The two different hybrid technologies of Audi and Toyota

Hybrid technology made its first appearance in a 24 hour race in 2006 when Toyota entered the Supra HV-R in the Tokashi 24 hours. The car finished a modest 17th place in the first year, but won the following year. The Japanese manufacturer has taken the concept used in 2006 to develop the TS 030 which will make its competitive debut in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, slightly more than one month after the racing debut of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

The two manufacturers have opted for two different technologies. Toyota's hybrid system is installed on the rear wheels, while on the Audi is on the front. In addition, to store energy, Audi uses a system with a flywheel while the Japanese manufacturer utilises a super-capacitor.

"It's interesting to have different technologies", said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport, "it shows that endurance racing and the ACO promote new technologies. We can use what we learn in racing for road cars. "

"The use of the hybrid system depends on the strategy and the moment when it is used", added Pascal Vasselon, CTO of Toyota Motorsport. "In qualifying, we will use the extra power to go faster, but in the race, according to our position, we can use the power to refuel less often. "

When you talk about new technology, you also speak of driver adaptation. What is the impact of energy recovery system on the drivers? "We like to drive it as we have more power", says Andre Lotterer, driver of Audi Sport. "We must learn to use the system to get the most from it. This system gives an advantage to the driver, but we must slightly modify driving style and it becomes more technical and requires a greater focus to optimize performance. "

For now, the first confrontation between the Audi R18 e-tron quattro and Toyota TS030 HYBRID has not taken place. The plot of Le Mans with very special characteristics with long straights and hard braking, it is perfectly suited to the use of a system of energy recovery during braking. A system can be more effective than the other at Le Mans and not on another circuit, it will have to wait the end of the season to determine if a choice was more appropriate than another.

Dave Davies

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, WED, 2nd MAY 2, 2012. The Toyota TS030 HYBRID stopped at Spa for a photo shoot with her rival the Audi R18 e-tron quattro while it was en route to Magny-Cours for a shake-down.