Le Mans winners Toyota Racing head for Brazil
Toyota Racing return to action after their Le Mans 24 Hours victory when the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championshp (WEC) resumes in Brazil with the 6 Hours of São Paulo (10-12 July).
The team overcame adversity and an ultra-competitive Hypercar field to win the 94t Le Mans 24 Hours last month, its sixth victory in the legendary French race. A double podium also helped them move into the lead of the manufacturers’ World Championship by 36 points.
Victory for Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries elevated the No7 TR010 Hybrid crew to the lead of the drivers’ standings. They take a four-point advantage into the South American round of the WEC calendar.
Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa are also in the title fight, just 19 points adrift of their team-mates, after finishing third at Le Mans in the No8 TR010 Hybrid. They travel to Brazil aiming to win for the second time this year, following their victory in the season-opening 6 Hours of Imola.
The 2.7-mile, anti-clockwise Interlagos circuit presents a unique engineering challenge. The relatively high altitude of above 700 metres negatively impacts engine performance and downforce levels, meaning the free practice sessions are particularly important to adjust car settings prior to the race.
Toyota Racing have a positive record from their five races so far in Brazil, with two pole positions and two victories to their name. The team’s challenge to win its third race of the season will begin on Friday 10 July with two free practice sessions. Qualifying takes place on Saturday (3.25pm local time, 7.25pm BST) to set the grid for Sunday’s race, which begins at 11.30am local time (3.30pm BST).
Away from the action in Brazil, the Le Mans-winning No7 TR010 Hybrid – in the same condition as it crossed the line – will be on static display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Great Britain.
Team quotes
Kamui Kobayashi (Team Principal and driver, car No7): “Le Mans put us in a stronger position in the World Championships so obviously our next target is to reclaim both titles. We’ll be pushing very hard as a team to do that, starting in São Paulo. It’s going to be a challenge because the competition is very close. Everyone could see that in Le Mans, when there were just a few seconds between the leading cars after 24 hours. But we also showed that with a big team effort and good strategy, we can achieve great results, and we’ll push hard to do that again.”
Mike Conway (driver, car No7): “It’s good to be racing again so soon after Le Mans because it gives us a chance to keep the positive momentum going. Le Mans was a long, hard event but we all pulled together as a team and got the win in the end. We’ll bring that same team spirit to this race and hopefully get a similar result.”
Nyck de Vries (driver, car No7): “The mood of the whole team is extremely positive after Le Mans so we’re all looking forward to going racing again. With the updated car, we’re hoping for a much better race in São Paulo than last year, which was a really difficult one for us. As always, it will not be easy but we’re ready for it and eager to get started.”
Sébastien Buemi (driver, car No8): “I missed this race last year so I’m looking forward to racing at Interlagos again. It’s a special track with a special atmosphere. It’s quite demanding to race there because it’s an old-school circuit – narrow, lots of changes of elevation and a good mix of corners. Hopefully our car will go well there, and we can fight at the front again.”
Brendon Hartley (driver, car No8): “Aside from last year, we’ve gone well there in the past and it’s a fun circuit to drive. The Brazilian fans are always very enthusiastic, and we get a lot of support from Toyota do Brasil as well, so we all enjoy racing there. After Le Mans, the next phase of the season is starting and it’s exciting to be fighting for World Championships again.”
Ryō Hirakawa (driver, car No8): “Le Mans was an amazing result for the whole team, which worked so hard to achieve the victory. Now our focus has switched to the World Championships and São Paulo is another important race for us. There isn’t much time between Le Mans and this race, but I know all the engineers and mechanics are pushing hard to help us challenge for victory again. We need to maximise our package and execute a clean race, but I feel confident we are ready for it.”
ENDS
