24 Hours of Le Mans – Sébastien Buemi:  "...looking to add to Toyota's legend"
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24 Hours of Le Mans – Sébastien Buemi: "...looking to add to Toyota's legend"

As the 24 Hours of Le Mans approaches, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is gearing up to compete in the Hypercar class. Sébastien Buemi is seeking a historic fourth win in a row.

The Toyota GR010 is taking on its first 24 Hours of Le Mans. Are you starting with a clean slate with this new prototype?

I can't say we're starting with a blank slate, some elements remain the same like the steering wheel and pedals. But, it is still a new car that doesn't have much to do with the past. The evolution is enormous, much moreso than between the TS040 and TS050. The regulations are completely different. We have tried to our best with everything we've learned since Toyota's return in 2012.

How is the GR010 different to drive than the TS050?

Energy saving is no longer essential in performance, that is the fundamental difference. It is more old school, less about management. The hybrid energy is used a bit differently and the acceleration is more linear. In terms of pure driving, the car is heavier and rougher, you can really lay into the brakes. In fast turns, it has almost more downforce than the Le Mans aerodynamic version TS050. The drivers have been pleasantly surprised, much more than we'd have thought. I can't wait to hit the track for the Hyperpole!

What do you think of the buzz surrounding recent announcements relative to the Hypercar class?

It's fantastic to see the championship gain more steam. I even think the class will be more competitive than LMP1. I'm thrilled to be a part of this time in racing history, with Porsche, Audi, Peugeot and the others, it is going to be outstanding.

After three wins at the 24 Hours, the Toyota team's status has changed. Are you still as hungry for victory as always?

It's always the same, we want to win. The difference is we've proved we can win. After you've done it once, everything changes. Now we have plenty of experience, but we still don't consider anything in the bag. That is what has changed between the 2016 Toyota team and 2021.

You have three wins at the 24 Hours to your credit as you go into your 10th participation with the same team with which you first started. What do you think of Toyota's and your longevity over the last decade?

I'm proud to have clinched Toyota's first win. But, I have plenty of time to think of things like that in a few years. Right now I'm focused on winning and looking to add to Toyota's legend at Le Mans. Our team spirit supercedes everything else.

Three consecutive victories is a real tour de force few have accomplished. Do you realize you are in the same company as Henri Pescarolo, Jacky Ickx and other great Le Mans legends?

It all goes by so fast, I can't believe I'm about to take on my 10th 24 Hours and that's I've won three times in a row. I still think about 2016 a lot, even after winning thereafter. It was such a terrible loss to get over.

Is reliability going to be more important than ever at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

I believe so. You have to be fast, but I really think reliability will be key in determining the outcome of the race. We're coming with an entirely new car, without having had the easiest of schedules. The prototype has run for just about year, so there's a big question mark.  

What did you think of yesterday's Test Day, and in particular the performance of the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus?

Glickenhaus could be out in front, there's no reason it can't. Test Day proved it's going to be close, including with Alpine. We'll see who goes the distance.  

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