At Toyota, Lopez and Kobayashi want to be confident
The serious stuff begins for the 24 Hours of Le Mans: while Wednesday marks the start of the first free practice sessions, José Maria Lopez and Kamui Kobayashi shared their feelings before the race.
Never before had Toyota been so challenged since the beginning of the Hypercar era in WEC. But car number 7 allowed the world’s leading manufacturer to prevail in Imola, in very particular weather conditions.
The qualifying officer, Kamui Kobayashi, was one of the architects of this success, against competition that is more seasoned than ever.
“This early season is a real challenge,” the Japanese described. “The team and my teammates did a great job to win in Imola. But having this challenge highlights our weaknesses a bit more, especially the rear end being a bit loose on the car. And then, since we won almost every race last year, we are inevitably facing the consequences of the BoP.”
That being said, the GR010 remains a very accomplished car, which started well before the other manufacturers in Hypercar. This is enough to give motivation to Kamui Kobayashi, despite the conditions that are shaping up to be very challenging. The main challenge for Toyota remains to take revenge on Ferrari, winner of Le Mans last year.
(Kobayashi continues, saying) “It won’t be easy to achieve,” (and) “All we have to do is give our all, on every detail of the race.”
Lopez: a promising comeback?
Still in Toyota No. 7, Mike Conway had to forfeit this 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And as a result, the experienced Argentine José Maria Lopez was called back to the wheel of the GR010, instead of the Lexus GT3, via the Akkodis ASP team. A breath of fresh air that comes after a very difficult start to the season.
« It was complicated with Lexus, because it must be known that the current Lexus is a very aging car, at least ten years old,” Lopez explains in good French. « Even though Team Akkodis is a very efficient structure, we inevitably needed the BoP to have a chance to stay in the race,” he adds.
His return to Toyota is certainly a delight, even if one person’s misfortune brings joy to others. Mike (Conway) is like a brother to me, he is a guy I really love and it was very disappointing for him not to be able to take part in this edition. But I will make the most of it.
It will be great! Because the endurance world championship is experiencing a fantastic era, with the unprecedented arrival of a large number of manufacturers. Being a driver during a golden age is definitely a great opportunity, especially with so many seasoned drivers ready for the fight. It will probably be my last time in Hypercar at Le Mans! With one last victory to close the loop?
