TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Triumphs at 8 Hours of Bahrain, Clinches Sixth Manufacturers' Championship
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has claimed victory in the 8 Hours of Bahrain, securing the top podium spot in the final race of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. The No. 8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, delivered an exceptional performance to take first place, securing Toyota’s sixth consecutive Manufacturers’ Championship title.
The race marked the end of a competitive 2024 season, with 72 hours of racing across eight rounds on four continents. TGR’s season record includes five podium finishes, three wins, and two pole positions, ultimately earning them 190 World Championship points.
Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of Toyota's Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Buemi, Hartley, and Hirakawa, thank you for ending this season on such an incredible high note with your first-place victory. Your dedication and team spirit have driven Toyota to its sixth manufacturers’ World Championship title. We look forward to the next season as we continue our journey of creating ‘ever-better cars’ and promoting sustainable mobility.”
The thrilling Bahrain race began with Buemi leading from pole and overcoming early setbacks, including a rear collision. Hartley and Hirakawa then showcased their expertise in managing tire wear, allowing the team to remain competitive. In the final half-hour of the race, Buemi executed a remarkable comeback, moving from tenth to claim first place and crossing the finish line with a 27.539-second lead. This marked TGR’s second win of the season and its tenth in Bahrain.
Since its establishment in 2015, TGR has unified Toyota’s motorsport efforts, competing in events such as Formula One, the World Endurance Championship, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. With each race, TGR aims to develop advanced technologies and create exciting, sustainable driving experiences for all.
