Everything You Need to Know About Toyota’s New WEC Hypercar

Toyota Gazoo Racing completes first track running of its 2026 GR010 Hybrid at Paul Ricard, one week after a teaser, targeting a competitive reset in the World Endurance Championship.

After multiple title seasons, Toyota endures a winless 2025 and no podiums. The latest evolution aims to restore Le Mans-winning pace and improve consistency across varying circuits.

Driver continuity underpins the programme. Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries front #7, while Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa remain in #8.

A brief shakedown precedes two dry days. Wednesday uses a Manufacturer Collective Test allocation, enabling direct comparison between the 2025 car and the new 2026 specification.

Thursday limits running to the 2026 GR010 alone, isolating variables and streamlining correlation work between track telemetry, simulation models, and wind tunnel data.

Camouflage disguises details, yet revised aerodynamics stand out. Road-car and concept styling influences emerge, most notably in the headlight graphics and surfacing integration.

A sleeker front end targets reduced drag and higher terminal speed. Reworked sidepods and rear wing complement the package, developed to the harshest BoP assumptions on weight and power.

Objectives extend beyond peak speed. The team prioritises efficiency, platform stability, and drivability to widen the operating window and reduce setup sensitivity.

Vice president Kazuki Nakajima highlights a Le Mans top-speed shortfall. He also points to aerodynamic balance and usability as parallel focus areas for sustained performance gains.

Toyota deploys at least one Evo Joker, indicating homologated changes beyond bodywork. Powertrain integration and control electronics receive subtle, cumulative refinements.

Development cadence shifts after moving wind tunnel homologation from Switzerland to North Carolina. Disappointing Le Mans outcomes accelerate scope and urgency.

Post-Paul Ricard, analysis continues. The car runs in Cologne’s tunnel on October 1, returning October 28. Further tests follow on December 10 and 12, exclusively targeting the 2026 package.

One December day permits two cars; the other is a team-specific session, reflecting a focused, correlation-led approach.

An additional run is expected early 2026 before the Lusail Prologue on March 22–23. The competitive debut arrives March 28 at Qatar’s 1812 km season opener.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.