Toyota hybrid giving Audi run for the money
The driver line-up of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima in the #7 TS030 HYBRID made full use of a reliable and fast car to challenge at the front throughout an exciting race.
Alex, fastest in the morning warm-up, took the rolling start from third position but immediately fought his way into second when the TOYOTA HYBRID System – Racing delivered a decisive power boost as the green flag waved.
Just 21 minutes into the race he went one better, taking the lead with a bold move in traffic. He handed over to Kazuki with the TS030 HYBRID firmly in the fight for victory.
Kazuki delivered a strong stint, interrupted by a safety car period around the two-hour mark.
The battle at the front with the #1 Audi grew in intensity and, as the halfway point approached, Kazuki was briefly overtaken before instantly retaking the advantage one corner later.
Nico took over soon after and kept up the fight, setting the fastest lap of the race on lap 139 before handing over the #7 TS030 HYBRID to Alex for a final stint of just under two hours.
Alex put in a series of fast laps to build a cushion over the third place car, allowing him to make a final short pit stop for fuel and rejoin in second with less than 30 minutes remaining.
No further trouble meant he crossed the line 55.675secs behind the leader to take a deserved first podium finish – and WEC points – for the team.
TOYOTA Racing’s next action comes at Interlagos in Brazil for the WEC Six Hours of Sao Paulo on 15 September when Alex and Nicolas will be driving.