Race and classic pictures

Toyota’s new livery: Stealthy and ready to steal the WEC

Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled this week a brand-new livery for its GR010 Hybrid Hypercar that will compete in the 2024 World Endurance Championship.

The striking new matte black look, which looks set to give Darth Vader a run for his money, incorporates the white and red GR logo emblazoned on the rear quarter.

Since the debut of the TS050 Hybrid LMP1 in 2016, Toyota has consistently competed with its distinctive white, red, and black livery.

Over seven seasons, the team achieved remarkable success, securing five manufacturers’ titles in the WEC and five consecutive drivers’ titles in the endurance series from 2019 to 2023, not to mention five consecutive wins in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

With the resurgence of competition in the Hypercar class, Toyota is conveying a clear message to its Ferrari, Porsche, and Peugeot rivals.

The revamped livery is grounded in two core concepts: "Speed" and "Prototype." "Speed" reflects the team's unwavering 'hate to lose' mentality, while "Prototype" underscores Toyota's ongoing commitment to advancing its motorsport program.

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.