TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Achieves Strong Finish at Qatar 1812km Race

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing secured fifth and sixth positions at the Qatar 1812km, the opening race of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship. Strong teamwork and strategic driving characterized their performance, while Ferrari dominated the podium. The team aims to improve for the next race at Imola, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing achieved a commendable top-six finish during the inaugural race of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Qatar 1812km event, held at Lusail International Circuit. This race marks the beginning of eight rounds for the team as they strive to maintain their manufacturers’ World Championship title and pursue successes at Le Mans. The drivers’ strong teamwork helped secure a double points finish with both cars performing admirably despite facing significant challenges.

The 8 GR010 HYBRID, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, overcame a tough qualifying session to finish fifth, while Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries in the 7 GR010 HYBRID took sixth place. Initially starting from seventh and 17th positions, both cars progressed well into the race, with Sébastien and Mike driving solid stints that advanced them into the top six late in the second hour.

The race was marked by dramatic moments, including two rapid safety car deployments that influenced positions. Both GR010 HYBRIDs navigated the race without major incidents; Kamui drove strategically, overtaking a rival to advance into a competitive position. The team’s strategy involved consistent driving and timely pit stops, managing to secure third and fourth positions as the event progressed.

As the race unfolded, they faced challenges from rival teams but maintained their spots well into the final stages. A strategic final pit stop saw Sébastien ascend to fifth, allowing the team to finish strong, gathering 33 World Championship points on a day dominated by Ferrari’s podium sweep. Following this race, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing currently stands third in the manufacturers’ standings, aiming for stronger outcomes in the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola on April 20.

Quotes from the drivers reinforced the team’s sentiments regarding the race. Team Principal and driver, Kamui Kobayashi, acknowledged the challenges faced, stating, “Congratulations to Ferrari for their one-two-three. We tried our best, but we couldn’t do more than that. The team did a great job today…. We need to learn from this experience.”

Mike Conway added, “To come away from this event with fifth and sixth is maybe more than what we had expected… a decent haul of points to start the season.”

Nyck de Vries remarked, “Overall it is a positive result for the team considering everything… it has been a decent day.”

Sébastien Buemi appreciated the team’s performance, stating, “Actually, it was an amazing effort from the team… and we will try to be stronger next time.” Brendon Hartley enjoyed the race experience, highlighting a well-executed strategy, stating, “I had a lot of fun out there… we are not happy that we didn’t have the pace in the car but… we will be fighting at the front at Imola.”

Ryo Hirakawa expressed his contentment with their performance, saying, “It was not an easy week for us, but I am content with the result. We achieved as much as we could… and now we will keep pushing to get better for the next races.

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In summary, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing showcased resilience and strategic prowess at the Qatar 1812km race, achieving a respectable top-six finish despite various challenges. The drivers demonstrated teamwork and adaptability, setting the stage for the season ahead as they prepare for the next round at Imola. With strong performances despite limited pace, the team remains determined to enhance their competitiveness.

Original Source: newsroom.toyota.eu