Toyota “Geared Up” to Support Possible Lexus LMGT3 Effort

Photo: SRO

Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe would be ready to support a customer Lexus RC F GT3 effort in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year according to TGR-E managing director Rob Leupen, who said it could be a “very interesting option” for the Japanese manufacturer.

Toyota, through its sister brand Lexus, has been linked to a possible presence on the LMGT3 grid next year, with several teams, including Akkodis ASP Team, having been in talks.

While the WEC has yet to confirm which GT3 manufacturers will have places on the grid, Toyota’s longstanding participation in the top class of the world championship would ensure entries should a program materialize.

“If we are requested, we will definitely support because we want to have Lexus and Toyota in the championships which they would like,” Leupen told Sportscar365.

“Therefore, if there is a request on support, we will do [it]. We definitely have engineers who can support them. We know the [Toyota Supra] GT4 car pretty well.

“We have operated this Lexus RC F [GT3] in the past with several teams in the SRO championship for two years.

“From that point of view, we will be geared up if this all falls into place.”

When asked on the current status, Leupen said it’s “a bit early to say” on which direction a possible Lexus LMGT3 effort could go.

The Jerome Policand-led ASP outfit has existing links with Toyota through the operation of several Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVOs in the FFSA GT4 France championship.

“Based on our GT4 program we would have teams in place who could take it over very quickly,” Leupen said.

“We have relationships with the teams there. In case this is going to happen, we can make quick contact.”

While having been a mainstay in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Super GT, the RC F GT3 has not competed in Europe since Tech 1 Racing’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup effort in 2020.

The push to bring the Lexus into WEC competition next year comes as a new-generation GT3 car is currently under development that could debut by as early as 2025.

“When it’s coming, and on the longer term Toyota has a perspective, it’s always good to have a very strong eye and a foot in the door,” Leupen said.

“If you see what the overall strategy is, I think it’s good to do. For Toyota, it can become a very interesting option. Let’s see.”

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