Track action begins for TOYOTA RACING in Spain

TOYOTA RACING made an encouraging start to the penultimate round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season during the opening practice sessions for the 6 Hours of Barcelona.

After winning at Fuji Speedway in the last race, TOYOTA RACING leads the manufacturers’ and drivers’ World Championships, with the possibility of securing both titles this weekend. To do so, it must overcome a closely-matched Hypercar field on a track hosting its first WEC race.

The TR010 HYBRID recorded its first laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in two 90-minute sessions and a busy day ended with both cars in the top 10. Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries were fifth fastest in the #7, while Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa – who lead the drivers’ standings – were eighth in the #8.

 “It was a clean and positive day,” commented Kiwi driver Brendon Hartley (Driver, car #8). “Some teams have tested here but we haven’t, so we had a bit of catching up to do. I think we’re all up to speed now. We’re a bit behind a couple of our competitors, but we’ve learned a lot about the tyres, so I think there’s everything to play for on Sunday.”

The WEC’s only previous visit to Barcelona was the pre-season Prologue test in 2019, while the team tested on the track in 2021. Engineers and drivers therefore worked intensively during Friday’s two sessions to analyse the behaviour of the Michelin tyres and adjust set-ups for the 4.657km circuit, which features a slightly different layout compared to the team’s previous visits.

Work got underway late on a warm, dry morning with a productive first session without interruptions. Sébastien’s lap put the #8 TR010 HYBRID in sixth place at the end, while Nyck’s best time earned 11th for the #7.

Engineers used the three-and-a-half hours before second practice to analyse tyre data and optimise set-ups. Another trouble-free session brought more experience with the tyres and progress on car balance. Nyck’s lap earned fifth place for the #7 and Ryō recorded the best time in the #8 for eighth.

The team has a final opportunity to fine-tune the performance of its TR010 HYBRIDs in third practice, which takes place for Hypercars on Saturday lunchtime. Hypercar qualifying takes place at 3.40pm CEST on Saturday, while the 6 Hours of Barcelona begins at midday on Sunday.