Toyota Gazoo Racing Faces Challenges at 6 Hours of Fuji

In front of an enthusiastic crowd of 66,400, Toyota Gazoo Racing entered the 6 Hours of Fuji with high hopes. The #7 GR010 HYBRID, piloted by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, showcased early promise. They managed to lead the race midway after a series of strategic maneuvers and quick laps. However, fate intervened as an ill-timed safety car period disrupted their momentum. Despite a valiant effort, the car ultimately finished in eighth place. Meanwhile, the #8 car, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, faced an even tougher challenge. Early in the race, Buemi's vehicle was hit by the #35 Alpine, leading to an emergency pit stop and a subsequent three-minute stop-go penalty, which severely hindered their progress.

The race dynamics shifted dramatically with the #7 car making significant headway during a virtual safety car period. Nyck de Vries capitalized on this opportunity, advancing into the top ten and eventually reaching third place. At one point, the team found themselves leading the race, only to be set back by a safety car that required refueling during a closed pit lane, resulting in a penalty that dropped them to 13th. Kamui Kobayashi's determined drive in the final hours allowed them to recover to eighth place, but it was a bittersweet finish for the home team.

For the #8 car, the race was a series of unfortunate events from the start. After the initial collision and subsequent penalties, the team found themselves two laps down with little hope of catching up. The drivers used the remainder of the race to gather data and insights for the upcoming final race in Bahrain. Despite the setbacks, their resolve remained unbroken, with Hirakawa finishing the race cleanly in 16th place.

Kamui Kobayashi, team principal and driver of car #7, expressed disappointment with the outcome but remained optimistic about the lessons learned. He acknowledged the impact of the safety car on their strategy and emphasized the team's commitment to improving performance for the final race of the season. Similarly, Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries reflected on the race's promising start, lamenting the unfortunate timing of the safety car that altered their podium prospects.

The team now turns its focus to Bahrain, where they hope to conclude the season on a high note. The drivers are eager to leverage the insights gained from Fuji and are determined to secure a podium finish. Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley are particularly motivated to overcome the challenges faced in Japan, aiming to harness their experience for a stronger performance in the final showdown.

As the team prepares for the 8 Hours of Bahrain, they carry the hopes of their fans and partners who have shown unwavering support throughout the season. The Fuji race served as a testament to their resilience and dedication, qualities that will undoubtedly be pivotal in their pursuit of victory in the final race of the 2025 WEC season.