Oreca to partner Toyota Le Mans project

Victorious at the 12 Hours of Sebring at the beginning of the season, Hugues de Chaunac’s team has been selected by TMG to partner its Le Mans programme.

After announcing its participation in several races of the 2012 World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has partnered with ORECA to provide operations support for this project. The French team will therefore bring its experience in sportscars, and specifically of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it has competed for several seasons.

In recent years, ORECA has shown its qualities, rivaling the two official constructors, Audi and Peugeot. Most notably, Hugues de Chaunac’s men won the 12 Hours of Sebring in March 2011, and finished 2nd in the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta a few weeks ago.

The LMP1 chassis that will be entered in 2012 has been designed, developed and built at TMG’s technical centre in Cologne. The prototype will be powered by a petrol engine equipped with hybrid technology, provided by Toyota Motor Corporation.

ORECA will support the TMG track operations team and this partnership will begin in the
coming weeks.

Hugues de Chaunac, President of Groupe ORECA: “It’s a very big day for ORECA. To be
chosen by Toyota Motorsport GmbH is a huge reward for the work we’ve done in recent years.
ORECA has proven its worth at the highest level of endurance racing, winning the 12 Hours of
Sebring in 2011 and finishing three straight times in the top 5 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Thanks to its know-how, ORECA now has the opportunity to work with the biggest automobile
manufacturer, and on a project that’s particularly interesting. We are proud to support Toyota
Motorsport GmbH in this challenge and we’re looking forward to an exciting future.”

Rob Leupen, Director Business Operations, Toyota Motorsport GmbH: “This is clearly good
news for TMG. ORECA’s competence and track record are well known, which is why we were
very keen to develop a relationship with them. They will enhance our track operations team as
we make progress in the world of endurance racing.”