No decision on next-gen Toyota GT3 debut in WEC 2026, says ASP

ASP is prepared to campaign the Lexus RC F GT3 for another season in the World Endurance Championship, with Toyota offering no clarity on when its next-generation GT3 challenger will finally appear.

Long-time Mercedes customer ASP joined forces with Toyota at the start of the WEC’s LMGT3 era last year, fielding a heavily-revised version of the long-running RC F GT3.

A replacement for the ageing Lexus has been in the works for several years, with Toyota announcing back in 2023 that a new model, based on the GR Concept, would be ready for GT3 competition in 2026.

Earlier this year, the Japanese manufacturer showcased the car in both its road-going and race trims at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Haas Formula 1 duo Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman driving the Toyota GT Racing Concept up the famous hillclimb.

However, the manufacturer has been silent about the project since the Goodwood outing, offering no indication of when the new car could make its competitive debut in the WEC or any other GT3 championship.

Its LMGT3 outfit ASP, though, is relaxed about the situation, with team boss Jerome Policand making it clear he would have no qualms about extending the RC F GT3’s run into a third season.

“This winter, we will work [on the Lexus], if we keep this car, because there is a new car coming. The car has done many tests,” Policand told Motorsport.com.

“On our side, we don’t know for next season if we will run the new car or the Lexus. It’s still a Toyota [no matter what]. There is a homologation process [that Toyota needs to go through]. 

“To be honest, both solutions will be OK. It’s always good to have a new car because you know there is a strong potential. But on the other hand, we proved that the Lexus is still competitive, and we are used to this car.

“I hope we will have a decision before the end of the year, but it’s in Toyota’s hands.”

ASP, which has claimed titles in GT World Challenge Europe and scored victories in major endurance races such as the Spa 24 Hours, endured a tough start to life with the Lexus RC F GT3 in 2024. Its two crews failed to break into the top-five all year, finishing 16th and 18th in the standings.

However, the French squad hit its stride this year, with Jose Maria Lopez, Razvan Umbrarescu and Clemens Schmid winning the Sao Paulo 6 Hours and the Bahrain finale in the #87 Lexus to finish third in the championship.

Policand said the RC F GT3’s upswing in performance has eased any hesitation about keeping the car for another year.

#87 Akkodis Asp Team Lexus RC F LMGT3: Petru Umbr?rescu, Clemens Schmid, Jose Maria Lopez

Photo by: AG Photo — Daniele Paglino

Asked if it would still be possible for Toyota to roll out its new GT3 contender next year, he replied: “We are not a works team, [but] we have a strong relationship with Toyota. 

“If they asked me to run the Lexus, I [would] drive the Lexus. If they ask me [to run the new car, I would run the new car]. 

“I was a bit worried last year because after the season, I said, ‘I need a new car.’ But now I’m in a much more comfortable situation. When you know you can be competitive [it is easier].

“In the near future, we need a new car — for customers, for other championships. But both solutions will be okay [for 2026].”

The 61-year-old also stressed that the RC F GT3 is not an outdated model, with Toyota having carried out a major update ahead of the 2024 season to comply with the LMGT3 regulations.

“Everyone says the Lexus is an old car, because the concept is from 2015, so 10 years old. But, for the WEC, because we have to respect the aero window of the FIA, Toyota and TGR had to redesign the front of the car, the splitter and the sidepod,” he clarified.

Policand also outlined a desire for ASP to return to GT World Challenge Europe in 2027, but stressed that the WEC will remain its primary programme next year. It will also continue to have a presence in the GT4 arena in 2026.

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— The Motorsport.com Team