Lopez: Toyota drivers need brains like computers
Jose Maria Lopez says all Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers have been trained on how to produce solutions to any problem which requires each of them to have ‘brains like computers’ at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
After consecutive years of Le Mans heartache triggered by reliability woes or on-track incidents, which have seen Toyota lose cars while leading the race for the past two years, the Japanese manufacturer has sharpened its focus on ensure its cars can run while encountering mechanical issues.
Jose Maria Lopez says all Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers have been trained on how to produce solutions to any problem which requires each of them to have ‘brains like computers’ at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
After consecutive years of Le Mans heartache triggered by reliability woes or on-track incidents, which have seen Toyota lose cars while leading the race for the past two years, the Japanese manufacturer has sharpened its focus on ensure its cars can run while encountering mechanical issues.
Toyota has gone to extensive lengths in testing, by simulating a variety of issues and assessing how its drivers and cars perform with problems, as the team looks to minimise manageable issues.
“Our brains are like computers as we’ve put the information in and save it,” Lopez said. “If we need it, we will find it as we have it already. We have all the procedures in case we need it as we know we have tested it and know how to react. That is much better than not being sure what to do.
“It is a very different preparation but it feels good. Our car is a very complex car with a hybrid system and a lot of things that need to work together. In case of a problem, with the probabilities being higher as you have more components, it is done in a way to minimise and be reactive quicker to any problem and try to always get the car home.
“We have run a lot and we are much more prepared on that case so let’s hope nothing happens. In case it happens we have prepared for it.”
Given Toyota’s recent painful defeats at Le Mans Lopez has also warned against the team being controlled by its emotions and needs a methodical approach to the race.
“Le Mans is a very cruel race as anything can happen so you have to go our way,” he said. “You can’t let yourself be dictated by emotions and you’ve got to try to be consistent and concentrate for long hours.
“You can lead with a long margin but then end up having nothing or it can be the other way around. We’ve just got to go through the race doing our best and hope this time Le Mans will come to us.”
