Kobayashi leads the charge for Toyota: "I am very proud that we were able to turn things around."

Toyota regaining its form. On a circuit that is particularly successful for its prototype, the Japanese manufacturer has secured a seventh consecutive pole position in Bahrain since 2020, taking into account the six-hour race held in 2021. Kamui Kobayashi, who is also the team manager, was the fastest in the Bahraini night.

« I am very happy to be back in pole position. said the Japanese driver after his pole position at the 8 Hours of Bahrain. This is the result of excellent work and a huge effort from the team. The season has been difficult so far, so I'm very proud that we were able to turn things around and secure a one-two finish today. Everyone pushed hard to achieve this, but tomorrow is another day and we know it won't be easy. Our goal is to win. We are well prepared and the race promises to be exciting. »

Kobayashi ends Hartley's run

Kobayashi had already secured pole position for the 8 Hours of Bahrain in 2021. However, with his performance this Friday, the Japanese driver broke his teammate's streak. Brendon HartleyThe New Zealander, who finished second on Friday, had in fact secured three consecutive pole positions in Sakhir. No doubt the latter won't hold it against him.

« A very good qualifying session for the whole team, added the former pilot Toro Rosso en F1. We're very happy with the performance. I had a pretty clean lap, even though there were a few small mistakes and I was a bit cautious in some places. Kamui lined everything up perfectly and beat me to pole position. I was determined to get it, but congratulations to him. I'm happy to be starting from the front row, which gives us the best chance of finishing on the podium. »

If they win this Saturday, Toyota would rediscover the taste of victory for the first time since… the 2024 Bahrain 8 Hours. It would also be their ninth consecutive victory on this track.

The Bahrain 8 Hours will be covered in full via live text commentary on AUTOhebdo.fr on Saturday from 12pm French time.

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