TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s Strong Start at Qatar 1812km Race

In the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing secured both fifth and sixth places in the Qatar 1812km race at Lusail International Circuit. The race highlighted their strategic efforts and teamwork, despite facing challenges against competitors like Ferrari. The team prepared to strengthen their performance for the next event, the 6 Hours of Imola.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing secured a strong start in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship by finishing in the top six at the Qatar 1812km race held at Lusail International Circuit. This race marks the beginning of an eight-event season, wherein the team aims to defend its manufacturers’ title and reclaim the drivers’ championship, ultimately seeking victory at Le Mans. Both cars demonstrated effective teamwork throughout the event, contributing to a double points finish.

The 8 GR010 HYBRID car driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa clinched a fifth-place finish, recovering from a challenging qualifying round. Meanwhile, Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries in the 7 GR010 HYBRID finished sixth. Starting from seventh and 17th positions, the drivers made significant advancements during the race, solidifying their standing within the top six during dynamic moments, including two safety car periods.

As the race progressed, Brendon Hartley ascended to third place while Kamui Kobayashi raced closely behind in fourth position. The drivers continuously adapted to the evolving race conditions, showcasing their driving strategies effectively against competitors. Following exchanges during pit stops, the teams managed to maintain their positions, ultimately crossing the finish line together and earning 33 World Championship points.

Post-race insights revealed mixed emotions among the drivers regarding their performance. Kamui Kobayashi acknowledged the strength of Ferrari’s performance, reflecting on the necessity for TOYOTA to improve ahead of the next race. Similarly, Mike Conway expressed that a fifth and sixth finish surpassed their expectations yet contained room for improvement. Sébastien Buemi commended the team’s flawless execution throughout the race despite the challenging conditions.

Brendon Hartley celebrated the collaborative effort that led both cars into the top six, emphasizing the fun experienced during the race. Ryo Hirakawa also shared sentiments on the team’s execution, applauding the mistake-free strategy that contributed to their overall performance. Moving forward, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is focused on enhancing their competitiveness in anticipation of the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola on April 20.

In summary, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing performed strongly in the Qatar 1812km race, finishing fifth and sixth with both their cars. Despite facing challenges and competing against a dominant Ferrari, the team demonstrated good racing strategy, consistency, and teamwork. This solid start in the championship positions them well for future races as they aim to enhance vehicle performance and reclaim the top positions in the standings.

Original Source: newsroom.toyota.eu