Sun Sep 15 12:45:56 UTC 2024: ## Toyota Driver Kobayashi Takes Blame for Fuji 6 Hours Collision, Denting Title Hopes
**Fuji Speedway, Japan** – Toyota driver Kamui Kobayashi has accepted full responsibility for a collision with Porsche’s Matt Campbell during the Fuji 6 Hours, an incident that effectively ended Toyota’s hopes for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) drivers’ title.
The clash occurred late in the race, with Kobayashi attempting to reclaim a position from Campbell. The contact sent both cars spinning off the track, forcing both to retire.
“The penalty came to me, so obviously it was my fault,” Kobayashi admitted to Autosport. “I was too aggressive,” echoed Toyota technical director David Floury.
Campbell, however, had a different perspective, stating, “I was completely clear: that wasn’t a passing opportunity from that far back and he just hit me in the rear.”
The incident has significantly impacted Toyota’s title ambitions, with Kobayashi and teammate Nyck de Vries now trailing the leading Porsche crew by 37 points with only one race remaining.
Meanwhile, the collision also marked a stroke of luck for the Porsche Penske Motorsport #5 crew, who had already endured a difficult race. Teammate Frederic Makowiecki was hit by a Ferrari during the opening lap.
The Fuji 6 Hours saw Porsche inch closer to the WEC title, with the championship now hanging in the balance heading into the final race in Bahrain.
First Piper 