Toyota are back, that much is already clear. Last year was a historically poor year for the modern-day motorsport goliath, one that forced them to stare themselves down in the mirror and get to work.  

And get to work they did, by announcing a quasi-divorce with long time partner Gazoo Racing. Having run the WEC programme for Toyota since 2016, Gazoo Racing have been not only rebranded as GR but as part of a monumental restructuring of Toyota’s entire motorsport portfolio have been given freedom to focus on the development of high performance road cars and increased involvement with the Haas F1 team, For the first time since 2015, Toyota Racing will be named just that.

The announcement comes alongside the decision to not only redesign but also rename their existing Hypercar. The 2026 package shall now be known as the TR010, marking a true shift in identity that aligns with a notable redesign. It’s sleeker, looks far meaner and could well be exactly what Toyota need to get back in the driver’s seat of WEC. It does come at the cost of a joker, but it’s one that’s clearly been put to good use. Even if we’re talking pure aesthetics the new body is more angular, more intentional and I personally love it. It’s essentially a complete overhaul. The new rear wing is slanted and features bigger sideboards, the rear brake lights have been re-done to cast a red glow over the diffuser. And on the front the headlights have been thinned out and instead of the lumpy ones we got built into the wheel-arch, we have a far more aggressive slash across the front, with a thin beam allowing it to stretch across the front. The wheel arches themselves have been noticeably stepped, while the bonnet is more angular and optimised for airflow.

It looks utterly staggering, and that’s before we get to the livery.

Hands down, it’s the best thing I’ve seen in years. When we saw the TS010 throwback at Le Mans last year I loved it. It was such a beautiful yet jaw dropping way to pay homage to their original magnum opus. There was a sense of tragic irony then, that it was left to underperform after showing such promise. I only hope that the TR010 bucks the trend, because on livery alone it deserves to win. I adore it in every sense of the word, the clinical yet chaotic sweeps of arctic white across full red bodywork that still feels distinguished from Alfa Romeo or Ferrari’s iconic shades. The way those splashes dance across the bodywork as though they are depictions of the intended direction of airflow itself it just divine. I really do intend it as a compliment when I say this thing should be placed in a museum.  

And yes, I know I’m supposed to talk about the drivers as well, but with an identical lineup Toyota haven’t attempted to fix the one aspect of the project that wasn’t broken. And I don’t need to patronise them either, because what am I really supposed to say here? It’s the same six superstars as last year, Nyck De Vries has already become more than accustomed to life in prototype racing and I feel as though he is both the future of this lineup and is only going to get stronger as his Hypercar stint continues.

And to the doubters: This is Toyota, the only brand to have competed in WEC’s top class since the very beginning. They might not have been the standouts of LMP1’s peak, but they carried the championship on their own shoulders through the ultimate low of LMP1’s demise to the ultimate high of Hypercar’s hailing. They’ve won championships before and I have no doubt they will again, and I think this year will prove they have what it takes to fight Ferrari. My excitement is off the charts, and I can’t wait for the opening round at Lusail.

WEC Manufacturer’s Championship Prediction:

2^nd At no point have I said it will be easy to wrench the crown out from Ferrari, who currently hold their first top class title since 1972. Having gone over 50 years without it, they’ll be desperate not to loose it immediately. But Toyota have a new car, they have a new bite and they’ll take it right to the wire. Whatever happens, they will be the ones to watch. The ball is in Ferrari’s court. Maranello’s next play will be crucial.

image credit – Toyota