TOYOTA GAZOO Racing returns to its home circuit, Fuji Speedway, for the penultimate round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) on 28 September.

The 6 Hours of Fuji marks round seven of eight this season and offers the Japanese manufacturer the chance to secure its first podium of a challenging campaign in front of its loyal home crowd, partners, and Toyota colleagues.

Since WEC’s return to Fuji in 2012, the team has recorded nine wins and 15 podiums from 11 races, underlining its strong track record at the iconic venue. Last year, the #8 crew started from the front row and led much of the race before a late penalty denied them a podium finish.

This weekend, TOYOTA faces a highly competitive 18-car Hypercar field representing eight manufacturers. Despite a tough outing in Austin two weeks ago, the team remains determined to deliver a strong performance on home soil.

Team Line-ups

• Car #7 (GR010 HYBRID): Mike Conway returns after injury to rejoin Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries.

• Car #8 (GR010 HYBRID): Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa aim to deliver a memorable home result.

Fuji Speedway, located around 100km west of Tokyo, is deeply connected to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. It sits near the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center, where the team’s high-performance hybrid powertrain is designed and built. Hundreds of Toyota employees are expected trackside, adding to the passionate Japanese crowd.

The 4.563km track presents unique challenges: a 1.475km straight demanding high top speed and braking stability, followed by a technical final sector requiring precision grip and traction. Preparations included simulator sessions in Cologne, Germany, ahead of on-track running beginning Friday.

• Qualifying: Saturday, 3pm local time (8am CEST)

• Race Start: Sunday, 11am local time (4am CEST)

Driver Quotes

• Kobayashi (Team Principal, #7): “This is our most important race after Le Mans. We want to perform at our maximum for our Japanese fans.”

• Conway (#7): “Missing Austin was frustrating, but I’m ready to return. Fuji is always special for us.”

• de Vries (#7): “We want to make our home crowd proud and will give everything.”

• Buemi (#8): “We know how to win at Fuji, but conditions can be tricky. Preparation will be key.”

• Hartley (#8): “This race is special, not only for competition but also for the culture and fans.”

• Hirakawa (#8): “Fuji is my home track, and we want to give fans a result to celebrate.”