In Austin, Toyota aims for a second straight victory
After a long break, the World Endurance Championship returns. It will be stopping off in Austin. In Texas, Toyota will be looking to build on its success at Interlagos.
Japanese cars are back. After their brilliant race in Interlagos, they will try to repeat the feat of Brazil. Often fighting for victory, Toyota has only managed to win the races in Imola and Sao Paulo.
A good result on Texan soil would bring the reigning world champion team closer to a new title. A victory in Austin would be historic for Toyota. Indeed, the Japanese firm has never managed to cross the finish line in first place.
To best prepare for this appointment, the manufacturer conducted a test session at the Circuit of the Americas at the end of July. I love racing in the United States, so I can’t wait to return to Austin and meet the American fans, who are very enthusiastic and welcoming. I raced there earlier this year in NASCAR, which was a lot of fun, but of course, the GR010 Hybrid is a very different type of car. Our test last month was a good way to start our preparations and gave us a clear indication of what to expect on this circuit in terms of settings and tire characteristics. I know the team has worked hard after the test to optimize our car and give us the best possible chance in the race. It’s a new opportunity to score big points in the World Championship, and that’s our goal, emphasizes Kamui Kobayashi, driver of #7 and team manager.
The drivers, led by Nyck de Vries, expect difficult track conditions with high temperatures. A factor that will need to be taken into account, especially for tire degradation. Austin will be hot again, as was the case in our tests last month, and it will be a challenge in terms of tire management. But we showed in São Paulo that it was one of the strengths of our team, so I am optimistic again for this race, confirms Sébastien Buémi in #8.
Meet at 7:30 pm on Friday, August 30 to check Toyota’s performance level.
