Masson: Toyota Ties Made Tough Lexus Season Worth It

Esteban Masson says a chance to forge closer ties with Toyota made a difficult rookie season in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Akkodis ASP worthwhile, after being handed the chance to sample the title-winning GR010 Hybrid.

Masson was part of the crew of the No. 87 Lexus RC F GT3 alongside Takeshi Kimura and Jose Maria Lopez, who scored a single top-10 finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans amid a difficult campaign in the WEC’s LMGT3 class.

However, he was rewarded with the opportunity to join Toyota’s Hypercar squad for the post-season rookie test in Bahrain last month, completing 62 laps behind the wheel of the No. 7 GR010 Hybrid in what was his first taste of top-class machinery.

The 20-year-old Canada-born French driver said he was “grateful” for the call-up and that he was pleased to have his performances recognized by Toyota despite the lack of headline results.

“It’s amazing to have the opportunity such an amazing car, the championship-winning car, just one year after my first endurance race,” said Masson.

“I knew it was a possibility because I drove the Lexus for Akkodis ASP with the support of Toyota. I think they were happy with my season, and everything came together.”

Asked by Sportscar365 if he considered that the chance made his tough season worth it, Masson replied: “Of course, 100 percent. To be part of the biggest constructor is just an honor for me.

“I am really happy with the work I did this year and they were as well, so that’s why I had the opportunity to drive this car [the GR010 Hybrid]. Hopefully there will be more opportunities next year.”

Masson raced in single-seaters until the end of last year, winning the 2023 Eurocup-3 title, before taking on a twin campaign this year across the WEC and the European Le Mans Series, where he drove a Kessel Racing Ferrari 296 GT3.

He was then given the chance to sample an LMP2 car for the first time in the ELMS rookie test at Portimao with Cool Racing.

Describing his first taste of driving the GR010, Masson said that he didn’t find the transition overly challenging owing to his recent single-seater experience.

“The prototype is a bit closer to what I was used to driving before this year, so I would say the feeling came back to what I had before in F4 and F3, lighter cars with more downforce and no ABS,” he explained.

“The feeling in the car is quite similar to a GT car, just better in every sense. You have a bit more power, a bit more downforce, but the feeling is similar because it’s still quite a heavy car.

“Mainly the braking [is more challenging], because you have carbon brakes and no ABS – a bit like a GTE, but much faster.”

Masson’s plans for 2025 remain unconfirmed, although his upgrade to a Gold ranking means his WEC outings are likely to be limited to two substitute appearances for the recently-confirmed Ben Barnicoat in one of Akkodis ASP’s two Lexuses.

He has also been linked to Japan’s Super Formula Lights series, having been spotted in the Super Formula paddock during last month’s Suzuka season finale.

However, with no clashes between Super Formula Lights and ELMS, the way is clear for him to contest a season of LMP2 on top of his other expected commitments.

“The aim for me is obviously to become a professional driver, so going to LMP2 is one step closer to this,” said Masson. “As soon as possible I want to drive the Hypercar, and the LMP2 is a nice step in this direction.

“I am open to many options; I want to race as much as possible because that’s what I love doing.

“If I am able to do LMP2, it would be a good step towards becoming a professional driver, so I hope it’s possible to have a program there and get used to prototype racing.

“This year I was used a lot to being the slowest car and being passed a lot, so it would be nice to get used to being the fastest one and passing everyone.”