Toyota’s new GT4 flagship made its series debut at last year’s Hankook 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, marking the first 24H SERIES entry for the Japanese marque since the Hankook 12H IMOLA in 2017. Abu Dhabi meanwhile marks the first time that Toyota UK has entered an official entry for a 24H SERIES event. 

The entry will be spearheaded by the returning Speedworks Motorsport, the 24H SERIES’ SP3 Teams’ champion of 2015. Abu Dhabi also marks the British team’s first 24H SERIES start since the Hankook 24H COTA USA in 2017. 

Buoyed by the potential pace of its “potent” Supra GT4 Evo, as well as Speedworks’ previous form in the 24H SERIES (the British team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 finished all six rounds of 2015 on the SP3 class podium), Toyota Gazoo Racing UK is “eager to do battle for glory” at the Yas Marina Circuit on 20-21 January. 

“We’re eagerly anticipating the start of the season in Abu Dhabi,” explains Speedworks’ head of motorsport, Danny Buxton. “The team has been working diligently to prepare for this event, and we are confident in the capabilities of our drivers and the Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our commitment to excellence in GT racing.”

Speedworks has also confirmed that Michael O’Brien, Samuel Harrison and Kavi Jundi will make their 24H SERIES debuts in Abu Dhabi piloting the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Supra. Former McLaren Automotive development driver O’Brien won the GT Cup Championship in 2022, and has competed in the British GT Championship since 2018. Jundi has also most recently raced British GTs, aptly, in the GT4 category, while Harrison makes his sports car debut in Abu Dhabi following years competing in historics. 

“I’m delighted to be making my debut with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK and Speedworks Motorsport at the [Hankook] 6H ABU DHABI,” O’Brien explains. “The 24H SERIES has put together some fantastic events over the winter, and it looks set to be ultra-competitive. My team-mates might lack a little bit of experience, but they’ve performed really well during testing, which bodes well for a solid, consistent race. I personally can’t wait to get going and hit the ground running in Abu Dhabi!”
 
“I’m thrilled to be part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK team as I prepare to start my GT racing career,” Harrison continues. “Having Michael [O’Brien] as a team-mate, with his extensive experience, is incredibly inspiring, and I’m keen to learn and grow under his guidance. Additionally, having someone as seasoned as Danny Buxton in the garage is an invaluable asset, and I look forward to soaking up as much knowledge as possible. The level of support and expertise within the team is truly remarkable, and I’m confident this year will be a pivotal chapter on my journey.”
  
“I’m very excited to be working with Speedworks and taking part in the [Hankook] 6H ABU DHABI,” Jundi concludes. “It’s a great opportunity to get to know the team and of course gain valuable track time in the Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo. I’m also excited to be driving at Yas Marina Circuit. Hopefully we can dial into both the car and track very quickly and come away with a strong result.”