Toyota #7 crew inches closer to WEC title

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Toyota's Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez clinched a dominant win in the 6 Hours of Bahrain on Saturday, inching the trio closer to the FIA WEC title with one race to go.

The #7 Toyota crew beat to the checkered flag its #8 GR010 sister car steered by Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley after a straightforward and smooth race at Sakhir.

The 1-2 finish also delivered the teams' world title to Toyota Gazoo racing, the first in the WEC's Hypercar era.

The 2021 World Endurance Championship will conclude on November 12 with a second round of racing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.