In Fuji, Kamui Kobayashi is wary of Ferrari
Comfortably leading the Hypercar championship, Toyota wants to increase their advantage at Fuji, their home race. But Ferrari, who won at Le Mans, remains the biggest threat.
And what if Ferrari were to seek revenge? At Monza, Toyota shined and achieved yet another victory in this 2023 WEC season. While the Japanese team appears to have the best car on the grid, Ferrari remains a threat. The Italian race team demonstrated this at Le Mans, where they emerged victorious and secured pole position at Sebring.
It is with all these elements in mind that Kamui Kobayashi, driver of the Toyota number 7, sees the Scuderia as a contender for victory. « We won at Ferrari, in Monza, during the last race, so I’m sure they will want to take their revenge this weekend. We must do everything correctly, avoid any mistakes, and continue to attack to stay ahead. With only two rounds left in the season, this is a critical race for the world championship, so we will give it our all. »
An opinion also shared by Brendon Hartley, in the sister car, who believes that both crews will have to be at their best. « I’m sure it will be another great battle, especially with Ferrari who seemed very fast all year, but that’s what we all want and we are ready to take on the challenge. »
Eight wins in nine races
The Japanese leg has always been successful for Toyota, who are racing at home. The reigning world champions have won eight out of the nine races since their return to endurance racing in 2012. Today, one of the victorious drivers is still committed to the manufacturer.
« I have won four times at the Fuji Speedway, so I have very good memories of it, says Sébastien Buémi, driver of car number 8. « It’s a special place for us because we can meet our Japanese fans, but also the motor engineers and executives from Toyota who support our project from a distance. »
