Toyota is hungry to add another win to its trophy case
Only two automakers have won six times in a row
Toyota is trying to do something that only Ferrari and Porsche have ever managed before. To take home the top trophy at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans six times in a row.
The most famous endurance race in the world goes green on June 10th and Toyota will be competing against a field of 62 racers including 18 cars in the Hypercar class. Toyota will be bringing the GR010 Hybrid once again. The car made its debut two years back but has evolved significantly to help make it faster year over year.
Only Porsche and Ferrari have managed to win the 24-hour race six times in a row, with the former accomplishing it from 1981 through 1987 (yes, that’s seven) and the latter from 1960 through 1965. Toyota’s five in a row started in 2018.
Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López will drive the number 7 Toyota, while Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa drive number eight. Buemi is the brand’s winningest driver at the event, having taken four wins in the 24-hour race.
This is Toyota’s 25th time entering the 24 Hours. It has entered the event 12 times using hybrid power, showcasing the company’s prowess in gas-electric systems that it has developed for its road cars.
Toyota’s racing hybrid system makes 707 hp from a 3.5L engine and another 272 hp from its electric motor. For this year, the car is lighter and more reliable, Toyota says. It will also use fuel Toyota calls 100 percent renewable to power it for the race.
