Behold the fierce TOYOTA TR010 HYBRID as it prepares to compete at Imola 2026, celebrating the 100th hybrid event by the TOYOTA RACING team.
TOYOTA RACING is celebrating a historic milestone in hybrid technology as a new era of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) begins with the 2026 season opener in Italy on 19 April 2026 GMT+7.
The TOYOTA RACING brand and the newly upgraded TR010 HYBRID race car will compete for the first time at the 6 Hours of Imola, marking TOYOTA's 100th WEC race using hybrid power.
Since returning to WEC in 2012, TOYOTA has competed exclusively with hybrid technology, winning 13 world championships and 49 races, including five victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The 6 Hours of Imola represents TOYOTA's 100th WEC race powered by hybrid technology, underscoring the team's century-long accumulated experience and marking the start of a new chapter in endurance racing history.
Since 2012, TOYOTA has competed solely with hybrid technology, achieving numerous championships. This 100th race serves as a fitting debut for the upgraded TOYOTA RACING brand and the TR010 HYBRID.
The upgraded TR010 HYBRID reflects the technical evolution of TOYOTA and TOYOTA RACING GmbH through prototype racing built on engineering, reliability, and teamwork. Its sleek design aligns with TOYOTA's latest road car design language, leading to aerodynamic improvements that allow drivers to maximize performance in all conditions.
To complement its aggressive new design, the car's livery features the organization's distinctive red color contrasted with white, symbolizing the spirit of representing Japan. The white elements draw inspiration from Japanese 'wind' concepts, symbolizing the commitment to create a new breeze in WEC. Additionally, a special Imola logo celebrates the milestone of 100 hybrid races in WEC.
At the heart of the TR010 HYBRID is a hybrid powertrain developed at TOYOTA's Higashi-Fuji Technical Center. It features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine running on 100% renewable racing fuel, delivering over 700 horsepower. Partners DENSO and AISIN contribute advanced hybrid motor and inverter technology at the front axle, while RAYS supplies lightweight magnesium alloy wheels.
ExxonMobil provides high-performance engine lubricants, and new partner AKEBONO supplies brake calipers.
The TR010 HYBRID will race on more sustainable tires after Michelin introduced tires made from 50% recycled and renewable materials. The 2026 tires are designed to reach optimal operating temperatures faster than before, without compromising durability.
Although the team, car, and tires have evolved, the skilled driver lineup from 2025 remains. Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries will compete together for their third season in the #7 TR010 HYBRID.
Meanwhile, Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa will drive the #8 car for their fifth consecutive year.
The revitalized TOYOTA RACING team will face seven other Hypercar manufacturers this season, competing across eight races totaling 72 hours over four continents, including the team's yearly highlights: the Le Mans 24 Hours and 6 Hours of Fuji.
Originally, the season was set to begin in Qatar in March, but regional events caused a postponement. The season now starts with a one-day Prologue test on Tuesday, 14 April at Imola. The 4.909 km Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari has hosted two WEC races, with car #7 winning in 2024.
After the Prologue, teams have two days for car maintenance and setup adjustments before two 90-minute free practice sessions on Friday, 17 April. The starting grid will be decided in qualifying and the Hyperpole session on Saturday at 15:10 CEST, with the six-hour race commencing at 13:00 CEST on Sunday, 19 April 2026 GMT+7.