Strong Performance by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at Qatar 1812km Race

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing began the 2025 FIA WEC season at the Qatar 1812km race with both cars finishing in the top six. The #8 car secured fifth, while the #7 took sixth place, allowing the team to earn vital championship points. The performance highlighted effective teamwork and strategic execution amidst competitive challenges. The team looks ahead to the next race at Imola with aspirations for improvement.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing commenced the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a commendable performance, securing a top-six finish in the Qatar 1812km race at the Lusail International Circuit. The event marked the first of eight races for the team, which aims to defend its manufacturers’ championship title, recapture the drivers’ title, and achieve victory at Le Mans. The team demonstrated resilience through effective collaboration between drivers, engineers, and mechanics, achieving a double points finish.

The 8 GR010 HYBRID driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa overcame a challenging qualifying to place fifth, while the 7 GR010 HYBRID piloted by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries finished sixth. Starting positions were seventh and 17th, but both teams made significant progress, entering the top six by the second hour. Notably, Mike experienced a high-speed spin before his pit stop, yet both cars remained competitive throughout the race.

Dramatic safety car periods influenced race strategy, with Kamui moving ahead of the 5 Porsche, effectively optimizing their positions. As night fell over Lusail, Brendon advanced to third, while Kamui secured fourth, capitalizing on the difficulties faced by their rivals. The second half of the race saw Nyck and Ryo maintaining strong positions, but threats from competitors loomed, causing fluctuating standings during driver changes.

The climax entailed an intense contest within the top six as strategies shifted with each pit stop. In the final moments, Sébastien and Kamui battled closely, concluding the race together and earning 33 World Championship points amidst a podium sweep by Ferrari. Currently, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing holds the third position in the manufacturers’ standings, aspiring to improve in the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola on April 20.

Kamui Kobayashi, Team Principal and driver of car 7, commended Ferrari’s accomplishment while reflecting on their own efforts. “We tried our best, but we couldn’t do more than that. The team did a great job today,” he stated, highlighting that the car performance required enhancements. Additionally, Mike Conway expressed satisfaction with the points earned, despite personal setbacks during the race.

Nyck de Vries indicated optimism for the team, recognizing their performance improved during the race while managing to avoid trouble. Sébastien Buemi echoed similar sentiments, commending the team for a flawless race strategy and execution, while Brendon Hartley remarked on the enjoyment of racing and satisfaction from the team’s collective performance. Ryo Hirakawa acknowledged the challenges faced yet celebrated the team’s execution during the event.

The media kit for the 2025 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WEC, including rights-free video material and images, can be accessed at https://toyotagazooracing.com/media/. Further updates and information regarding the team can be followed on their social media channels respectively, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

In conclusion, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s debut at the Qatar 1812km proved their resilience and adaptability amidst challenges. Achieving a double top-six finish laid a strong foundation for the ongoing season, with both teams expressing determination to enhance their performance moving forward. With valuable points in hand, the team is committed to improving prior to the next round in Imola, highlighting the significance of teamwork and strategic execution.

Original Source: newsroom.toyota.eu