Together with Mike Conway, Lopez and Kobayashi clinched their second consecutive WEC title in 2021, adding a long-awaited first Le Mans 24 Hours victory in the first season for the new GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar.
Following the season, Toyota revealed that Kobayashi will combine his duties driving the #7 car with the team principal role, replacing Hisatake Murata.
PLUS: Why Le Mans didn’t decide Toyota’s WEC title outcome in 2021
Toyota Gazoo Racing technical director Pascal Vasselon and team director Rob Leupen will report to Kobayashi, who will also be supported by Kazuki Nakajima – the three-time Le Mans winner having retired from driving and stepped into the newly-created role of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe vice-chairman.
Speaking to Autosport, Lopez said he viewed the changes as “a plus” for Toyota ahead of Peugeot’s expected arrival into the WEC this year.
“I think it’s a positive thing, bringing a driver with a big experience, probably a different view, maybe different…
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