There was heartbreak in Austin, Texas last weekend for Mike Conway in the latest round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

With just eleven minutes of the Lone Star Le Mans race left to run, Conway and his Toyota Racing team mates were forced into retirement from the lead of the race.

Despite missing out on a better result, TOYOTA RACING nevertheless extended its lead in the manufacturers’ World Championship to nine points. The #7 crew remains tied on points at the top of the drivers’ standings with three races remaining.

From seventh and ninth on the grid, Nyck and Sébastien moved into the top six in the early laps before adopting different fuel strategies. The #8 made its first pit stop early to gain time on a clear track, and both ran in the top three in the first two hours.

A safety car at the midway point reset the strategies and reduced the gaps. After the restart, Nyck made three bold overtakes into turn one to battle into the lead. Kamui took over and held the lead under pressure from the two Alpines approaching the last hour.

A safety car automatically followed and, when the race resumed with 45 minutes to go, Nyck set new fastest laps to build a gap at the front. He was within touching distance of victory when a hydraulic issue affected his power steering and forced the #7 into the garage with just 11 minutes to go.

Sébastien recovered some points for the team with a determined final stint. He delivered an overtaking masterclass, passing multiple rivals to move back into the points and finish sixth.

Toyota Racing will aim to bounce back from the disappointment at its home race in three weeks. The 6 Hours of Fuji takes place on 27 September.

Speaking after the race, Conway said: “That was not the way we envisioned the end of the race. Everything was looking good until those last few minutes.

“We’re all gutted because everyone did a great job and I think we deserved the win. Luckily our competition for the World Championship didn’t score well either, so that’s the only small consolation.”