As Toyota GAZOO Racing approaches the milestone of 40 years at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, the team is stepping up to honor its legacy with a pair of striking livery designs on its two GR010 HYBRIDs. The vibrant designs pay homage to the brand's illustrious history while also embodying its current ambitions, creating a captivating connection for fans as they anticipate the 93rd running of the event on June 14-15, 2025.
The #7 GR010 HYBRID, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, will sport a stunning red and white livery, drawing inspiration from the iconic TS020, known as the GT-One, that raced during 1998 and 1999. This one-off design is intended not only to honor the past but also to kindle excitement among fans, reminding them of the rich legacy that defines endurance racing. "The TS020 captivated fans with its incredible aerodynamic curves," said a team spokesperson. Its legacy has been further immortalized through its prominent role in the first Gran Turismo video game, which introduced a new generation to the allure of Le Mans.
Enhancing the nostalgic feel, the #7 GR010 HYBRID features a striking red base covered with dynamic, jagged white accents that sprint from front to back, a tribute to the design finesse of the TS020. Meanwhile, the #8 GR010 HYBRID, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, will present a sleek matte black livery that embodies the team's present-day fighting spirit. "We are focused on the themes of "Speed" and a "Hate to Lose mentality," explained team officials. The livery also features the striking GR logo, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence in creating motorsports-bred vehicles.
As both variants of the GR010 HYBRIDs race simultaneously, they will don a new logo that marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota's debut at Le Mans, bridging the effort between past, present, and future. Acknowledging this celebratory landmark, the team has also planned initiatives to highlight ongoing hydrogen fuel development, showing a commitment to sustainability in motorsports. This forward-thinking approach links technological advancements with the potential for a carbon-neutral future, underlining racing's role in innovation.
Through four decades of participation, Toyota has crafted an unforgettable saga filled with joy, heartbreak, and drama at Le Mans. Since its first entry in 1985, the brand has seen a total of 61 vehicles participate across 26 editions of the 24-hour marathon, clinching five overall victories, 18 podium finishes, and eight pole positions. "It's been an incredible journey for us, and we are proud of our drivers and teams who have formed this rich history," stated a team representative reflecting on the milestones.
The journey began with the 85C model, which utilized a road car-derived engine, marking a significant entry into endurance racing. In 1992, Toyota celebrated its first podium, paving the way for greater aspirations. The mid-1990s saw the launch of the legendary Toyota Supra as new regulations reshaped the competition landscape. The late '90s witnessed Toyota's ambitions building up with the TS020, achieving its first pole position in 1999.
After a hiatus from 2000 until 2011, Toyota returned to Le Mans, ushering in a new era of hybrid performance with the TS050 HYBRID, which dominated with three consecutive victories beginning in 2018. The advent of the Hypercar era further continued this legacy, yielding two additional wins in 2021 and 2022, despite facing stiff competition in recent editions.
With grand ambitions for a sixth victory at La Sarthe, Toyota GAZOO Racing prepares to blend its rich history with a clear vision for the future. As the countdown continues to the iconic race, fans worldwide will eagerly anticipate the sight of these memorable liveries on the track, representing the relentless spirit that has defined Toyota's commitment to motorsport for 40 years.