Toyota could not have hoped for better to prepare for the final round of the 2024 season. The two Japanese Hypercars will start from the front row on Saturday, during the 8H of Bahrain, with Brendon Hartley’s pole position in the No. 8 ahead the n°7 of Nyck de Vries. The Japanese firm – which has a slim chance of winning the Drivers’ standings with the No. 7 – is aiming for the Manufacturers’ title against Porsche, and is ideally placed on the grid to seek a new world crown.
For the New Zealand pole-sitter, who is no longer in the running for the Drivers’ title, a victory in Bahrain would be a great way to end a difficult season for the crew of the No. 8, champion in the 2023 season. Brendon Hartley believes, however, that the task will not be easy against the Porsches which he considers to be formidable in race pace over the long stints, especially since the No. 8 Toyota should, logically, help the sister car in the race. quest for the world title.
Brendon Hartley (Toyota n°8), poleman for the 8H of Bahrain : “A big thank you to the team. Ryo and Seb trusted me for the Hyperpole and it’s always nice to compete in it. This is the only tour you can do with little fuel and new tires. Thursday we had a pretty tough day, we weren’t happy with the car. We changed a few settings and I’m much happier today. Many thanks to the mechanics and engineers, because the car was very good. The first qualification went well. I don’t think I heated the tires enough for the lap and it was a bit disjointed. I made a mistake in the last sector, but I knew there was time left and I adjusted the tire preparation for the Hyperpole and I feel like I really put the tires in the good window, the trick went well. »
“It’s nice to be on pole for the last round. It’s been a tough year for us, so we’re really hoping to finish strong with a win. The first part of the work is done but we have a big challenge to face tomorrow. Watching the long runs, the Porsche seems incredibly fast. So I wouldn’t say that this pole position gives us absolute confidence for the race. It was the Porsche that seemed the strongest during Free Practice. But we know that pole position is a big advantage, especially with such a competitive and difficult field to overtake. It was therefore a priority, knowing that [Porsche] looked a little faster on the long runs. And if I mentioned Porsche, it’s only because they’re the manufacturer we’re fighting for the title with. Everything will be played out [samedi]. »
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