Toyota Racing Claims Victory at 6 Hours of Imola with Double Podium Finish
Toyota Racing has launched its 2026 campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship with a commanding performance at the 6 Hours of Imola, securing first place and a double podium finish.
The No.8 Toyota TR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryō Hirakawa, claimed victory after a strong and consistent performance throughout the six-hour race.
Teammates Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries secured third place in the No.7 car, completing a successful outing for the team.
Milestone Win in Challenging Conditions
The race marked Toyota’s 100th event in the WEC hybrid era and delivered its 50th championship victory, reinforcing its dominance in endurance racing.
Held under evolving weather conditions, including light rain and strong winds, the race tested teams’ tyre and fuel management strategies. The newly introduced TR010 Hybrid demonstrated strong reliability and pace, maintaining competitiveness across varying track conditions.
Strategic Execution Secures Victory
The No.8 car remained within the leading pack before taking control during the middle stages of the race. Despite challenging conditions in the final hours, the team maintained its lead through precise strategy and clean execution.
The No.7 entry also made steady progress, finishing just under a minute behind its sister car to secure a valuable podium and strengthen Toyota’s early lead in the championship standings.
Confidence for the Season Ahead
Kamui Kobayashi, Team Principal and driver, highlighted the team’s strong start, noting the performance of the new hypercar provides confidence for the remainder of the season.
Next Stop: Spa-Francorchamps
The championship now moves to round two at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, taking place at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Known for its high-speed layout and unpredictable weather, the circuit will present another major test for teams as the season unfolds.
