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It's official, Toyota will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year. The Japanese giant has a long history with Le Mans.

The world leading manufacturer returns to Le Mans * with an engine. The story began in 1975 when Sigma decided to exchange Mazda rotary power for a four-cylinder turbo derived from Corolla, Celica and Carina. It started the race but was the victim of a broken oil pump in the evening.

Ten years later, in 1985, Toyota returned to la Sarthe with greater ambitions. Designed by the specialist Dome, prototypes Japanese gradually rising in power, to clinch sixth place in 1990 behind Jaguar, Porsche and Nissan. Faced with a sharp competition, Japanese engineers prove they are capable of winning. Only remains to conclude ... They will not.

After Mazda's victory in 1991, Toyota failed twice against Peugeot then worse, in 1994 Krosnoff, Irvine and Martini were leading up to two hours from the finish. Victory eluded them, when a gearbox problem handed victory to Porsche.

Four years later, the GT-One fascinated observers with its beauty and technological achievement. After its remarkable debut in 1998, all the conditions seemed right for it the following year. But the race turned into a nightmare. The none of the three cars entered were spared incidents, including the final puncture that occurred within one hour of the finish. Suzuki, Tsuchiya and Katayama finished second.

It took twelve long years for Toyota to be involved again in a project of international endurance racing. The consulting firm based in Cologne, Germany will build on eight years of experience in Formula 1 to ensure reliability and pace. The making of an epic victory perhaps?

* Subject to a request for entry and acceptance.

Julien Hergault

Photo: LE MANS, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, 12-13 June 1999. Uncrowned hero, the Toyota GT-One remains in the hearts of all race fans.