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MAZDA 787, MAZDA 767B (1990)
Car No.201: S. Johansson / D. Kennedy / P. Dieudonne
Car No.202: B. Gachot / J. Herbert / V. Weidler
Car No.203: Y. Katayama / T. Yorino / Y. Terada
Qualified: 23rd (#201), 22nd (#202 - 3'43:04), 34th (#203)
Race: Withdrawn (#201, #202), 20th (#203)
Due to modifications in the technical regulations made by FISA, this was to be the last season where Group C machines would be allowed to run with rotary engines. Mazda (Mazdaspeed) thus put in a gargantuan effort in their aim of achieving their long-time goal of success at La Sarthe. The team gathered together four F1 drivers, and also recruited the "God of Le Mans" Jacky Ickx to the squad. The car had been vastly developed, with improvements to the engine's linear control through the introduction of a variable induction system, refined ignition and improved fuel injection systems, boosting power from 600 to 700 horsepower.
The track at Le Mans had also seen modifications, the introduction of two chicanes on the Mulsanne straight designed to curb the intensely high speeds seen at that part of the circuit. Before the coming era of new machines, both Toyota and Nissan were determined to achieve victory. Nissan, who brought a brace of five works' machines took pole position, the first time ever for a Japanese entry. Toyota and Mazda each brought three cars, creating a feverish interest in Le Mans back home in Japan.
Although the 787 had seen improvements in its engine performance through new technology that included a carbon monocoque, forward-mounted radiator and improved aerodynamics, the cars faced a variety of problems at the start of the race. The F1 drivers, whose mission it was to show the car's natural speed had no opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and climb up through the field. Later, both of the 787s were withdrawn, at 11 and 14 hours respectively. The direct causes were problems with the engines that led to fire damage to the wire harnesses. The team's other machine was the Japanese-crewed 767B, though they too were unable to avoid trouble. The car lost a huge amount of time swapping gearboxes, eventually finishing in 20th place. Before the race got underway, it was announced that machines running other than 3.5-litre N/A engines would be eligible for one more year.
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