Report: De Vries Set to Take Race Seat at Toyota for 2023 WEC Season
According to sources, 28-year-old Dutch driver Nyck de Vries is expected to secure the race seat originally assigned to him for the 2023 season of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Toyota. This news comes after his exit from the AlphaTauri Formula 1 team.
De Vries, who served as the reserve driver for Toyota in 2022, had already committed to driving the #7 Toyota GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar in the upcoming WEC season. However, he had a clause in his contract that allowed him to pursue an F1 seat if the opportunity arose.
It is highly likely that De Vries will replace Jose Maria Lopez as part of the Toyota lineup alongside seasoned driver Kamui Kobayashi. This move marks a significant step forward in De Vries’ racing career, as he transitions from the world of Formula 1 to endurance racing.
Having competed in Formula 2 and Formula E before his stint with AlphaTauri, De Vries has demonstrated his skill and versatility as a driver. His achievements include winning the Formula 2 championship in 2019 and securing the Formula E World Championship title in 2021.
The shift to the WEC represents a new challenge for De Vries, as he adapts to the demands of endurance racing and competes against other top-class drivers. Toyota’s strong track record in the WEC, along with their cutting-edge hybrid technology, makes them an ideal team for De Vries to showcase his talent and potentially achieve further success.
Although De Vries had initially set his sights on an F1 career, he recognizes the opportunities and potential within the world of endurance racing. With the chance to compete in iconic races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, De Vries can cement his position as one of the top drivers in the international motorsport scene.
As the WEC season approaches, fans and motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await the official announcement from Toyota regarding their 2023 driver lineup. If De Vries indeed secures the race seat as expected, it will undoubtedly be an exciting development in the world of endurance racing and another milestone in the young Dutch driver’s career.