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Toyota limps out of enduro return

Toyota Racing has pulled out of the May 2012 Spa-Francorchamps endurance race, in its first season since returning to the FIA World Endurance Championship, after damaging the team's only car in testing.   


The Japanese team's TS030 Hybrid was involved in an accident while testing at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France recently.


The team said in a statement on Wednesday: "Regrettably this damage is too severe to repair. A replacement monocoque cannot be produced and sufficiently tested to ensure reliability within the limited time available."


NO ALTERNATIVE


Toyota Racing Team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita said: "We are deeply saddened to announce this decision and our sympathies are with the drivers, team members and fans who have been anticipating the Spa race so eagerly.


"Since the accident we have looked into all options but unfortunately there is no alternative course of action open to us."


The team, including former Formula 1 drivers Alexander Wurz and Kazuki Nakajima, will now make its first appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

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