Toyota saw its streak of victories in the FIA World Championship and the 24h of Le Mans come to an abrupt end at the hands of Ferrari, and at the 6h of Monza the challenge between the parties is renewed.
This time we’re in the Temple of Speed, which means home ground for the Prancing Horse, but the Japanese are the championship leaders in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ categories, so the goal is to keep the lead in both classifications.
It won’t be an easy battle for anyone and the recent changes to the Balance of Performance could further reshuffle the cards, but Toyota know very well that the 499Ps are the cars to beat, so the strategy will certainly focus more on Sébastien Buemi’s GR010 Hybrid #8 , Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, currently top of the Drivers’ standings.
The withdrawal at Le Mans of the #7 of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López undermined the title hopes of the latter, but the common good is to bring a Japanese Hypercar to the top step and the will to do well is there in both crews.
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 – Hybrid: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Jose Maria Lopez
Photo by: Toyota
“At Le Mans we did everything we could as a team, getting the maximum performance out of the car and the drivers gave everything. We will do the same at Monza and try to achieve a better result. Now our priority is to win both World Championships again and it will be a close fight with Ferrari”, underlines Kobayashi, who also holds the role of Team Principal.
“At the moment we are ahead in terms of points, but they have had a faster car in the last two races. I think this weekend will be difficult for us, but we will never give up, we will continue to fight and push for every tenth of a second I’m sure there will be another great crowd and a great atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to this race.”
His team-mate Conway adds: “It’s great to be back racing within weeks of Le Mans so we can put everything behind us. After what happened there, the title sadly seems out of reach for our car, but that only simplifies the task. in the three remaining races. We want to get more victories this season, starting from Monza, and we will work hard to get back on the top step of the podium. I can’t wait to start again.”
López also agrees: “I really like racing at Monza, it’s an old school track with fast corners and a great atmosphere. It’s a bit like Le Mans from that point of view. I’ve had many important races at Monza, at the start of my career and also in the WEC Our victory in 2021 was one of the main reasons we managed to win the drivers title that season, and last year our car was strong until we had a crash while we were leading. This year will be more difficult than ever, but I’m optimistic.”
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 – Hybrid: Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, Ryo Hirakawa
Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images
As we were saying, attention now shifts entirely to the #8 Toyota of Buemi/Hartley/Hirakawa, which will have to defend the lead from the assaults of the Maranello reds counting on the help of its #7 sister car.
“I can’t wait to race in Monza, especially this year because I think the atmosphere will be more special than ever. I’ve spent a lot of time in Italy during my career, so I like going back there and meeting the fans – admits Buemi “They’ll probably be rooting for a different team this year, but it’s always a pleasure to race in front of such an enthusiastic crowd. We’re fighting for the World Championship and every race will be important, so we’ll give it our all this weekend.”
Hartley concentrates: “After Le Mans our attention immediately shifted to the fight for the title and the whole team is ready for the last three races of the season, starting from Monza. It won’t be easy, because we’ve seen how fast the Ferrari, but we showed our fighting spirit at Le Mans and are determined to get on the top step of the podium again. We know we have to deliver a perfect weekend and we are ready for the challenge.”
Hirakawa comments: “I’m happy to be back behind the wheel so soon after Le Mans, which was a difficult race, but now it’s all over and we’ll be back stronger. I know Monza well: last year we finished second and a few years ago I won an ELMS race. It’s fun to drive given the high speeds, and I think it should suit us. We will continue to work hard to constantly improve the car over the weekend, to give us the chance to fight and stay ahead of everyone.” .
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