Toyota Leads Final Le Mans Test Despite Fierce Ferrari Challenge

Toyota ended the official Le Mans Test Day on Sunday with its #8 GR010 Hybrid setting the pace, clocking a best lap time of 3:26.246. Brendon Hartley was behind the wheel as the Japanese manufacturer notched the fastest time of the day.

However, team principals were quick to downplay the result, stressing that the team’s preparations are still ongoing ahead of the 24-hour race scheduled for next week.

Technical director David Floury said the team’s main focus was plainly on staying in the fight through race week, not just on topping the charts in practice. Both the #8 and #7 Toyotas finished the test intact after six hours of running that were repeatedly interrupted by safety cars and red flags.

Floury confirmed that, while setting a quick lap is positive, it’s not truly reflective of what will matter next Sunday, when the real contest begins.

The test also saw the competition tighten, partly due to recent changes in Balance of Performance regulations and track improvements. Last year’s fastest test time was beaten, and the field at Le Mans appears more compressed now, with smaller gaps between the leading Hypercars.

All teams were running with more power than in previous years, and resurfacing work between Arnage and the Porsche Curves has made the circuit smoother and quicker. In addition, support races like the Ligier Cup earlier in the day helped clean the track, making conditions favorable for stronger performances.

Even with Toyota’s strong lap, Floury acknowledged that Ferrari looks especially competitive after the first real comparison of pace. According to Floury, Ferrari leads the pack based on internal analysis, with Cadillac, Porsche, Alpine, BMW, and Toyota very close behind.

The team expects a tough battle at the front and is aware that unpredictable weather could make preparation more complicated in the days leading up to the race.

Toyota admitted that not all planned test items were completed due to session interruptions, a situation that many teams faced with red-flag stoppages and lengthy safety car periods reducing actual track time. As teams analyze data from Sunday’s session, resources are now directed towards getting every possible edge before qualifying and the race.

With only a few days remaining, preparation for the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours will be intense for both drivers and engineers.

The upcoming week promises plenty of on-track work and strategic planning, as weather forecasts suggest the possibility of wet sessions during practice and qualifying. The Japanese squad is determined to address remaining gaps in their race plan and approach the classic endurance event fully ready.

Expectations are high for a close fight at the front of the Hypercar field when the 24-hour race begins, with Toyota, Ferrari, and several other manufacturers all showing encouraging form in the season’s biggest test so far.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.