Toyota’s technical director David Floury mentioned he’s glad to see the again of the 2025 World Endurance Championship, regardless of ending the yr with a morale-boosting victory in Bahrain 8 Hours.
The Japanese producer endured its worst season within the WEC’s high class in years, as fixed frustrations with the Stability of Efficiency left it as an also-ran whereas Ferrari dominated the championship.
It appeared set to finish the yr with out even a podium end, however a commanding efficiency within the Bahrain finale noticed the squad end first and second, with Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries taking the highest spot within the #07 Toyota GR010 Hybrid.
The Cologne-based squad has set excessive expectations for 2026, when it introduces a serious aerodynamic replace and a design that’s nearer to its street automotive vary.
However for now, Toyota is relieved to lastly shut the chapter on a irritating marketing campaign and end the season on a excessive word.
“I do not suppose it is the utmost we may obtain [this season], as a result of we’ve got had points and we made errors,” Floury mentioned. “We had room for enhancements, to do a greater job in a number of the races. However on the finish of the day, I do not suppose it will have modified the top end result.
“It has been a tough season, to be trustworthy. I am fairly blissful that it is over. I am blissful for all of the boys, for all of the groups that did end on a excessive, particularly with the pole place within the Hypercar and GT3 [with Lexus], and the win in each classes. It’s good for Toyota generally.”
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 – Hybrid: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
Picture by: Jakob Ebrey / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
Toyota jumped from fourth to second within the producers’ championship with its 1-2 end in Bahrain, leapfrogging each Cadillac and Porsche within the course of.
Nevertheless, Floury wasn’t too thrilled to complete better of the remainder behind dominant Ferrari.
“Folks solely keep in mind P1. However nonetheless, it is higher to complete P2 than P4,” he mentioned.
For the longest time, Toyota was hailed for its operation superiority, with its power in execution and technique giving it an edge over its rivals.
Nevertheless, it has dropped the ball on a number of events, with Austin and Fuji being two races the place it notably faltered.
When requested if these errors had been all the way down to Toyota attempting too arduous to make up for the tempo deficit, Floury mentioned: “When you’re again within the recreation, like we had been this weekend, you’re feeling just like the workforce is a bit totally different.
“For certain, being on the again foot race after a race makes it very tough to maintain everybody centered. I believe this weekend we did a significantly better job than within the two earlier races.”
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