Le Mans: Ishiura withdraws from Toyota with back problems
- Published on 08 May 2012 11:09
-
0
- By: Rob Veenstra
After taking medical advice, Hiroaki informed Toyota Racing of his decision to withdraw from the team for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours and concentrate on regaining full fitness ahead of the 2013 season. Toyota Racing is evaluating a potential replacement and will confirm its decision as soon as the change has been ratified by the ACO.
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 LMP1 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."
Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President: "I would like to express my thanks to Hiroaki for his integrity in these difficult circumstances. As a team we reluctantly respect his decision and we are pleased he remains part of the Toyota motorsport family through his activities in Super GT and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His speed, consistency and team mentality impressed us greatly during his short time with Toyota Racing so we would be delighted if he can return to the team next year."
Trending news
-
What Verstappen really thinks about Antonelli's championship lead
Max Verstappen has described Andrea Kimi Antonelli's championship-leading rookie season at Mercedes as "some...
29 Jun 2026 15:19 -
Why Bernie Ecclestone thinks Formula 1 is heading the wrong way
Bernie Ecclestone has launched a broadside against Formula 1's current trajectory, arguing that the sport has los...
29 Jun 2026 16:21 -
Is Webber already planning Piastri's Red Bull escape route?
Oscar Piastri's manager Mark Webber is preparing contingency plans for the Australian driver to leave McLaren, ac...
29 Jun 2026 14:17 -
Red Bull intensifies talks with Verstappen's manager as exit looms
Red Bull Racing held another round of talks with Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen on Saturday, seeking ...
29 Jun 2026 13:16 -
What Zak Brown really said about signing Max Verstappen
Zak Brown has addressed speculation linking Max Verstappen to McLaren for the first time, stating that while he has n...
29 Jun 2026 12:14
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing

Replies (0)
Login to reply