WEC - 6 Hours of Imola

The 6 Hours of Imola represents a major endurance sportscar race within the FIA World Endurance Championship. This event takes place at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. The circuit sits in the Emilia-Romagna region, southeast of Bologna. The 2026 edition features practice sessions, qualifying rounds including Hyperpole, and the main six-hour race that showcases both Hypercar and LMGT3 competition.

The Circuit

The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari measures 4.909 kilometres in length. The track runs anti-clockwise through 19 corners. Drivers face a technical challenge on this narrow, undulating layout. The circuit demands precision through corners like Tamburello, Acque Minerali, Tosa, and Rivazza. Blind apexes and limited run-off areas give the track a classic character. Hypercar prototypes reach speeds around 312 km/h, with drivers on full throttle for half of each lap. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 license.

Participants and Competition

Hypercar Class

The 2026 6 Hours of Imola features 17 Hypercar entries from leading manufacturers. Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Isotta Fraschini, Lamborghini, Peugeot, Porsche, and Toyota all compete in this premier class. Genesis Magma Racing debuts in the Hypercar category for the 2026 season. Ferrari returns to their home circuit as the reigning manufacturers' champions. Toyota celebrates its 100th WEC appearance with an updated GR010 HYBRID and pursues its 50th victory in the championship. Alpine fields new drivers António Félix da Costa and Victor Martins in their lineups for 2026.

LMGT3 Class

The LMGT3 category brings 18 entries to Imola. Porsche's #91 Manthey team enters as the defending champions. Production-based grand tourers from Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche compete in this class. Each LMGT3 crew includes two or three drivers, with at least one Bronze-ranked driver required per entry.

Technical Regulations

Hypercar Technical Details

The 2026 season introduces mandatory Energy Recovery Systems for all newly homologated Le Mans Hypercar vehicles. This rule ensures future LMH entries use hybrid technology, similar to LMDh prototypes. Aerodynamic rules limit rear wing flex to 2.5 mm under a 100 N load. A success handicap system converts lap time penalties into mass and power adjustments for most races. Hypercars operate at a maximum power output of 500 kW with a minimum weight of 1030 kg. The Balance of Performance system maintains competitive equality between different car designs. Michelin supplies tires exclusively for Hypercar competition.

LMGT3 Technical Details

LMGT3 cars are based on the FIA GT3 platform, adapted for endurance racing. These vehicles have a minimum weight of 1280 kg and reach speeds up to 300 km/h. Goodyear provides all tires for the LMGT3 class. A success ballast system applies to LMGT3 entries throughout the season. The noise limit for LMGT3 cars has been reduced for 2026.

Sustainable Racing

All WEC cars at Imola run on Excellium Racing 100 fuel. TotalEnergies produces this 100% renewable fuel from bioethanol derived from wine residues. This fuel delivers at least 65% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Circuit History

The Autodromo di Imola first opened in 1953. The circuit was renamed Autodromo Dino Ferrari in 1970 to honor Enzo Ferrari's son. The current name was adopted in 1988 following Enzo Ferrari's death. The circuit hosted its first car race in 1954 and a non-championship Formula 1 event in 1963. Imola became a regular Formula 1 venue, hosting the Italian Grand Prix in 1980 and the San Marino Grand Prix from 1981 through 2006.

Imola has strong ties to endurance racing. The circuit staged the 1000 km of Imola in 1974 as part of the World Sportscar Championship. The venue hosted European Le Mans Series rounds between 2013-2016 and again in 2022. The WEC first came to Imola in 2011 as part of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. The circuit returned to the WEC calendar in 2024, replacing Monza. A four-year contract extension ensures WEC events at Imola continue through 2028.

Location and Fan Experience

Imola is located in Italy's Motor Valley, an area famous for its motorsports heritage and passion. Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello sits nearby. The circuit is one of few anti-clockwise tracks on the WEC calendar. The event includes a fan zone with racing simulators, live shows, and family activities. The Imola Train project, created with Trenitalia Tper, promotes sustainable travel to the circuit. Special train services and priority access are available for spectators who arrive by rail. The Checco Costa Museum at the circuit hosts temporary exhibitions.

The 6 Hours of Imola brings together 35 cars from 14 major automotive manufacturers. The race combines technical challenge with close competition across both Hypercar and LMGT3 categories. The historic circuit provides a demanding test for teams and drivers alike. This event offers compelling endurance racing action over six hours of competition.