Following the earlier front hybrid issue for the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid that put the car a lap down, Jose Maria Lopez was able to get back on the lead lap after passing Brendon Hartley in the race-leading #8 car with around five hours left on the clock at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Kamui Kobayashi continued Lopez's charge when he took over at the wheel of the #7, posting a new fastest lap of the race on Lap 294, but Ryo Hirakawa was able to keep the advantage for the #8 crew hovering at around the three-minute mark.
