ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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might only be racing one TS030Toyota TS030 HYBRIDJapan, 2012 > present5 photos
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at this weekend’s Six Hours of Sao Paulo at the Interlagos circuit, but that car has received a new suite of aerodynamic upgrades over the version that was race 10 weeks ago at Le Mans. Maybe the changes will be enough to shrink the gap between the Toyota and the R18 E-tron QuattroAudi R18 e-tron quattroGermany, 2012 > present8 photos
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.

“We have used this break to recover our energy and introduce an updated aerodynamic package which brings more downforce. We know we face a tough challenge to beat AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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but we take inspiration from last year’s great performance in Brazil,” said Team President Yoshiaki Kinoshita.

Interlagos is a slower circuit with an average speed of 180km/h, compared to 240km/h at Le Mans, but Toyota claims that the changes will be enough to make the difference.

The changes include new front wheel arches, a new engine cover, a new rear wheel and fine tuning for the lower top speeds of the rest of the circuits on the WEC calendar. The hybrid system has also been changed to Toyota’s sprint race setting instead of the endurance setting used at Le Mans. Sebastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson have already tested the new package for 1,500km at the Lausitzring a few weeks ago, but it will see competition for the first time in Brazil. Stephane Sarrazin will be the car’s third driver for the weekend.

“The TS030 HYBRID has changed quite a lot since Le Mans to give us more downforce, which will be important on a short track like Interlagos where grip is very important," said Davidson

The TS030 had its maiden victory at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo last year.