Nakajima Targeting 24H Le Mans Return

Photo: Toyota Gazoo Racing

Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Kazuki Nakajima is aiming to return to the cockpit for the Le Mans Test Day, with the target of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it has been revealed.

The Japanese driver sustained a fractured lower vertebra in a high-speed practice accident at Spa-Francorchamps earlier this month, which took him out of the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Nakajima spent several days in the hospital in Verviers, Belgium before being transported to the neuro-radiology unit of Nice Hospital in southern France, where he underwent a procedure, and as a result is able to move and walk freely.

Having made an appearance at last weekend’s Formula E race in Monaco, Nakajima is now in Italy undergoing further rehabilitation.

While it’s unclear if the 30-year-old will be cleared to race, Toyota is preparing reserve driver Kamui Kobayshi as a precaution, with the ex-Sauber and Caterham F1 driver likely to take part in a two-day test next week at Spa.

No decision has been made on who will join defending World Champions Anthony Davidson and Sebastien Buemi in the No. 1 Toyota TS040 Hybrid for the Test Day or 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