Toyota are hoping to continue their incredible World Endurance Championship streak in 2024.
The Japanese manufacturer have established themselves as a powerhouse in the WEC, finishing in the top three in every season since the series started in 2012.
Among those top three finishes is six manufacturers’ titles, with five of them being consecutive from 2018/19 to 2023. Last season, Toyota dominated the field, winning every race except the 24 Hours of Le Mans between their two Hypercars.
Locking out a one-two finish in the drivers’ standings in 2023, their dominance has not quite been replicated this season, but after the No. 7 car, driven by Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries and Mike Conway, finishing second at the last race in Austin, Toyota have retaken the lead of the manufacturers’ championship.
As the WEC heads to its penultimate race of the season with the Six Hours of Fuji, Kobayashi highlighted what is important to him as Toyota gear up for their home race.
Kamui Kobayashi outlines importance of racing at Fuji
Performing well at a driver’s home race is everything, which is something that Kobayashi can attest to first hand.
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The Japanese driver finished third at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka back in 2012 with Sauber in Formula 1, becoming the second Japanese driver to finish on the podium in Japan after Aguri Suzuki in 1990.
Since joining the WEC in 2016, Kobayashi has won at Fuji three times (2016, 2018/19 and 2023). In fact, Toyota have won all but one race held at Fuji since 2012, including a run of six consecutive victories, making it the Japanese manufacturer’s most successful circuit.
Speaking in a team release, Kobayashi, who is also Toyota’s team principal, spoke of the importance of racing at Fuji as a Japanese driver.
“Everyone in the team is looking forward to our home race,” he said.
“It is very important; after Le Mans, Fuji is the second most significant race of the season for us. As a Japanese driver and as a Japanese manufacturer, competing in Fuji is very important, plus it’s great to meet our Japanese fans.
“We have always been strong there and we have a fantastic record, with nine wins. Of course, we want to keep that successful run going in front of our fans, partners and colleagues.”
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Toyota are fighting Porsche and Ferrari for the WEC title
Following the No. 7 car’s result at the Lone Star Le Mans, Toyota took the lead of the manufacturers’ championship as they look to fight Porsche and Ferrari for the title.
The Japanese manufacturer leads Porsche by 11 points, with Ferrari eight points behind the Germans heading into Fuji. Toyota have two victories in 2024 to Porsche and Ferrari’s one – not including the latter’s non-factory team’s win at COTA.
Toyota come into their home race as the overwhelming favourites given their success at the track, but their rivals will prove to be tough competition. Porsche’s No. 6 963, driven by Kevin Lestre, Andre Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor, have finished in the top five in every race except COTA this season as they lead Kobayashi and de Vries by 12 points in the drivers’ standings.
With both championships being tight at the top, the final two rounds of the season in Japan and Bahrain will certainly see tense action at the front of the pack.