In opening qualifying at Circuit de la Sarthe, Toyota’s two GR010 Hybrid prototypes dropped to eighth and twelfth, confirming the performance chasm between LMH and LMDh models.
Qualifying Gap Revealed
The five LMDh cars comfortably claimed the front six spots, while the best LMH entry, Aston Martin Valkyrie #009, led only the hyper‑class by 0.642 seconds behind Alpine. Toyota’s hybrid duo couldn’t match the pace.
Technical director Eric Floury remarked that “it’s a two‑class qualy with LMDh on top and LMH behind,” accepting the current deficit at the front of the grid.
BoP’s Silent Hand
Both LMDh and LMH prototypes are equalised via a ‘platform BoP’, but additional “matching” parameters fine‑tune each car. Manufacturers cannot discuss these adjustments publicly, and the precise data remains locked from the WEC’s 2026 season out‑look.
When pressed about Toyota’s 3 km/h shortfall on the Mulsanne straight, Floury was reserved: “It’s not for me to answer this, but certainly there is a reason.”
Toyota’s Road Ahead
Floury stated “winning will be difficult, it won’t be a walking‑in‑the‑park” and added that execution “to perfection” is essential. He hinted that strategic cleverness and calculated risks might narrow the deficit during the race.
“If we’re in a close fight, there’s no way to battle this deficit,” he explained. “Success will hinge on pure pace, raceability, and careful calibration as the contest unfolds.”
These remarks leave Toyota’s chances to conquer Le Mans’ 24‑hour mantle in 2024 uncertain, contingent on how BoP adjustments and racecraft converge over the weekend’s decision points.
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