Toyota GAZOO Racing team finished 5th and 6th in the 2025 WEC

In 2025, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) kicked off in Qatar with an intense 1812-kilometer showdown, marking the first round of the new season’s championship battle for teams. However, at the Qatar round, Toyota GAZOO Racing fell short of the podium as car #8 finished in 5th place and car #7 in 6th. Following the race, Toyota currently sits in 3rd place in the manufacturers' standings.

On race day at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit, Toyota GAZOO Racing’s two machines, the #7 GR010 HYBRID and the #8 GR010 HYBRID, experienced less-than-ideal qualifying sessions. With the #7 starting from P7 and the #8 from a challenging P17, the grid positions set the stage for a tough battle on the track.

Once the race began, the drivers of both #7 and #8 cars showcased their exceptional skills, rapidly embarking on an overtaking blitz. By the closing stages of the second hour, both cars had surged into the top six, laying a solid foundation for the team. Nevertheless, the race was far from smooth sailing. Just before a crucial pit stop, car #7 encountered a setback. Fortunately, the driver maintained composure and executed the pit stop flawlessly.

During the race, the deployment of two safety cars added further twists to the unfolding drama, as teams seized the chance to adjust their strategies amid frequently changing track positions. Through it all, the Toyota duo managed to maintain steady performance, skillfully avoiding pitfall after pitfall. Following the restart, car #7 managed to overtake the #5 Porsche, climbing to 7th place, closely tailing the #8 car in 6th.

As the race progressed, the setting sun became a defining moment for the Toyota team. Capitalizing on its impressive performance, the #8 car surged forward to claim 3rd place while the #7 closely followed in 4th. At this juncture, consistent performance, relentless fighting spirit, and shrewd strategy began to yield tangible results.

However, the competition was unrelenting, continually launching counterattacks. In the latter half of the race, both the #7 and #8 cars maintained form and, following a safety car period in the 6th hour, successfully closed in on the front-runners. Yet, as their rivals gradually clawed their way back from adversity, Toyota’s positions once again came under threat. After a driver swap, the #7 and #8 cars resumed racing in the 4th and 6th positions, respectively.

In the final two hours, the race entered a nail-biting climax. Both cars returned to the track, and during the last pit stop, the #8 machine seized the opportunity to overtake the #7, climbing to 5th place. Thereafter, both vehicles held their positions securely, safely completing the remaining 50 minutes. Ultimately, the #8 car crossed the finish line in 5th place and the #7 in 6th, collectively earning the team 33 championship points.

In light of this WEC result, Toyota GAZOO Racing has already begun reviewing its performance and adjusting its strategy as it sets its sights on the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola on April 20.