Toyota struggles with pace, qualifying 15th and 16th at Monza WEC
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 7, 2026, 6:40 PM
Last updated Nov 7, 2026
Toyota's Ryo Hirakawa expressed concerns about the team's performance following a disappointing qualifying session for the World Endurance Championship's race at Monza on November 8. The two TR010 Hybrids qualified 15th and 16th, significantly behind their rivals, only ahead of a single BMW entry. Persistent rain hampered effective practice sessions in the days leading up to qualifying, leaving the team to guess on set-up adjustments. Despite previous successes in the season, Toyota's slow pace in both wet and dry conditions has made them uncertain of their strategy for the race, and they must improve performance quickly. Hirakawa highlighted that any strategic advantage would be nullified without a faster car.
- •Toyota qualified 15th and 16th for the Monza WEC race.
- •Persistent rain led to limited practice with slick tires.
- •Hirakawa noted the team struggles with both pace and strategy.
- •Toyota leads the drivers' standings by 17 points heading into the race.
- •The final round of the season will take place on November 8.
- 6:40 PMYahoo Sports — Toyota fears “big gap” to rivals in Monza WEC after worst qualifying of 2026
- 6:40 PMMotorsport.com — Toyota fears “big gap” to rivals in Monza WEC after worst qualifying of 2026
"Ryo Hirakawa is unsure whether even bold strategic calls will be enough to propel Toyota towards the front in the World Endurance Championship's Monza finale after a difficult qualifying session. Hirakawa admitted the Japanese manufacturer was simply “too slow” after the two TR010 Hybrids ended up 15th and 16th on the grid for Sunday’s race, only ahead of the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 of Dries ...Keep reading
"Toyota is expecting to face a “big gap” to its rivals in Sunday's final round as it braces for what could be its toughest race of the season
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 7, 2026, 6:40 PMToyota fears “big gap” to rivals in Monza WEC after worst qualifying of 2026
Toyota is expecting to face a “big gap” to its rivals in Sunday's final round as it braces for what could be its toughest race of the season
- Motorsport.comNov 7, 2026, 6:40 PMToyota fears “big gap” to rivals in Monza WEC after worst qualifying of 2026
Ryo Hirakawa is unsure whether even bold strategic calls will be enough to propel Toyota towards the front in the World Endurance Championship's Monza finale after a difficult qualifying session. Hirakawa admitted the Japanese manufacturer was simply “too slow” after the two TR010 Hybrids ended up 15th and 16th on the grid for Sunday’s race, only ahead of the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 of Dries ...Keep reading
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