TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is preparing for the 93rd edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours, scheduled for June 14-15. This event marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s debut in endurance racing’s prestigious competition. The team aims to win its sixth title at La Sarthe and strengthen its position in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The team will compete with its GR010 HYBRID race cars against a field of 21 Hypercars from eight manufacturers. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing currently holds second place in the manufacturers’ standings after scoring points in all three opening rounds of the season.
The #7 GR010 HYBRID, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, will feature a red and white livery inspired by the TS020 from 1998. The #8 car, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, will sport a matt black livery with a GR logo.
Preparation for Le Mans began with an event on May 7 at the team’s base in Cologne, Germany. Hybrid powertrains arrived from Higashi-Fuji in Japan as part of their preparation process. The official test day on Sunday provides teams their only chance to drive on Circuit de la Sarthe before practice sessions start on June 11.
Toyota has participated in Le Mans since 1985 and has made 27 appearances so far. They have achieved five wins, 18 podiums, and eight pole positions. Their fastest lap record was set by Kamui Kobayashi in 2017.
Toyota focuses on advancing technology through endurance racing. Since returning to Le Mans in 2012, they have used hybrid powertrains exclusively. The current GR010 HYBRID includes a hybrid motor delivering four-wheel drive alongside a twin-turbo engine running on renewable biofuel.
Celebrations for Toyota’s anniversary include unique liveries and a fan area at Manufacturers Village. A Hydrogen Village highlights hydrogen racing projects contributing to sustainable technology development.
Fans can view the GR010 HYBRIDs during scrutineering on June 7 or witness one participating in a city procession starting at 3 pm. Practice begins on June 11 with qualifying determining competitors for Hyperpole sessions.
Team members expressed their excitement about this year’s race:
Kamui Kobayashi stated: “This is the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s first Le Mans so we have brought back the iconic TS020 livery… We are here to develop technology and this year we are definitely aiming for the win.”
Mike Conway said: “I can’t wait to get back on track at Le Mans… it’s going to be something special.”
Nyck de Vries remarked: “When I think about Le Mans… It’s a race which is extremely difficult; to win Le Mans is hard.”
Sébastien Buemi commented: “Le Mans is clearly the most important race of the season… Hopefully we will be able to get back on the top step of the podium.”
Brendon Hartley added: “We are all pumped up for Le Mans… We know there is a big task ahead.”
Ryo Hirakawa concluded: “Le Mans is finally here… We hope to be fighting for the win.”
