It seems like a long time ago now, such has been Toyota’s recent domination of the event. But prior to its breakthrough in the 2018 edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours, mention of the Japanese manufacturer was often followed by reference to its ‘curse’.
Toyota’s late failures at the world’s most famous endurance race used to be an annual talking point, and began with the misfortunes of the privateer SARD team in 1994 when seemingly on course for a poignant victory. Yet unlike other fateful conclusions in 1998, 1999 and 2016, not to mention the 2014 disappointment of a melted loom in an FIA sensor, the 62nd edition of the race would at least end with the unfortunate Toyota crew enjoying a champagne shower.
