Hartley delivers sixth consecutive Le Mans pole to Toyota

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Ex-F1 driver and 2017 Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley delivered to the Toyota team its sixth consecutive pole in the Sarthe.

Thursday evening's Hyperpole session at Le Mans pitted the Kiwi against his Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Kamui Kobayashi in a thrilling duel from which the Japanese charger hoped to emerge with a record-breaking fifth pole position at Le Mans.

But a flawless final effort by Hartley handed the number 1 spot to the #8 sister car that the former Toro Rosso driver shares with Sebastien Buemi and Rio Hirakawa.

"Kamui is Mr Qualifying around here," said Hartley after all was said and done. "He does some amazing stuff and he wanted that fifth pole position.

"The car felt amazing, so thanks to my teammates for letting me have all the fun. I think I was a bit emotional; it’s high emotion to do pole position at Le Mans."

Toyota's two Hypercar contenders will lead the 62-car field on Saturday at the start of the 90th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

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.