The hottest news this week is now in. Early call perhaps, but I think you’ll all agree.

Toyota has, via its Japanese-language outlet, issued a press release declaring that the Lexus LF-A will indeed compete in the upcoming Nurburgring 24hr race, officially titled the 36th ADAC Zurich 24h Race 2008, to be held in May from the 22nd to the 25th. This represents the LF-A’s first official public outing in a genuine racing capacity, and is surely a sign that the car is moving ahead in leaps and bounds.

The announcement points to the fact that Toyota is seeking to expand and build on the development of the LF-A by gathering research and experience via the race. This will provide Toyota with the kind of data that can only be accumulated through a good hard slog against the best cars the world can offer.

Thanks to our friends at JDMpire for the big scoop on this one.