Kazuki Nakajima clinched pole position last night at the wheel of the #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid in 03:15:377: "I did a good lap yesterday. I'm happy because it's a good thing for the team. I hope luck won't turn on us between now and Sunday in light of 2014 and 2016 when we were so close to winning."

One of his teammates, Sébastien Buemi, wished to highlight Kazuki all-while remaining focused on the race itself: "I've had a good week so far. Kazuki clocked a great time last night, but that's only one part of our work. The biggest part still remains: the race. Sure, on paper it looks simple because we're the only manufacturer in LMP1, but Le Mans is never easy. That is why we kept doing laps yesterday despite the rain at the end of the session. We want to have as much info as possible given how long the race is."

The third driver sharing the car is Fernando Alonso, two-time Formula 1 world champion (2005 and 2006) and current McLaren driver: "I'm grateful to be here. It's different from F1, there's a team spirit when you have two teammates. I have a lot of confidence in them, I don't worry when I'm not at the wheel."

The Spanish driver is a rookie at Le Mans and doesn't hide how happy he is to be participating in the 24 Hours. "I'm thrilled to be here. It's a true privilege to be able to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans and with the best team. I know we'll be competitive tomorrow even though the race is long. Yes, Toyota is the only manufacturer in LMP1, but that doesn't mean anything. The marque has never won Le Mans, it's a tricky and difficult race. We've finished first or second in almost all the sessions, and we won the first round of the WEC at Spa-Francorchamps. We're optimistic but we know there's a long way to go!"

Fernando Alonso has fallen under spell of endurance racing, including the magic of night-time driving. "I had no problems driving last night. With the quality of the headlights, visibility is very good. This circuit is magnificent, I enjoy it a lot, especially the Porsche Curves which remind me of Suzuka (the circuit where the Japanese F1 Grand Prix is held, Ed.). The challenge is it's hard to do a clear lap without traffic."

The #7 Toyota TS050 Hybrid clocked the second fastest time yesterday thanks to Kamui Kobayashi: "I wasn't lucky last night because I didn't manage to beat the lap record. I was bothered with traffic and never really had a clear lap. Qualifying is one thing, the race is another. We're ready for tomorrow." His teammate José-Maria Lopez wanted to make sure he expressed how happy he is to be at the 24 Hours, a race he seems to appreciate a great deal: "Le Mans is an outstanding race with an incredible track. I've been waiting to come back for a year! Being here is really special!"

The last word went to Pascal Vasselon, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's technical director. "The nature of this race makes it extremely challenging. And we should know (smiles, Ed.). The 24 Hours of Le Mans is so hard!" 

Mike Conway (#7) and Sébastien Buemi (#8) will have the crucial task of taking the start, given by Rafael Nadal, tomorrow at 15:00.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing took the opportunity to unveil the GR Super Sport concept by way of announcing its vision for the hybrid hypercar of the future.

MAIN PHOTO (Copyright - Dominique Breugnot/TEAM DBC-PICT): Will Toyota make it to the top step on the overall podium this year? The answer Sunday at 15:00.