P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Vasselon appointed to new role as Toyota prepares for hydrogen Le Mans entry
Following his sudden departure in January from the top engineering job he had held since 2006, the 60-year-old was already chosen for a new role in a management change aimed at developing the next generation of leaders at the Cologne-based organization overseeing Toyota’s motorsport programmes. He was announced as the new vice-president of TGR strategic motorsport development, focusing on carbon neutrality and hydrogen technology, and representing TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to governing bodies worldwide. Vasselon’s involvement in placing a hydrogen-powered prototype on the Le Mans grid was formalized with the GR H2 Concept unveiling last year. Originally planned to transition at the end of the 2024 season, a recent management reshuffle put a pause on his daily activities, appointing David Floury as the new technical director. The WEC’s new hydrogen category is now expected to launch in 2027, as Toyota continues advancements in hydrogen technology for motorsport, like the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla H2 Concept. Vasselon believes that hydrogen combustion is a more suitable solution for racing than fuel cells, anticipating the possibility of a hydrogen-powered victory at Le Mans in the near future.
