Toyota’s Brendon Hartley, who took pole for the Japanese manufacturer on Friday for the FIA World Endurance Championship season finale, the 8 Hours of Bahrain, revealed they weren’t happy with the car and changed parts for Saturday.
‘Actually we had a pretty tough day yesterday,’ Hartley told assembled media at the post-qualifying press conference.
‘We weren’t happy with the car, we changed a few parts overnight and we’re much happier today. Big thanks to the mechanics and engineers because it feels great.
Speaking about qualifying itself, Hartley said it all fell into place in Hyperpole.
‘Q1 was okay, I don’t think I got the tyres hot enough for the lap, so it was a bit untidy. I made a mistake in the last sector. So I knew there was some time in it.
‘I adjusted the prep for Hyperpole and I feel like I really got the tyres into the window and the lap came together.
‘It felt great and it feels nice to be sitting on pole for the last round. It’s been a tough year for us, so we’re really hoping we can finish strong and take a victory into the winter break — well, summer for me, I’m going home to New Zealand,’ the Kiwi said, smiling.
Porsche ‘looking quick on the long runs’
However, qualifying is only one part of the weekend, and Toyota know they face a battle in the race.
‘But we’ve got a big challenge tomorrow,’ Hartley continued.
‘Looking at the long runs, the Porsche is looking very quick. So I wouldn’t say this pole position gives us ultimate confidence going into the race.
‘They’ve actually looked the strongest during practice. But starting on pole is a big advantage, particularly with such a competitive field, making overtaking difficult.
‘So this was a high priority today, knowing that they had looked quicker on long runs.
‘I only mention Porsche just because it’s them we’re fighting for the manufacturer’s championship with. So it’s all to play for tomorrow but today feels good. I’m going to enjoy it for a few hours, and then focus on the race,’ he concluded.
