Video: Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Turns First Laps of Sebring

The #8 Alonso Toyota

Toyota Gazoo Racing has made its Sebring debut, with the Japanese manufacturer’s LMP1 hybrid having turned its first laps of the 3.74-mile airfield circuit ahead of next month’s FIA World Endurance Championship round.

A Toyota TS050 Hybrid took to Sebring International Raceway on Tuesday for the first of a planned three-day test that has also seen participation from other WEC teams.

Toyota is using the test as a validation of its simulation work on the wash board bumpy circuit, in order to prevent any unexpected issue during race week when the bumps shake apart electronics and fatigue metal parts.

“We have no experience with this car at Sebring, so we are going there to learn a bit about the track," Toyota technical director Pascal Vasselon said.

The majority of Toyota’s drivers were in attendance, including Fernando Alonso and Mike Conway.