Toyota Gazoo Racing Clinches Victory in Bahrain; Prepares for 2026 Overhaul
Toyota Gazoo Racing secured a decisive victory at the 8 Hours of Bahrain, signaling the end of its GR010-Hybrid era ahead of a significant redesign for the 2026 season. This win was critical for the team, which had faced challenges throughout the current season, achieving its first podium finish with this performance.
The GR010-Hybrid, now the oldest car in the Hypercar category, had struggled against increasingly competitive rivals, ultimately failing to capture the Manufacturers’ World Championship for the first time since 2017. The team’s strong showing in Bahrain restored confidence, with Toyota targeting greater consistency in future performances.
Technical Developments for 2026
David Floury, Technical Director at Toyota Gazoo Racing, revealed extensive changes are planned for the 2026 model, including a revamped aerodynamic package aimed at improving lap times and driveability. Floury stated, “There are many changes in the styling, the car’s identity, with a new aero package that we hope will improve the car.” The development has been underpinned by collaboration with Toyota’s styling department to align the race car more closely with the brand’s consumer offerings.
Initial on-track testing of the 2026 model has already commenced. The team conducted a back-to-back comparison of the 2025 and the 2026 packages at Circuit Paul Ricard, using the current tyre specifications from Michelin. “We had a reasonably good session,” Floury noted, highlighting that stable conditions allowed for extensive learning despite limited testing days.
Future Regulations and Performance Balancing
Among the pivotal discussions in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) paddock is the potential implementation of a Success Handicap system for the Hypercar class, similar to those used in LMGT3 categories. “Clearly, we’ve seen what we have this year with BoP is not working,” Floury observed, underscoring the need for improved balance in the diverse field of vehicles.
This year, Hypercar manufacturers leaned towards retaining some form of Balance of Performance while expressing an overarching desire for a new methodology for the 2026 season. The FIA and ACO plan to finalize details of the performance balancing process before the official pre-season test at Lusail International Circuit, leading up to the 2026 season’s opening Qatar 1812 km race.
Conclusion
With the success in Bahrain and the anticipation of a restructured car for the 2026 season, Toyota Gazoo Racing looks to reclaim its dominant position in the Hypercar category, striving for both performance and consistency in the upcoming year.
