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.”

Ford has made history by setting a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest Parade of Vans as part of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the iconic Transit.

A total of 201 Ford Transit vans, from classic petrol-powered models to the latest E-Transit and Transit Custom PHEV, took part in the record-breaking convoy. The event united Transit owners, small business operators, dealers, media, and enthusiasts in a remarkable display of community and passion for one of the world’s most versatile vans.

The convoy began at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, covering a 29-mile (46 km) route before arriving at the first-ever Transit Festival at Chelmsford City Racecourse. More than 2,500 fans joined the festival, which included workshops on productivity for small businesses, tackling tool theft, and growing businesses through social media.

Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director of Ford of Britain and Ireland, said:

“This record-setting achievement is a testament to the passion Transit inspires and to the versatility of the world’s best-selling cargo van. Our Transit convoy demonstrated the huge variety of services made possible by Ford Pro and Ford’s industry-defining van across six decades.”

The Guinness World Records certificate was officially presented at the event by adjudicator Carl Saville. Each participant also received a digital certificate recognizing their contribution as record-setters.

Peter Lee, Chairman of the Transit Van Club, emphasized the emotional significance of the event:

“Transit has touched millions of lives in its 60 years supporting businesses and communities, and every one of those people is a part of this iconic van’s story. To be involved in this record-setting experience feels extra special.”

Since its debut in 1965, more than 13 million Ford Transits have been produced globally, with either the Transit or Transit Custom being the UK’s best-selling van for 59 consecutive years. The new Guinness World Record is a fitting tribute to the van’s enduring legacy and bright future as it transitions into the electric era.

On September 14, 2025, at the ATP test track in Papenburg, Germany, the Chinese electric hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X) reached an astonishing 496.22 km/h (≈ 308.4 mph). This achievement makes it the fastest production car in the world, officially dethroning the legendary Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (490.48 km/h in 2019).

Cutting-Edge Technology That Breaks Limits

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme impresses not only with its speed but also with its engineering breakthroughs:

• 1,200-volt electrical system – far beyond the 400–800V architecture found in most EVs.

• Blade Battery (LFP) – BYD’s proprietary technology, known for durability and high discharge performance.

• Four electric motors with a combined output of over 3,000 horsepower (≈ 3,019 PS).

• Advanced aerodynamics – large front splitter, dual intakes, massive rear wing, and a double-layer diffuser for stability near 500 km/h.

• Specialized tires – GitiSport e·Gtr2 Pro, developed to withstand extreme loads at record-breaking speeds.

Dimensions & Limited Production

The U9X measures almost 5 meters in length, 2.03 meters wide, and 1.35 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, ensuring stability on the track.
Only 30 units will ever be produced worldwide, turning it into a collector’s masterpiece.

Double Victory: Nürburgring Lap Record

Besides the top speed record, the U9 Xtreme also set an impressive lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife — 6:59.157 minutes — becoming the first production EV to break the 7-minute barrier.

U9 Xtreme vs Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+