TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is gearing up for the highly anticipated 6 Hours of Fuji as they continue their battle for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) titles. The race, set to take place on Sunday, September 15, will see a competitive field of 18 Hypercars vying for victory at the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan.
With the World Championships up for grabs, the competition between Toyota GAZOO Racing, Ferrari, and Porsche is heating up as the season nears its end. Following a second-place finish at the Lone Star Le Mans in Austin, Toyota GAZOO Racing currently sits at the top of the manufacturers’ standings, aiming for their sixth consecutive crown. Porsche trails closely behind by 11 points, with Ferrari eight points further back. With only the Fuji race and the season finale in Bahrain remaining, the pressure is on for all teams to secure valuable points in the championship race.
Last year’s winners at Fuji, Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi, along with Nyck de Vries, are looking to clinch another victory to bolster their World Championship chances. Despite finishing a close second in Austin due to a late penalty, the #7 GR010 HYBRID team remains in contention, just 12 points behind the #6 Porsche crew. With Mike Conway back in action after missing Le Mans, the team is determined to make their mark at their home race.
Meanwhile, World Champions Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, winners at Fuji in 2022 in their #8 GR010 HYBRID, are eager to bounce back from their first non-scoring race of the year. An unfortunate accident and subsequent penalties dashed their hopes in the previous race, but they are focused on regaining their form and securing valuable points at Fuji.
As reigning World Champions, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has a stellar track record at Fuji Speedway, having won nine out of the ten WEC races in Japan since returning to top-level endurance racing in 2012. Their dominance at the circuit includes a remarkable run of six consecutive victories since 2016, making Fuji Speedway their most successful venue. The team’s hybrid powertrain, used in the GR010 HYBRID, is designed, developed, and built at the nearby Higashi-Fuji Technical Center, adding to the significance of the race for the team.
The 2024-specification GR010 HYBRIDs will hit the track at Fuji Speedway on Friday, September 13, for free practice sessions before qualifying and Hyperpole on Saturday. The Six Hours of Fuji will commence on Sunday, September 15, with teams battling it out for victory in the endurance race.
Heading into their home race, the drivers of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing are eagerly anticipating the challenge that Fuji Speedway presents. Kamui Kobayashi, Team Principal and driver of car #7, expressed his excitement for the race, highlighting the importance of competing in front of their Japanese fans and partners. With a strong record at Fuji, the team is determined to continue their winning streak and put on a show for their supporters.
Driver of car #7, Mike Conway, echoed Kobayashi’s sentiments, emphasizing the special significance of racing in Japan and representing Toyota at their home event. Conway praised the circuit at Fuji, noting its challenges and expressing his eagerness to maintain the team’s momentum and competitive edge.
Nyck de Vries, also driving car #7, shared his excitement about heading to Fuji for their home race. As a newcomer to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, de Vries is looking forward to the experience and hopes to contribute to the team’s success at the iconic circuit. With the championship race heating up, de Vries is aware of the importance of securing a strong result at Fuji.
On the other hand, drivers of car #8, Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, are gearing up for their home race at Fuji with a sense of determination. Buemi highlighted the challenges of the circuit, noting its mix of high-speed sections and technical corners. With the championship on the line, the team is focused on maximizing their performance and aiming for a strong finish at Fuji.
Hartley, another driver of car #8, expressed his love for racing in Japan, particularly at Fuji, where the team has enjoyed immense success in the past. Hartley highlighted the support of the home fans and the unique experience of visiting Toyota factories and meeting partners before the race. With the track’s technical layout presenting a challenge, Hartley is eager to work alongside his teammates to unlock the secrets to success at Fuji.
Ryo Hirakawa, also driving car #8, emphasized the significance of racing at his home track, noting the special connection he feels to Fuji Speedway. With a strong motivation to perform well in front of partners, fans, and family, Hirakawa is determined to help the team secure a strong result at their second priority race of the year.
As the teams prepare for the 6 Hours of Fuji, the stage is set for an intense battle for victory and crucial championship points. With Toyota GAZOO Racing aiming to maintain their winning streak at their home race, all eyes will be on Fuji Speedway as the teams gear up for a thrilling showdown in the FIA World Endurance Championship.