Toyota #8 does it again - seals WEC title in Bahrain

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Toyota’s trio of Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa claimed their second consecutive World Endurance Drivers’ Championship in Bahrain on Saturday.

The #8 Toyota’s crews capped another banner year for the Japanese manufacturer which had already sealed the WEC Hypercar class title at Fuji last September.

In the 8 Hours of Bahrain, Buemi, Hartley and Hirakawa – who had to overcome in the race a critical clutch issue on their mount – triumphed over the sister car of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José Maria Lopez.

The #7 Toyota claimed four wins this season against two victories for the #8 crew, but the latter’s consistency proved crucial in sealing the title.

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.