The man who secured the first ever Le Mans 24 Hours ‘hyperpole’ in September 2020 also holds the record for the fastest outright lap in the circuit’s history: a pole-winning effort of 3’14″791 in 2017.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Kamui Kobayashi is without a doubt one of the drivers to have in a team’s arsenal when a seriously fast qualifying lap is needed. The 34-year-old’s four year old record is a piece of motorsport history that brings a smile to many fans’ faces. That’s why we’ve picked it as our throwback moment of the week.
The Japanese driver simply didn’t hold back as he powered the 745 kW Toyota LMP1 hybrid-powered TS050 car around the famous La Sarthe circuit. Arguably one of the toughest race tracks in the world, Kobayashi showed grit and determination driving at the limit to complete a frankly mesmerising lap.
The former F1 driver was well known for late braking antics, and he shows that same gung-ho driving style in the 2017 lap.
Watch the onboard footage from the famous lap below:
