Toyota's Hypercar Dominance Shines at Fuji Speedway

Toyota Gazoo Racing's impressive performance at the Fuji Speedway qualifying event has set the stage for an exciting race on Sunday. With Ryo Hirakawa and Kamui Kobayashi leading the charge, the team showcased their expertise and adaptability on the challenging Japanese circuit. As the drivers, engineers, and mechanics gear up for the 6 Hours of Fuji, the team is determined to strengthen their bid for both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' World Championships.

Powering Towards Victory at the Home Circuit

Ryo Hirakawa's Blistering Lap and Front-Row Start

In his first Hypercar qualifying, Ryo Hirakawa delivered a stunning performance, clocking a lap time of 1min 28.942secs in the #8 GR010 HYBRID. This impressive feat earned him a front-row start, narrowly missing pole position by just 0.041 seconds in front of the enthusiastic home crowd. Hirakawa's familiarity with the Fuji Speedway, combined with the team's extensive knowledge of the circuit, played a crucial role in this achievement.

Kamui Kobayashi's Pursuit of a Hat-Trick

Kamui Kobayashi, the pole position winner at Fuji Speedway for the last two years, came within 0.164 seconds of securing a hat-trick. The #7 GR010 HYBRID, which Kobayashi shares with Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries, will start the race from the fourth position on the grid. Kobayashi's long-standing experience in Japanese domestic competition at Fuji Speedway has been a valuable asset for the team.

Exploiting Circuit Knowledge for Positive Qualifying Performance

Toyota Gazoo Racing's positive qualifying performance can be attributed to their deep understanding of the Fuji Speedway circuit. The team's extensive knowledge, combined with the drivers' familiarity with the track, allowed them to optimize the setup and preparation of the GR010 HYBRID cars. This strategic approach has set the stage for a strong race on Sunday.

Engaging Fans with the Circuit Safari

Qualifying day at Fuji Speedway began with a popular tradition – the Circuit Safari. This initiative allowed selected spectators to share the track with the Hypercars and LMGT3 machines, providing them with a unique and immersive experience. Such fan-centric activities are part of Toyota Gazoo Racing's efforts to bring the Japanese fans closer to the action, fostering a deeper connection between the team and its supporters.

Preparing for the 6 Hours of Fuji

The final practice session before qualifying allowed the team to validate the set-up adjustments made overnight and prepare for the all-important qualifying session. Ryo Hirakawa's impressive pace in this session, setting the fastest time, further reinforced the team's readiness for the race.As the 12-minute qualifying session commenced, Kamui Kobayashi and Ryo Hirakawa were the first cars on the track, showcasing their determination in front of the flag-waving Toyota Gazoo Racing fans. Both drivers set their fastest times on the first of their two flying laps, securing their progression to the Hyperpole round.In the Hyperpole session, the two GR010 HYBRIDs set the pace from the beginning, with Kamui Kobayashi initially taking the top spot before being edged out by Ryo Hirakawa's blistering lap. Despite narrowly missing out on the extra point for pole position, the team remains focused and determined to strengthen their challenge for both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' World Championships in the 6 Hours of Fuji on Sunday.