New Zealand drivers Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber have secured the World Endurance Championship crown.
Brendon Hartley, left, Timo Bernhard and Earl Bamber celebrate. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hartley, who last month made his Formula One debut with the Toro Rosso team, and Bamber wrapped up the title after finishing second alongside Porsche team-mate German Timo Bernhard at this year's penultimate race in Shanghai on Monday (NZ time).
The result also secured a third consecutive manufacturers title for the German manufacturer.
It is Hartley's second world championship in the category, adding to 2015, while it will be Bamber's first.
Toyota won the race with Japan's Kazuki Nakajima, Britain's Anthony Davidson and Swiss racer Sebastien Buemi.
The trio of Hartley, Bamber and Bernhard have been dominant in 2017, winning four of the eight events, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The drivers of the No 2 Porsche also finished on the podium in three other races, giving them an unassailable lead heading into the final round in Bahrain later this month.
Hartley is set to complete the Formula One season with Toro Rosso after making his debut at last month's US Grand Prix.
He also looks likely to be confirmed for 2018 with French rookie Pierre Gasly.
- Reuters, RNZ
