In a thrilling display of teamwork and skill, Toyota Gazoo Racing emerged victorious at the dramatic 6 Hours of Imola, marking a remarkable turnaround for the team in the second round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
In a race filled with twists and turns among the 19-strong Hypercar field, the #7 GR010 HYBRID driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries showcased faultless driving and strategic brilliance to claim the top spot. Meanwhile, their teammates Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa secured a strong fifth-place finish in the #8 GR010 HYBRID, further bolstering the team’s performance.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s victory at Imola closes the gap to Porsche to just nine points in the Manufacturers’ World Championship standings, setting the stage for an intense battle heading into the next round at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on May 11.
Despite starting sixth on the grid, Mike Conway demonstrated his fighting spirit in the opening laps, maneuvering his way into contention for a podium finish. Smart strategy and impeccable pit stops propelled the #7 car into the top three, setting the stage for a thrilling battle in the changing weather conditions.
Nyck de Vries, in a stellar stint, applied intense pressure on the leading Ferrari pair before rain and strategic decisions reshuffled the field. A masterstroke decision to switch to wet tires proved pivotal, allowing Toyota Gazoo Racing to maintain a commanding lead amidst challenging conditions.
Kamui Kobayashi, under intense pressure, showcased resilience and determination to hold onto the lead, ultimately clinching victory by a margin of 7.081 seconds. Meanwhile, Brendon Hartley and the #8 crew fought valiantly, narrowly missing out on a podium finish but contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Reflecting on the team’s triumph, Kamui Kobayashi expressed his gratitude to the team for their outstanding performance and strategic acumen. Mike Conway praised his teammates for their flawless driving and the team’s exceptional pit work, highlighting the collective effort that led to victory.
Nyck de Vries, delighted to be back on the top step of the podium, credited the team’s phenomenal performance and strategy calls for the victory. Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley, while facing challenges during the race, commended the team’s resilience and determination to succeed.
Ryo Hirakawa, despite the disappointment of missing out on fourth place, celebrated the team’s victory and expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back stronger in the upcoming races.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s triumph at Imola underscores the team’s resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the world of endurance racing, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
