Toyota scores dominant 1-2 at Sebring

Toyota Gazoo Racing kicked off its 2023 campaign in the WEC with a dominant 1-2 triumph in the 1000 Miles of Sebring.

The Japanese squad took control of proceedings after Ferrari's bid to uphold the fantastic pole position performance in qualifying of its 499P faded in the first hour.

The #7 GR010 Hybrid steered by Mike Conway, Jose Maria Lopez and Kamui Kobayashi led the charge and took the win, finishing 2.1s ahead of the #8 sister car of Brendon Hartley, Sebastien Buemi and Ryo Hirakawa.

"Thanks to Toyota Gazoo Racing in Japan," commented Kobayashi after the eight-hour race. "This was very tough yesterday, but we were strong today — finished 1-2,race.

"Today is just the start. There are big races coming. We need to work and improve, but I am excited by this. It’s so challenging."

All was not lost for the AF Corse Ferrari squad on its WEC Hyper car debut, with its #50 entry shared by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen completing the podium at Sebring after a worthy performance.

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.