Toyota clinches title in World Endurance Championship

Toyota entered the penultimate round of the WEC season as the favourite. The Japanese manufacturer held a 23-point lead over BMW and had the opportunity to clinch the world title in Barcelona, with only the season finale at Monza remaining.

The opening stages in Barcelona were chaotic. Polesitter Daniel Juncadella initially held the lead in his Genesis but went off on the opening lap, allowing Buemi to take the lead. Two safety car periods followed, while further rain showers made the track increasingly treacherous. Buemi also received a five-second time penalty for a starting procedure infringement.

Nyck De Vries, in the second Toyota, managed to close the gap to his teammate but could not find a way past the Swiss driver. During the second round of pit stops, Mike Conway took over from De Vries, while Brendon Hartley replaced Buemi. The leading Toyota’s penalty briefly promoted Conway to first place.

However, his time at the front was short-lived. Hartley overtook Conway and then extended his lead to more than 12 seconds. Meanwhile, the track gradually dried out, prompting teams to switch from wet-weather tyres to slicks. Toyota continued to set the pace in the drier conditions.

A neutralisation in the second half of the race brought the field closer together once again, but Toyota maintained control and secured a one-two finish. Buemi, Hartley and Hirakawa won the 6 Hours of Barcelona, ahead of De Vries, Conway and Kamui Kobayashi. The Ferrari of Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen and Antonio Fuoco completed the podium.

With victory for Buemi, Hartley and Hirakawa, combined with second place for De Vries, Kobayashi and Conway, Toyota has secured an unassailable lead in the manufacturers' championship.

The drivers' world championship, however, remains undecided. The drivers’ world championship, however, remains undecided. The WEC season concludes at Monza on 8 November, with Toyota also in a strong position to claim the drivers’ title.