FIA WEC 2025: 8 Hours of Bahrain Report
Bahrain, November 2025 – The 8 Hours of Bahrain concluded with a decisive victory for the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, showcasing their dominance in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The #8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, secured first place after a strategically executed race, finishing with a time of 8 hours 02 minutes 13 seconds.
Race Results:
- Toyota #8: Buemi/Hartley/Hirakawa – 8h 02m 13s
- Porsche #5: Hartley/Jani – +1 lap
- Ferrari #50: Molina/Pier Guidi/Calado – +2 laps
The race took place under floodlights at the Bahrain International Circuit, with temperatures cooling sharply as night descended. The event marked a pivotal moment in the season, with only two races left before the championship concludes.
Technical Insights:
Toyota’s strong performance can be attributed to their strategic tire management and efficient pit stops. The team opted for a balanced setup that prioritized consistency over outright speed, allowing them to maintain a quick pace while minimizing tire degradation.
Notably, Ferrari’s #50 car struggled with reliability issues, impacting their podium finish. Team principal Antonio Coastal stated, “We need to regroup and analyze our data to prevent this from happening in the finale.”
Key Quotes:
- Sébastien Buemi: “This win is crucial for us as we aim for the championship. The car was perfect, and the team executed flawlessly.”
- Brendon Hartley: “Being consistent was key. We knew we had to avoid mistakes in the night conditions.”
As the championship heads into its concluding rounds, the focus shifts to the next race, where competitors will seek to challenge Toyota’s supremacy. The teams are expected to analyze strategies intensively as they prepare for the diverse demands of the upcoming circuits.
