Toyota Prepares for Milestone 100th FIA WEC Race in Home Country
This weekend marks the 100th race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), set against the backdrop of Toyota’s home turf. As the sole OEM to have participated in the top class since the series’ inception, Toyota continues to play a pivotal role in the WEC.
Sebastien Buemi: A Record Holder’s Perspective
Sebastien Buemi, 36, leads the WEC with 91 race starts—an all-time record for the championship, all with Toyota. His insights into the evolution of the WEC highlight a personal journey from his early days in Formula 1 to becoming a prominent figure in sportscar racing.
Reflecting on the early days, Buemi stated, “The start of the World Championship was extremely important. Initially, it didn’t seem promising when Peugeot withdrew, but Toyota’s entry changed everything.” He has since amassed 26 victories and four titles, cementing his status as a standout competitor.
Moments of Triumph and Challenges
Buemi recalls key memories, particularly his debut race with Toyota at Le Mans in 2012. “The car was breaking down every ten minutes… but I saw a bit of light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, underscoring the challenging beginnings of the program before its eventual success.
Despite periods with less competition following Audi and Porsche’s exit from LMP1, Buemi assures the intensity of the competition remains high. “Fighting with our sister car was as challenging as racing other manufacturers,” he noted.
A Professional Landscape Transformation
The WEC has matured over the years, with enhanced professionalism and stricter regulations influencing race dynamics. Buemi commented, “The level of risk we were taking was crazy. We had to adapt, and we gradually built our commitment.”
Now, with two races left in the 2025 season and no titles up for grabs, Toyota’s focus shifts to securing a victory—an elusive goal for nearly a year. “What better place to turn it around than here, on home turf?” Buemi remarked ahead of the milestone event.
As the 100th WEC race approaches, Toyota aims to reaffirm its dominance in a rapidly evolving motorsport landscape.
