By Steve Laser
Toyota Racing’s TR010 Hybrid took the checkered flag at the running of the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend. Car #7, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, completed 381 laps of the Circuit de la Sarthe, in the third round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The team finished the race 10.913 seconds ahead of second-place BMW M Hybrid #20. Toyota Racing also achieved third place, with TR010 Hybrid #8, piloted by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, 20.417 seconds off the lead.
While the first place trophy was Toyota’s sixth win at Le Mans, Toyota Racing says this year’s race was one of the closest and most unpredictable. The TR010 Hybrids started with modest grid positions, used an aggressive early strategy to refuel earlier than their rivals, and took advantage of a clear track to gain time.
With both cars in contention for the top six, Toyota Racing says that setbacks interrupted their progress. For example, TR010 #7 suffered an early puncture, resulting in a tight midfield battle. Yet with six hours remaining in the race, #7 regained a spot in the top three.
“It was very challenging for us, but we never gave up.” said Kobayashi. “Car #7 has had a lot of second places at Le Mans but finally we got our second win. We have waited so long for this victory and it feels amazing. The whole week was not easy, including the race which was not smooth. We had a puncture early and that made it tough for us. But Mike, Nyck, our engineers and our pit crew did a great job. It was an incredible day. Thank you to everyone who made it happen, including all the fans who make this such a special event.”
Le Mans activities this year began on June 7, with a test day that allowed competitors to drive on the circuit ahead of race week. Free practice and qualifying was scheduled for June 10, with 15 spots available for Hyperpole. The pole position and grid places were determined in two Hyperpole sessions on June 11. The 24-hour race started on June 13 at 4:00 pm.
The TR010 Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, with an output of more than 700 PS, and runs on 100 percent renewable racing fuel. Toyota Racing says that team partners Denso and Aisin contribute advanced technology to the hybrid motor and inverter on the front axle, while lightweight alloy wheels are products of Rays, and Akebono supplies brake calipers.
Toyota has competed exclusively with hybrid technology since returning to WEC in 2012, winning 12 world titles and 50 races, including six Le Mans 24 hours.
News sources and photos courtesy of Toyota Racing, Toyota Motor Europe, and Toyota UK
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