Toyota seeks replacement for Hiroaki Ishiura in second car

Hiroaki Ishiura has given up his seat in the upcoming Le Mans 24 hours in the Totyota TS030 #8 for medical reasons. During the first tests of the TS030 Hybrid, Hiroaki experienced discomfort in his back due to the higher g-forces experienced in the hybrid prototype, and took the decision to withdraw from the team in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours and concentrate on regaining full fitness ahead of the 2013 season.

Hiroaki Ishiura: “This was an extremely difficult decision to take because racing at Le Mans is my dream, but my physical condition has to be the priority. I did not feel I was in the right condition to race an LM P1 car at Le Mans this year but I will focus on recovering as I really want to drive for TOYOTA Racing next year. For now I will focus my energy entirely on Super GT and the Nürburgring 24 Hours, whilst supporting TOYOTA Racing from a distance.”

The Formula Nippon driver with the team Kygnus Sunoco and in Super GT 500 with Lexus, will have to wait another year to realize his dream and Toyota must now find a replacement with only one month before Test Day for the 24 Hours Le Mans to be held on June 3. He was identified as nominated driver for Toyota, so the manufacturer will make a written request which must be substantiated and accepted by the Sports Committee, according to rule 43 of the regulations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012.

Dave Davies (Quote from Toyota Racing press release)