What are your first impressions of the Toyota GR010 Hybrid?

"As you can see, it is magnificent. To me, it's a particularly successful blend of a true racing car and an extreme road car. I am sure fans are going to fall in love with the GR010. It should be a real factor in the success of this new class, in this new era of motorsport, because fans will dream of seeing the fabulous Porsches, Toyotas and Peugeots on the roads that they see in competition on the track."

From a technical perspective, what are the key differences between the GR010 Hybrid and the TS050 Hybrid that preceded it?

"I think that given the scope of the regulation modifications, technically as well as sportingly, it would be quicker to tell you what has not changed between the TS050 and the GR010! Actually, the only features we were able to keep were generic components like sensors and buttons. Everything else has changed. The car is bigger, heavier. And if I had to highlight a major difference, it's the powertrain. It is very different both in terms of its architecture and in the way we are going to use it."

In terms of aerodynamics, you have more freedom than with the LMP1 regulations. How did that translate relative to this new car?

"You could say there was not only a change in regulations but in regulation philosophy. The LMP1 aerodynamics regulations were normative. In Hypercar it's about performance goals. They said: 'You can do what you want, but you have to remain within a very precise window of performance.' It gives us freedom, especially to integrate elements of the road car line. These cars will be truly beautiful and different because people will be able to own a racing Toyota, like Porsche will have a racing Porsche and Peugeot a car with the real identity of the marque. The aerodynamics regulations allow for that as they give us plenty of freedom all while making sure everyone stays within an extremely precise window of performance." 

Was the experience gained over the last several seasons with the TS050 Hybrid proved useful in the design of the GR010 Hybrid?

"Though the regulations have completely changed direction, we have been able to draw from our experience and know-how in every domain. That's because we put in place the same procedures. We simply reviewed certain objectives like the design of the suspensions, the chassis. We set up the exact same processes with just different starting points. So, at every level, this car in many ways embodies our know-how and experience in hybrid racing cars."

How did Toyota go about deciding on the production of a road version of the GR010?

"It happened rather simply. Mainly because we believe, and are quite certain, that it is more doable to design and run a true racing car than it is to convert road cars into racing cars. That's the first reason. The second is that when we began development, there was no hypercar adapted within the GR line. It seemed obvious to follow the prototype option for the hypercar series. But it will also be possible for constructors to manufacture and run a racing hypercar derived from a road version."