Having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June, TOYOTA RACING arrives this week at the Interlagos Circuit in São Paulo (SP) for the 6 Hours of São Paulo, the fourth round of the WEC season. In France, the manufacturer saw its two cars reach the podium in the world endurance’s most prestigious race, securing the World Constructors’ Championship lead with a 36-point margin over the runners-up.
The victory by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries at Le Mans propelled the TR010 HYBRID number 7 to the lead in the drivers’ standings, and they carry a four-point cushion into the South American leg of the World Endurance Championship.
Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa are also in the title contention, only 19 points behind their teammates, after finishing third at Le Mans with the TR010 HYBRID number 8. They head for Brazil aiming for a second win this year, after clinching the victory at the 6 Hours of Imola, which opened the season.
“Le Mans positioned us strongly in the WEC, so our next objective is to reclaim both titles. We will push as a full team to achieve that, starting in Sao Paulo. It will be a challenge because the competition is very tight,” said Kamui Kobayashi, driver and team principal of TOYOTA RACING.
“Everyone could see it at Le Mans, when there were only a few seconds separating the leading cars after 24 hours. But we also showed that, with strong teamwork and a good strategy, we can achieve great results, and we will push hard to repeat it,” Kobayashi added.
The Interlagos Autódromo, a 4,309-meter circuit in a counterclockwise layout, presents a unique challenge. Its relatively high altitude, above 700 meters, negatively affects engine performance and downforce levels, which means free practice sessions are especially important to fine-tune the car’s setup before the race.
TOYOTA RACING has posted a positive record in its five races held so far in Brazil, claiming two pole positions and two victories. The team’s bid for its third win of the season will begin Friday, July 10, with two free practice sessions. The qualifying session on Saturday at 15:25 will determine the grid for Sunday’s race, which starts at 11:30.
