The 2024 World Championship seasonEndurance approach, and the manufacturers are refining their copies before diving into the deep end. This is particularly the case of Toyota : the reigning multiple champion team in WEC has slightly modified its mount, the Toyota GR010, for the upcoming campaign in order to adapt to the new tracks and the requests of its drivers.
In addition to the new black livery that Toyota will sport this season, the GR010 will be equipped with new LED headlights in order to “reduce glare and improve visibility on wet roads and at night”. A modification made at the request of the drivers. Another new feature on the Japanese Hypercar: a new fuel flap located on the left side. An addition which will prove necessary at two of the new circuits on the calendar, namely Austin and Interlagos, to allow refueling on the left side of the car. Finally, Toyota also specifies that its GR010 has been made more reliable with “detailed changes to some internal components”.
Toyota “must redouble our efforts” in 2024.
“Hypercar competition will be more difficult than ever this season and we are looking forward to it, said Kamui Kobayashi, Team Principal and driver of the No. 7 Toyota. It will be harder to succeed, but that makes it even more special and everyone is very motivated. Last year we won the world championship, but we missed Le Mans, which is our biggest goal for this year. »
“In the face of such tough competition, we must redouble our efforts and we need excellent work from everyone; this is the challenge of this season, adds the Japanese pilot. Our experience is an advantage and we have prepared intensively for this season, so I think we are ready. Now, starting from Qatar, the most important factor is that all team members, including the drivers, work together as one, with great commitment and our best performance. »
Toyota is setting out to defend its two world titles acquired in 2023 with two experienced crews. Only change: the arrival of Nyck de Vries in place of José Maria Lopez, in No. 7. “It’s a real privilege to finally start racing with Toyota in the WEC, which is a great championship with a lot of dynamism and many manufacturers, rejoices the Dutchman. I've been waiting for the first race for a long time, so I'm very excited. When we race for this team, with all its history, we obviously race to win and we hope to continue the success of recent years, starting with Qatar. We did some testing there at the end of last year to prepare, so now I can't wait to start racing. »
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