Toyota’s one and only TSO30 hybrid Le Mans monocoque got involved in an accident during a test drive at the Paul Richard Circuit. One of  the electronic units let in water when test driver Nicholas Lappiere took the racer through heavy rains to test its wet handling conditions. The damage caused has made Toyota to withdraw from Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps next month.

“Regrettably this damage is too severe to repair. A replacement monocoque cannot be produced and sufficiently tested to ensure reliability within the limited time available.” announced Toyota Racing president, the previous night. Technical director, Pascal Vasselon, announced that the team is working to seal the electronics, but that they will lose the whole of April and the chance to test at Spa before May.

Toyota informed the FIA World Endurance Championship that they will withdraw from Spa held on May 5, and will instead have the car ready for Le Mans 24hrs in June. Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Toyota Racing president, said, “We are deeply saddened to announce this decision. Since the accident we have looked into all options but unfortunately there is no alternative course of action open to us.” Racing fans will have to wait till June to hear the most astonishing sound of this 3.4-litre petrol V8 and two electric motors kicking into life again.

via Topgear