA WEC Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps weekend earlier this month, initially putting his participation in doubt.

However, the Japanese driver has been through a quick recovery, with FIA Medical Delegate Dr. Jacques Tropenat giving him the all-clear Saturday morning.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all the medical staff who have helped me return so quickly, not just the staff in Verviers and Nice but also the team doctor Bruno Franceschini and our physio Beppe Sebastiani,” Nakajima said.

“Everyone has done so much to help me; I am truly grateful. My passion for Le Mans helped to motivate me even directly after the accident, when it looked unlikely I would be driving at Le Mans this year.

“I am just so happy that my Le Mans dream for 2015 is still alive and I can’t wait to get back in the car tomorrow at the test.”

While Nakajima will join defending World Champions Anthony Davidson and Sebastien Buemi behind the wheel of the No. 1 Toyota TS040 Hybrid on Sunday, his participation in the race will be decided following the test day.

Reserve driver Kamui Kobayashi is expected to also get laps in the No. 1 Toyota tomorrow in the event Nakajima is not deemed fit to take part in the 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