Davidson clinches world championship in Bahrain

The duo finished 11th in the race after losing time due to a technical issue, but it was enough to claim the title as their main Audi rivals could only manage fourth place.

The victory marks Toyota’s first drivers’ World Championship crown since Didier Auriol won the World Rally Championship in 1994.

“It’s been an amazing year,” said Davidson. “For me personally this is the biggest achievement in my career by a long way so it is a big day.

“I have never been a world champion before so this means a lot and it still hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“The team did an amazing job and have given us the fastest car.”

It was a difficult race for Davidson, but he said:“It wasn’t exactly the way we wanted to win the title but I’m not complaining.

“Big thanks to the mechanics today for getting the car out on track again; not only the Number 8 guys but also the crew from Number 7 who helped out.

“This championship has been a real team effort and I’m so grateful to everyone who has made it happen.

“It’s a great day but there is still one more job to do in Brazil; win the manufacturers’ World Championship.”

Toyota Racing team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita added: “Congratulations to Anthony and Sébastien on becoming world champions.

“They deserve the title, which is not just for the drivers themselves, but recognises a fantastic effort by the whole team.

“This is a really big prize, particularly because this year was the start of a new era of fuel efficiency.”

The Championship concludes in Brazil November 30.