Toyota Gazoo Racing Preps GR010 Hybrids for 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) kicked off their preparations for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), with the GR010 HYBRID Hypercars taking to the iconic Belgian circuit.
Challenging Circuit, Successful Double Points Finishes
The team, aiming to build on their recent double points finishes, faces a stern test at Spa-Francorchamps, a track where TGR has secured eight victories. The team’s drivers – Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries (car #7), and Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa (car #8) – hit the track for the first time since February.
Free Practice: Mixed Conditions, Red Flags
TGR began the first free practice session on a mild and sunny day, with drivers reacquainting themselves with the 7.004km circuit – the second longest on the WEC calendar – and providing feedback on different mechanical settings using the medium compound Michelin tyres.
The second session saw the team’s planned programme of tyre evaluation disrupted by three red flags, costing almost an hour of the planned 90-minute running time. Despite the interruptions, the team managed to complete trouble-free runs, practice pit stops, and make bodywork changes.
| Position | Driver / Team | Best Lap Time | Laps Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | #7 TGR: Conway/Kobayashi/De Vries | 2:04.542 | 27 |
| 12 | #8 TGR: Buemi/Hartley/Hirakawa | 2:05.794 | 30 |
Driver Quotes
It’s nice to be back here at Spa, which is a second home race for the team. With all the disruptions, I don’t think anyone could complete the perfect free practice, but it is what it is. We had no problems on our cars, and everything went as smoothly as we could expect considering the red flags.
Kamui Kobayashi (Team Principal and driver, car #7)
I think it has been a decent day in terms of getting through what we wanted to test. We were not sure what to expect coming into the weekend considering that performance-wise things were looking a bit challenging. But I think we are doing okay. This race is going to be all about tyre management, so we need to handle that well.
Mike Conway (Driver, car #7)
Looking Ahead
With detailed data analysis and intensive debriefings scheduled before qualifying day, TGR will use third practice on Friday morning to finalize their set-ups before qualifying, which starts at 3.25 pm. The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race will take place on Saturday.
FAQs
Will Toyota Gazoo Racing use different tyre compounds for the race?
Toyota Gazoo Racing typically makes strategic decisions regarding tyres based on the results of free practices and the team’s prior data and experience. They may choose to use different tyre compounds during the race.
How does Spa-Francorchamps challenge drivers and cars?
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps offers a true test of car and driver, with its high-speed corners, varied elevation changes, and demanding nature. The track favors strong power delivery, braking stability, and significant downforce, making it crucial for cars and drivers to perform at their best.
Pro Tips
Did you know?
Spa-Francorchamps is one of the few circuits in the world where the best laptime can be set without ever braking!
Pro Tip
Fans can look forward to an incredible spectacle at this year’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, as the world-class drivers of the FIA World Endurance Championship push their cars to the limit on this iconic track.
TGR’s Quest for Spa Glory
With its rich motorsport history and challenging track layout, Spa-Francorchamps offers the perfect stage for Toyota Gazoo Racing to showcase their skills and fight for victory. As race week unfolds, make sure to stay tuned for all the latest updates and news from the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
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