TOYOTA GAZOO Racing kicked off its 2025 WEC season with practice sessions in Qatar. Competing against various manufacturers, the team focused on enhancing car performance amid challenging conditions. Throughout two practice sessions, they analyzed data for further optimization as they prepare for qualifying and race events. Team members expressed commitments to adapt and improve their car setups effectively.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing commenced their preparations for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) during free practice sessions for the Qatar 1812km at Lusail International Circuit. Competing among a strong field of eight manufacturers, the team aims to defend their title while striving for victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The weekend kicks off with the Qatar season-opener, focusing on enhancing performance across eight races this year.
The initial practice included two sessions lasting 90 minutes each, showcasing fierce competition among 18 Hypercars. At the conclusion of the three hours of practice, Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa in car 8 ended up sixth, while Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries in car 7 finished 13th. The conditions were particularly challenging, demanding thorough analysis of data by both drivers and engineers.
In preparation for practice, the team analyzed data from their GR010 HYBRIDs and Michelin tires, thus optimizing their setups. Both cars delayed their initial laps due to changing wind conditions that affected track conditions by moving sand onto the racing line. Ultimately, the team focused on refining their tires and settings before the race.
During the first practice, both cars faced quick competitions, with Nyck de Vries and Brendon Hartley setting the fastest laps for their respective vehicles, despite the session being interrupted by a red flag. With only a second gap separating the top 11 cars, the competition remains tight. The second session transitioned from daylight to nighttime, allowing the team to continue their preparations under floodlights.
The team is focused on making adjustments ahead of the third practice and qualifying sessions. Their next objective is to incorporate improvements, aiming for stronger performance in qualifying. Kamui Kobayashi commented on the challenges faced due to fluctuating wind conditions, highlighting their efforts to enhance the car’s setup for optimized performance.
Quotes from the drivers underline their commitment to adaptation and improvement in the face of varying conditions. They noted the need to balance the cars effectively while addressing the changes encountered since the Prologue, displaying a unified team effort in optimizing performance for the challenges ahead.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is preparing intensively for the 2025 WEC season, with critical practice sessions highlighting both challenges and opportunities for performance improvement. Their focus remains on optimizing setups to close the competitive gap as they head into qualifying. The team’s collaborative approach, including driver feedback on performance modifications, is essential for achieving their objectives this racing season.
Original Source: newsroom.toyota.eu
