2017 Toyota TS050 First Win

Lore & Background

The emotional weight of this win cannot be overstated. For Fernando Alonso, it completed his 'triple crown' of motorsport; for Kazuki Nakajima, it was a homecoming victory that validated years of dedication; and for Sébastien Buemi, it cemented his status as an endurance master. The celebration in the pits was one of pure release, with tears flowing freely among the team members who had worked tirelessly to make this moment possible.

In Their Own Story

The rain had finally stopped, leaving the Mulsanne Straight glistening under the dawn sun of the final morning. Inside the #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Fernando Alonso gripped the steering wheel, feeling the familiar hum of the hybrid powertrain. He knew that behind him lay a team that had suffered through years of broken dreams. As he crossed the finish line, the roar of the crowd was deafening, but all he could hear was the silence of relief that followed decades of waiting.

Reader's Guide

The race began with intense battles for position as the sun rose over Sarthe. Early on, the Toyotas showed impressive pace, but the true test was yet to come. As night fell, the competition tightened, with Porsche and Audi pushing hard to close gaps. A critical turning point occurred when rival cars faced mechanical setbacks, allowing the #8 Toyota to extend its lead. The team executed flawless pit stops, keeping the car running smoothly through the grueling middle hours of the race. In the final stretch, fatigue set in for all crews. Yet, the #8 crew maintained their focus, navigating traffic and managing tire wear perfectly. As the checkered flag waved, the emotional release was palpable. The victory was not just a win; it was a redemption story written over seven decades of perseverance.

Did You Know?

• This was Fernando Alonso's first victory at Le Mans, completing his motorsport triple crown alongside Monaco GP and Indianapolis 500 wins.
• The #8 car completed exactly 360 laps to win the race.
• Toyota had entered Le Mans 42 times prior to this victory without securing a win.
• Kazuki Nakajima became the first Japanese driver to win Le Mans since his compatriot in the GT-One era.