Toyota Gazoo Racing concluded an exceptional 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season in grand fashion, securing a thrilling one-two finish in the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
The #8 Toyota crew of Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa emerged victorious in their GR010 Hybrid, not only claiming the top spot at ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ but also clinching the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers’ Championship title. This triumph complemented their earlier FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship win, completing a remarkable double for the team.
Their Toyota teammates, Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway, and Jose Maria Lopez, in their #7 Hybrid, demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming an opening-lap incident that saw them spin off the track at the very first corner. Their spirited recovery earned them a well-deserved second-place finish, though it wasn’t enough to secure them the Hypercar drivers’ title.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s dominance continued throughout the race, marking their sixth victory in seven WEC races in 2023. This was the second triumph for the Buemi, Hartley, and Hirakawa trio, adding to their previous win in Portugal.
The Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain marked the 12th time the WEC has raced in Sakhir and the fifth time the event has taken place in its current eight-hour format.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s remarkable victory is a testament to their unwavering dedication and exceptional performance throughout the 2023 WEC season. Their achievements have undoubtedly solidified their position as a leading force in endurance racing.
