Buemi back in Bahrain ‘Homeland’
Sébastien Buemi is looking forward to racing again at the upcoming Bapco 8 Hours of Bahrain as he hunts down a potential third FIA WEC title.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver has an enviable record at the Middle Eastern venue having won on two occasions (2013 and 2017).
In 2013, he took victory in the Japanese manufacturer’s first full WEC season as he partnered with Stéphane Sarrazin and Anthony Davidson.
The last race in the Kingdom took place in November 2017 and Buemi was again victorious. He took the silverware with Davidson again, as well as Kazuki Nakajima as the trio raced to vice-champion status in the final classification.
Bahrain also holds a special place in Buemi’s heart as he previously lived there, joining his uncle and extended family for a time.
“It is an interesting track that definitely has some unique challenges,” explained Buemi.
“Obviously there is the racing into darkness which I always find quite cool, but the track really tests the brakes which is a great challenge. It is also a place I know intimately because I lived here for a bit so I have some very good and strong memories of this country.”
So far, Season 8 has seen Buemi score victory at the 6 Hours of Fuji to build a solid platform to add a potential third WEC title after his triumphs of 2014 and 2018-19.
“As you know, the regulations have changed a bit so we have a different challenge at times. We just have to adapt and make sure that we find ways to use all our expertise,” said the 31-year-old.
“Endurance racing is never easy, there are so many variables and different aspects to what we do. This is why we love it so much and why we always embrace the challenge of it.”
The Bapco 8 Hours of Bahrain takes place at the Bahrain international Circuit from 12-14 December.
