Ex-Formula 1 driver Nyck de Vries will compete for Toyota in 2024, taking the place of Jose Maria Lopez – The rest of the driver line-up in the GR010 Hybrid remains unchanged
Toyota has announced the driver line-up for the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC): As already suspected a few months ago, Nyck de Vries will take a regular seat in the Toyota GR010 Hybrid. The former Formula 1 driver will replace Jose Maria Lopez, who will drive a Lexus RC F GT3 from Akkodis ASP in the LMGT3 class in the 2024 season
De Vries will co-drive the 7 car with both Mike and Kamui. They are both very talented drivers who have achieved a lot and I am sure we will be a great team. “
De Vries is “a top driver and team player “
“We have had some great moments together, but also some difficult times, especially at Le Mans,” says Kamui Kobayashi as he bids farewell to his team-mate. “I would like to thank José for his great contribution, both as a driver and as a team-mate.”
At the same time, the Japanese driver is delighted with the signing of de Vries. “We know from his time as a test and reserve driver and from his other races how fast and consistent he is,” Kobayashi is convinced. “Next season, we will have a top driver line-up in both cars again, and that will be important when we face even more competitors in the hypercar class. “
“He’s a top driver and a team player,” Conway also believes. “I’m looking forward to driving with him and I’m sure we’ll work well together. I can hardly wait to get started. The new season should be even more intense and exciting. “
Toyota replacement driver Miyata in Formula 2
Miyata, who beat Red Bull Junior Liam Lawson in the Japanese Super Formula and also won the GT500 class of the Super GT, will be a reserve driver in the WEC. The Japanese driver will also compete in Formula 2 and the European Le Mans Series.
“Everyone has been very supportive of my desire to be active worldwide,” says Miyata gratefully. “With this in mind, I want to live up to everyone’s expectations, and this makes me feel once again that I want to continue with a great sense of gratitude.”
“It is a great opportunity for Miyata to gain experience in both formula and endurance racing and will also open up many opportunities for him depending on how hard he works,” says Kazuki Nakajima as Vice Chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe.
