thinks it’s “incredible” that McLaren might be enter the World Endurance Championship’s prime class subsequent 12 months, however didn’t give a agency reply when requested if he had had any discussions with the crew.
De Vries joined Toyota’s Hypercar squad in 2024 and in addition stays lively in Components E with Mahindra.
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Along with his WEC and Components E duties, the Dutchman additionally serves as a take a look at and simulator driver for McLaren’s Components 1 crew. On Monday, the British crew unveiled its new LMDh prototype for the 2027 season, the MCL-HY, following its shakedown in Italy.
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De Vries emphasised that his roles at Toyota and McLaren are “fully separate” and that he’s “very comfortable” at Toyota.
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“In any other case, I’m curious, as an outsider, to see how that undertaking develops,” he informed Motorsport.com Netherlands, referring to McLaren’s Hypercar programme.
“In fact, McLaren is a profitable racing crew and group. For the WEC, it’s incredible to have a model like McLaren on board. I’m curious to see how they’ll do.”
When requested whether or not McLaren had however held talks with him about the potential of becoming a member of that Hypercar undertaking, De Vries replied: “I’ll preserve that to myself.”
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De Vries mentioned he feels at residence at Toyota and believes he can proceed to construct his profession with the Japanese producer for years to come back.
“Undoubtedly,” he mentioned. “I’m very comfortable throughout the crew. I’m very comfortable throughout the organisation. I’m actually having fun with myself. I really feel like we’ve gotten off to begin this 12 months. Toyota is, after all, one of the vital profitable groups of the previous 10 years on this championship. So sure, I’m very proud of the place I’m.”
De Vries eindigde op Imola op de derde plaats.
De Vries eindigde op Imola op de derde plaats.
Waiting for Spa
Finally month’s season opener in Imola, de completed on the rostrum in third place alongside his Toyota team-mates and , whereas the sister #8 TR010 pushed by , and received the race.
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However this weekend’s Belgian spherical presents a totally totally different problem, with Spa-Francorchamps that includes sooner corners and longer straights. De Vries, nevertheless, doesn’t wish to enterprise too many predictions simply but, since testing has solely taken place at Imola, and in his view, that can be a “fully totally different” circuit.
“In fact, we hope we’ve improved on a few of our previous shortcomings. We’re trying ahead to seeing how this weekend performs out for us and the way aggressive we may be,” he mentioned. “However when it comes to expectations, I can’t say a lot, to be sincere.
“We haven’t been right here for a 12 months, and Imola is a totally totally different observe. Throughout testing, you don’t actually get the possibility to measure your self towards the competitors. So for us, it’s additionally partly uncharted territory.”
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When requested in regards to the automotive’s shortcomings, de Vries emphasises that they primarily contain minor refinements in comparison with final 12 months’s GR010 Hybrid.
“Identical to each F1 crew, now we have sure areas the place now we have room for enchancment in comparison with the competitors. However these are small particulars you’re employed on; they aren’t elementary modifications,” mentioned the 31-year-old Dutchman.
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