WEC Team Principal & Drivers’ Comments
Kamui Kobayashi
“In motorsport, things are constantly evolving and it’s the same with driver line-ups. On car #7, Mike, José and me drove together since 2017, which is a really long time in any category. We enjoyed some amazing moments together, but also some tough times, particularly at Le Mans. I would like to thank José for his massive contribution, as a driver and a team-mate. He will always be a part of our TOYOTA GAZOO Racing family. At the same time, it is exciting to welcome Nyck back to the team as part of the #7 crew. We know from his time as our Test and Reserve Driver, plus his other racing, how quick and consistent he is. Next season again we have a top driver line-up in both cars, and this will be important when we face even more competitors in Hypercar. I am sure we will grow stronger together as a team over the winter, ready for the new challenge.”
Mike Conway
“I am looking forward to the new season, which should be even more intense and exciting. There are mixed emotions to be honest, because I have enjoyed six seasons working with José and we had lots of good times together, lots of wins. We became more than team-mates; we became true friends and that’s something I cherish. But I am happy to welcome Nyck to the #7 car next season and looking forward to driving with him. He’s a top driver and a team player so I am sure we will work well together. I can’t wait to get started.”
Nyck de Vries
“I am super excited to be returning to endurance racing, especially with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Endurance racing is something that I have always enjoyed and it is a discipline with incredible momentum at the moment. I was with the team in a different role for a few years but never got the chance to race, so it is great that the time has now arrived, and I want to thank the team for their continuous support and faith in me. I am very much looking forward to sharing car #7 with both Mike and Kamui. They are both very talented drivers who achieved a lot, and I am sure we will make a great team.”
Sébastien Buemi
“I am extremely happy to come back to WEC again next season with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. We have been racing together since 2012, which is an incredibly long time for a driver to race with one team. It’s like a family to me and I feel privileged to be part of it. It’s great to again race alongside Ryo and Brendon. We won back-to-back championships together, plus a win and second place at Le Mans, so we have enjoyed some special moments. I hope we can continue to get stronger, and succeed, together. I can’t wait to go to Qatar and get the season started. Bring it on.”
Brendon Hartley
“It’s a great feeling to be continuing with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing going into what should be a really tough, exciting season in Hypercar. I am really proud to be part of this team, and to drive alongside Sébastien and Ryo in the #8 car. We have grown so much together as a driver crew over the past years and enjoyed some incredible moments. Of course, we will give our all to win a hat-trick of World Championships together as well as the big one, Le Mans. With the new competitors coming to WEC next season, the task is harder than ever but we’ll give it our all.”
Ryo Hirakawa
“I am excited to continue the challenge with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in WEC in 2023, and I’m delighted to continue with Sébastien and Brendon in the #8 car. This will be my third season in the team, and my third driving alongside them in the #8, and so far it has been a very special experience. We won the drivers’ championship two years in a row, and won Le Mans in 2022, and I am sure there is more to come. Next season will be even more challenging than ever but I am really looking forward to fighting to defend our title and aim for victory at Le Mans.”
