Fuji 6 Hours: Toyota targets a tenth WEC victory as title fight tightens
Fuji Speedway, dramatically positioned in the shadow of Japan’s highest peak, is ready to host its 12th FIA World Endurance Championship race. Toyota has won nine of the previous 11 editions, making the Japanese manufacturer the clear home favourite as it targets a tenth victory this year.
That ambition is sharpened by what happened at the Circuit of The Americas. Toyota’s #7 crew appeared set for a third win of the season, leading comfortably until a hydraulic issue forced the car into retirement with barely ten minutes remaining. The late failure denied Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries a result that could have reshaped the championship picture. A late hydraulic failure also cost Toyota victory in Austin, leaving the team with unfinished business heading into its home event.
Three-way manufacturers’ battle
Despite the disappointment, Kobayashi, Conway and Texas star de Vries remain tied at the top of the Drivers’ standings with BMW’s Robin Frijns and René Rast. The BMW crew also failed to score in the United States, preserving a tightly compressed fight at the head of the table.
The Manufacturers’ contest is equally finely balanced. Ferrari’s first success of its title-defending season has moved the Prancing Horse firmly into contention, setting up a three-way battle over the closing stages of the campaign. Fuji therefore arrives as more than Toyota’s home race: it is a crucial opportunity for each leading manufacturer to seize momentum.
Entry-list change
The only alteration to the entry list compared with COTA is the #12 Cadillac’s return to a two-driver line-up. The car claimed pole at Fuji last year, while Alex Lynn is expected to rejoin the crew for the final two rounds.
LMGT3 promises another close contest
The LMGT3 standings have also tightened. A difficult Austin race for TF Sport, combined with a strong result for VISTA AF Corse, has reduced the gap at the top of the classification.
Corvette and Ferrari finished first and second in Japan 12 months ago, pointing towards another closely fought contest at Fuji. The full 6 Hours of Fuji entry list and key timings provide the essential details ahead of the weekend.
All FIA WEC action is available live and on demand through FIAWEC+, the championship’s official streaming platform, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Watch wherever you are and whenever you want.
Written by Russell Atkins
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.