Toyota Gazoo Racing Ready to Defend the 2024 WEC World Champion Title
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) is ready to defend its 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) drivers' and manufacturers' world championship against the biggest ever Hypercar class competitors when the 2024 racing season kicks off in Qatar on March 2.
Having beaten the likes of Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot and Porsche last season en route to a fifth consecutive world championship double, TGR is joined by 19 Hypercar racers this season, including newcomers Alpine, BMW, Isotta Fraschini and Lamborghini.
Experienced racers with proven talent will be in the driver's seat. In GR010 HYBRID #7, Mike Conway, 10 years after his debut with the team, will compete alongside Team Principal Kamui Kobayashi and newcomer Nyck de Vries, former Toyota Gazoo Racing Test and Reserve driver.
World Champions Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa will challenge for a third consecutive world championship crown in GR010 HYBRID #8. Sébastien and Brendon are the most successful drivers in WEC history with four titles, while Ryo has won the WEC in both of his Hypercar seasons.
The GR010 HYBRID Hypercar has won 16 of 19 races since its debut in 2021. The appearance of this car presents a new identity that stands out for 2024. The Black Matte color represents TGR's commitment to presenting an ever-better race car in continuous evolution, perfecting hybrid technology through racing resilience.
Its reliability has been optimized through detailed modifications to certain internal components, although the most visible technical change is to the headlights. Based on driver feedback, the LED specifications have been changed to reduce glare, as well as better visibility in wet conditions and at night.
To optimize pit stop efficiency at anti-clockwise circuits such as Austin and Brazil, the GR010 HYBRID has also been modified to allow refueling on the left side of the car, and this will be the first time.
Toyota Gazoo Racing continues to benefit from the technical contributions of long-term partners. Denso contributed to the front electric motor together with AISIN while supplying high-performance spark plugs. RAYS presents lightweight magnesium rims and Mobil 1 is the lubricant of choice.
In line with TGR's dedication to pursuing a carbon neutral future in motorsport, the GR010 HYBRID again uses 100% renewable biofuel which reduces CO2 emissions by at least 65%. To further contribute, tire pre-heating is not permitted in the race.
Complementing existing sustainability efforts, the Cologne, Germany-based team recently took steps to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1,400 metric tons per year through a new centralized refrigeration facility, marking another important step on the journey to carbon neutrality.
The GR010 HYBRID will make its public debut at the official WEC pre-season test which will be held at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, on 24-25 February 2024. The first test was carried out by Toyota Gazoo Racing during the pre-season test session at the end of November.
The 5,380 km circuit will also host the first of 8 races this season. Qatar 1812 KM will take place on March 2 and last 1,812 km – in honor of the Gulf country's National Day on December 18 – or a maximum of 10 hours.
After Qatar, European action takes place at Italy's Imola (April 21) and Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps (May 11) before France's Le Mans 24 Hours on June 15-16. The journey across the Atlantic continues with events in Sao Paulo Brazil (14 July) and Austin Texas USA (1 September). Before TGR's home race at Fuji Speedway (15 September) and the 2024 season finale in Bahrain on 2 November
