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Vasselon appointed to new role as Toyota prepares for hydrogen Le Mans entry
The 60-year-old had been designated for a certain role prior to his sudden departure from the top engineering job in January, as part of a management change aimed at nurturing the next generation of company leaders at the Cologne-based organization overseeing Toyota’s World Endurance Championship and World Rally Championship GR Yaris Rally1 engine builds. Vasselon will now serve as the new vice-president of TGR strategic motorsport development, focusing on planning and developing future global motorsport activities with emphasis on carbon neutrality and hydrogen technology, according to a Toyota statement. In his new capacity, he will also lead TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s engagement with governing bodies worldwide. Vasselon was already involved in the program to introduce a hydrogen combustion engine-driven prototype at Le Mans, as demonstrated by the GR H2 Concept unveiling prior to last year’s event. Originally planned to transition to a new role after the 2024 season, the recent management shuffle led to a halt in his daily duties at TRGE headquarters. David Floury has been appointed as the new technical director, having been part of Toyota’s WEC team since 2012 and Vasselon’s deputy since 2021. The anticipated start of WEC’s new hydrogen category is now expected in 2027, as per comments from Pierre Fillon, the president of Le Mans organizer and WEC promoter, suggesting that a 2026 commencement is not feasible. Vasselon’s optimism for a hydrogen-powered car’s victory at Le Mans in 2026 hinges on fair regulations allowing it to compete effectively against existing Hypercars. Toyota has introduced the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla H2 Concept for racing applications, with Vasselon favoring hydrogen combustion as a more suitable solution than fuel cells due to its simplicity.
