Kiwi endurance driver Brendon Hartley returns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend (14–15 June), determined to add another chapter to his already impressive record at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe.
Hartley will share the #8 Toyota Gazoo Racing GR010 Hybrid with experienced teammates Sébastien Buemi and Ryo Hirakawa as the trio targets their second Le Mans win together following their 2022 triumph.
This year marks a significant milestone for both Hartley and the team as Toyota celebrates the 40th anniversary of its first appearance at Le Mans back in 1985.
Since then, the manufacturer has earned five overall victories, 18 podiums, and eight pole positions – firmly establishing itself as a dominant force in endurance racing’s most prestigious event.
Now, the #8 crew faces arguably their toughest challenge yet. The 93rd running of the Le Mans 24 Hours features a 21-strong Hypercar field representing eight manufacturers – the most competitive top class in a generation.
But Hartley and his teammates arrive with momentum, having scored in every FIA World Endurance Championship round so far this season. The race also carries double points, a crucial opportunity as Toyota currently sits second in the manufacturers’ standings.
In honour of the 40th anniversary, Toyota Gazoo Racing is fielding two cars with specially designed liveries that reflect its past and future. The #8 GR010 Hybrid of Hartley, Buemi and Hirakawa runs a striking matt black livery built around the GR logo and symbolises the team’s “Hate to lose” spirit and relentless drive for innovation.
By contrast, the #7 car, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries, carries a retro red and white design inspired by the TS020 that raced in 1998.
Behind the scenes, preparations have been intense. The team’s hybrid powertrains – featuring a front-axle 200kW motor and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 running on 100% renewable fuel – were shipped from Japan to the Cologne base in Germany, where TOYOTA GAZOO Racing staff gathered to mark the start of their Le Mans mission.
On-track activity began with the official test day and continues through practice and the dramatic Hyperpole shootout before the green flag drops at 3 am on Sunday NZT.
“It was very nice to be back in the GR010 HYBRID at Le Mans. I think we are feeling positive after a successful day with no major dramas. I had a good feeling about the car. I think Ryo and Seb did, too.” said Hartley after the official test day, finishing up 2nd in the first test session and 1st in the second session.
“Clearly, the competition is fierce, and on long runs, I wouldn’t say we look like the quickest car, but I feel like we are in the fight. We have some work to do next week. Hopefully, get some good sleep in the next nights, recharge and be ready for the big job to come.”
For Hartley, a three-time Le Mans winner and former World Endurance Champion, the race is more than just another start – it’s a chance to cement his legacy at La Sarthe, help Toyota chase a sixth Le Mans win, and move one step closer to reclaiming the WEC crown.
Fans at the event will also be able to explore Toyota’s historic journey through a dedicated fan zone in the Manufacturers Village, while the Hydrogen Village will provide a glimpse into the brand’s future commitment to carbon-neutral racing technology.
“We are all pumped up for Le Mans. It’s Toyota’s 40th anniversary year, and we’re ready. We have been working almost since the day after last year’s Le Mans, and we want to be fighting for victory; that’s the goal.” said Hartley
“We know there is a big task ahead of us, and we need to execute each step perfectly to be up there at the front. But I know the team has worked so hard for this, and we’ve already shown in the first three races how we can extract the maximum performance from our package, so we’re ready to go.”
To follow Brendon Hartley and the team throughout race week – including live onboard cameras and insights into Toyota’s Le Mans legacy – visit the official site: https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/special/2025/24h-lemans
Header Image: Toyota Gazoo Racing
