The World Endurance Championship has been very competitive this season, and with two rounds to go, three teams are battling for the manufacturers’ championship.
Toyota are leading at the top of the standings, holding a slim lead over Ferrari and Porsche ahead of the 6 Hours of Fuji.
The Japanese manufacturer have been very consistent this season, finishing on the podium at every round apart from the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in WEC.
Their blistering speed in recent times at Fuji Speedway should give them confidence in Japan, as they have not lost on the circuit since 2015.
Toyota’s team director, Rob Leupen, told RACER that it would be difficult to win at Fuji Speedway as Porsche was quick last year, they also believe top speed is vital.
Toyota admits ‘we will need to fight’ at the 6 Hours of Fuji in WEC
Toyota have suffered a hit of Balance of Performance in the World Endurance Championship and are running at Fuji Speedway with increased weight and reduced power.
This penalty has cost them valuable time on the circuit, and Toyota’s two cars will begin the race in second and fourth place.
The No. 8 car qualified on the front row, and Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa is looking to win at his home circuit.
They were usurped to pole position, by the No. 2 Cadillac, but critically, they are ahead of their rivals at Porsche and Ferrari.
Leupen is adamant that the true speed of the cars will only be uncovered on Sunday during the race it it will be a competitive event.
He said: “Three teams are fighting for the championship. And for us, it will be tough to know where we are until Sunday. In Austin, we struggled in qualifying but the race went much better than expected, like São Paulo.
“We will need to fight because we have seen Porsche strong here last year. Here we are the team to beat, but it will be a hard and close fight.”
Toyota have been superb this season in WEC and taken three victories
Toyota have been driving brilliantly over the season and has taken three wins, including the last two events in Brazil and Lone Star Le Mans.
The Japanese manufacturer may have been beaten at Le Mans for the second season in a row by Ferrari, but they have been quick at many tracks.
Toyota are in control of the battle for the Manufacturers’ Championship and a good result will allow them to head to the final round in Bahrain ahead of Porsche and Ferrari.