The Interlagos circuit has witnessed significant milestones in the team’s WEC history, from its maiden victory in 2012, to securing the manufacturers’ World Champions for the first time two years later. Last year’s successful title challenge was strengthened by a dominant performance there, with pole position and victory.
A return to the podium is the priority after last month’s Le Mans 24 Hours, which saw Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries classified fifth. After appearing in a unique livery inspired by the TS020 which raced at Le Mans in 1998, their #7 GR010 HYBRID will return to its regular matt black design.
Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa had led Le Mans but ended up 15th in their #8 GR010 HYBRID. In that race, Sébastien – who already holds the record for most WEC wins – set another record by becoming the most experienced driver in the series’ history with his 90th start, but he will miss São Paulo due to Formula E commitments, leaving Brendon and Ryo to race together in Brazil.
After two pole positions, two wins and three podium finishes in its four visits to date, the 6 Hours of São Paulo offers the team an opportunity to return to the front of a highly competitive Hypercar field, which features 18 cars from eight manufacturers.
The anti-clockwise 4.309km circuit, officially named the Autodromo José Carlos Pace after the São Paulo-born former Le Mans and Formula 1 driver, is the spiritual home of Brazilian motorsports and has held four WEC races since the series returned in 2012.
Track action begins with Friday’s two 90-minute free practice sessions before a final one-hour on Saturday morning. The starting order will be determined by qualifying and Hyperpole, which begin for Hypercars at 3.25pm (8.25pm CEST) on Saturday, while the race itself starts at 11.30am (4.30pm CEST) on Sunday 13 July.
