Toyota Tops FP2 After Spin - Discover Hidden USA

Kamui Kobayashi drove the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid to the fastest time in the second practice session for the Le Mans 24 Hours on Wednesday night. According to session data, Kobayashi posted a best time of 3m26.096s at the Circuit de la Sarthe, edging out the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P by more than two-tenths of a second.

How did Toyota secure the top spot in FP2?

Toyota’s #7 car spent the majority of the session in the garage after teammate Nyck de Vries spun at the Dunlop chicane. Kobayashi returned to the track during the final segment of the session to challenge for the lead.

In the final five minutes, Kobayashi first clocked a 3m26.329s to displace the #83 Ferrari. He then secured the top position with a final flyer that shaved another two-tenths of a second off his time just before the chequered flag.

Did You Know? The #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P, which finished second in this practice session, failed to progress into Hyperpole earlier in the evening.

Which drivers and teams faced technical setbacks?

The first night session was marked by early chaos, with limited green-flag running during the first 30 minutes. Nyck de Vries’ spin at the Dunlop chicane left debris on the track, prompting race control to trigger a full-course yellow (FCY).

Other disruptions included a stoppage by the #44 Proton Oreca and problems for the #22 United Autosports LMP2, which led to double yellow flags. Later, Dries Vanthoor caused another stoppage after spinning the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 at the Esses.

Mechanical issues also affected the top contenders. The #101 WTR Cadillac, which finished third, suffered an engine shutdown as Filipe Albuquerque rolled into the pitlane. Additionally, Louis Deletraz of the #12 Jota-run Cadillac slowed down late in the session due to technical problems.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the volatility of this session—characterized by multiple FCYs and late-session surges—highlights how critical late-lap precision is at Le Mans. Toyota’s ability to find speed in the final seconds suggests a strong handle on night-time tire performance and track evolution.

What were the top results for LMP2 and LMGT3?

In the LMP2 class, Louis Rousset led the field in the #29 Forestier by Panis Oreca 07. His best time of 3m33.645s put him over a second ahead of Laurin Heinrich in the #4 CrowdStrike by APR Oreca.

Onboard Lap Kamui Kobayashi Toyota GR010 – Hybrid I 2024 TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa I FIA WEC

The LMGT3 category was topped by Darren Leung in the #32 WRT BMW M4 GT3. Leung set a best time of 3m55.132s, finishing more than three-tenths of a second ahead of Rui Andrade in the #61 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG GT3.

What happens next for the top teams?

Teams may now focus on addressing the mechanical instabilities seen during FP2. Cadillac and BMW could prioritize engine and handling reliability following the shutdown and spin incidents reported during the session.

Toyota’s late-session pace suggests they may attempt to maintain this momentum into the race. Meanwhile, Ferrari could look to translate their consistent top-three practice presence into a more stable qualifying or race strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who set the fastest lap in the second practice session?
Kamui Kobayashi in the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid set the fastest time with a 3m26.096s.

What caused the first full-course yellow of the session?
The first FCY was triggered after Nyck de Vries spun at the Dunlop chicane, leaving debris on the track.

Who led the LMGT3 class during FP2?
Darren Leung led the LMGT3 class in the #32 WRT BMW M4 GT3 with a time of 3m55.132s.

Do you think Toyota’s late-session speed is a sign of dominance for the upcoming race?