Geipel on the Toyota Auris
Philip Geipel and the team Yaco-Racing made its first appearance with the all new Toyota Auris S2000 during the Procar race that was held alongside the World Touring Car Championship event at Oschersleben. The Toyota has been build by the small German team without any support from Toyota. TouringCarTimes met up with Philip during the race for an interview about the project.
It must have been hard as a small team to build a completely new car?
“It was really hard! We only had two mechanics working full time on the project, plus Burkart Hesseler. He manages the organization, logistic and the press. For tests and races we have support from our “normal” mechanics. They are normally working in our Toyota dealership. We needed nine months for the development and building of the car.”
Is the car nationally homologated?
“The car is build completely in S2000 specification. It was a long and hard way and a couple days before the WTCC race at Oschersleben we had problems with the delivery of our brakes to the car. Luckily it turned out well, but I will say it again: We hadn’t and we haven’t got any support from Toyota. We could only pull through a project like this with the support from the many people who love motorsport and want to see this car racing. Without these people we would not been able to build this car as it would haven been too expensive. It is really amazing and nice to see the car on track and I am very proud for the whole team.”
Could any parts be used from the old Corolla?
“We moved over the engine and the complete drivetrain. But we have some new suspension and damper parts. Our corner speed ought to be higher compared to the Corolla because the wheelbase of the Auris is more optimal for racing.”
Will you run the Auris in the remaining Procar races?
“Yes, I will drive the Auris for the rest of the season. Of course it comes with a big risk to change to a brand new car in the final stages of the championship. But I have enough points between me and the second placed man in the championship. I hope that I can score enough points at Sachsenring to win the championship.”
What is the plan for the future?
“We had four tests at Hockenheim, Most and Oschersleben ahead of the Procar race at Oschersleben. The plan now is to test as much as possible. After the Procar season we will take part in the ETC Cup with the Auris and with my brother Charly in the old Corolla. We are also working on a WTCC-entry for next year.”
Do you think it will be possible to get Toyota on board?
“We are going to continue working on new sponsors and we are going to discuss things with Toyota. But it will be very hard to get Toyota on board. Additionally, our team base is at the east of Germany and it is much harder to find sponsors for a racing project here. If we can find enough money for a WTCC-program we would run one Auris for Charly in the Procar championship.”
We have heard that other teams are interested in buying the Auris from you.
“Absolutely! BMW’s, Chevrolet’s and SEAT’s are common stuff in WTCC and the many national championships in Europe. But racing a Toyota is something special. We have contact with teams in the UK and other countries, but I cannot say anything about it as it is too early yet…”
Toyota Auris S2000 – Technical information
Engine: 2 liter, 4 cylinder, 16 valves
Power: 280 BHP @ 8500 RPM – 256 Nm @ 6500 RPM
Gearbox: 6 speed sequential Xtrac gearbox
Weight: 1140 kilos (incl. driver)
Suspension: McPherson
Dampers: KW
