Hirakawa 11 thousandths behind Giovinazzi
The first Hyperpole for the renewed Toyota TR010 Hybrid was decidedly positive. At Imola, car #8 with Ryo Hirakawa at the wheel placed on the front row, 11 thousandths behind Antonio Giovinazzi’s Ferrari 499P, which took pole position.
“To be honest, before qualifying I had some difficulties with the car and the tires – said the Japanese driver – I was still trying to improve my pace during qualifying, but in the end, Hyperpole went well. I received a lot of support from the team; we made some changes and I did an almost perfect lap. Qualifying on the front row is fantastic, now we just have to gain a position tomorrow”.
Third row for car #7 with Nyck De Vries who set the sixth fastest time in Hyperpole: “It was a pretty solid qualifying for us. Hyperpole was the first time I tried these tires this weekend, so it was a new experience. I believe we made the most of our potential by getting a good starting position for the race, I can’t wait to race”.
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Toyota‘s goal is clear: to celebrate the debut of the TR010 Hybrid and its 100th WEC race with a victory, repeating the success achieved at Imola in 2024.
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