Toyota Not Racing at Spa after Testing Crash; Driver Ok

Toyota Hybrid Racing reported today first via Twitter then via a press release that it suffered a large accident while testing at Paul Ricard on April 4. The crash damaged the team's only monocoque beyond repair, and the team will be unable to race at the 6 Hours of Spa. 

Nicolas Lapierre was driving during the crash but suffered no serious injuries. He walked away unaided.

Team President Yoshiaki Kinoshita issued a statement that said: “We are deeply saddened to announce this decision and our sympathies are with the drivers, team members and fans who have been anticipating the Spa race so eagerly. Since the accident we have looked into all options but unfortunately there is no alternative course of action open to us.”

The crash is a major blow to the Toyota Hybrid Racing team. Toyota would have used the race as preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16-17. Now, Le Mans will be the car's maiden competition debut. 

Audi driver Allan McNish has written two tweets reacting to the crash.

"Pity Toyota will not be in Spa, looking forward to seeing them in LeMans “@FIAWEC: Toyota debut delayed http://bit.ly/Ixux1o #WEC #FIA,” tweeted McNish.

"More I think about it, more I am bummed that Toyota are not going to Spa. Not sure if this is the racing driver or racing fan inside of me," tweeted McNish about two hours after his first tweet.

The 6 Hours of Spa is scheduled for May 5 and will also be the debut of the Audi R18 E-Tron QuattroAudi R18 e-tron quattroGermany, 2012 > present8 photos
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