WEC - Interlagos

The Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo brings FIA World Endurance Championship racing to Brazil at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. This six-hour endurance race features two premier classes competing at Interlagos: Hypercar and LMGT3. The WEC event showcases manufacturers from around the globe as they test their cars and drivers on one of motorsports' most demanding circuits.

The Interlagos Circuit

Autódromo José Carlos Pace spans 4.309 kilometers and features 15 corners that challenge every aspect of car performance. The circuit runs anti-clockwise, which is uncommon in motorsports. Drivers navigate 10 left-hand turns and 5 right-hand corners while managing elevation changes that exceed 40 meters across the lap.

The main straight stretches 1.393 kilometers, providing opportunities for overtaking under braking. High altitude conditions at Interlagos demand more from drivers physically compared to sea-level circuits. The track opened in 1940 and received its current name in 1985 to honor Formula 1 driver José Carlos Pace. The circuit holds FIA Grade 1 status and can accommodate approximately 70,000 spectators.

Hypercar Class Competitors

Eight manufacturers compete in the Hypercar class at this WEC round. Ferrari AF Corse returns as defending Hypercar champions. Toyota Racing arrives with its evolved TR010 Hybrid, competing under a new team name for the season. Genesis Magma Racing enters its first full WEC campaign with drivers André Lotterer, Pipo Derani, Mathys Jaubert, Daniel Juncadella, Paul-Loup Chatin, and Mathieu Jaminet.

Additional Hypercar entries include Alpine Endurance Team, Aston Martin THOR Team, BMW Team WRT, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, and Peugeot. Nick Cassidy and Théo Pourchaire debut in Hypercar competition with Peugeot. Jack Aitken replaces Jenson Button at Jota Sport for this season.

LMGT3 Field

Nine manufacturers field LMGT3 entries at Interlagos. Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche each provide machinery for teams competing in the production-based sports car category. Manthey represents Porsche in LMGT3, while Proton Competition campaigns Ford Racing entries.

Technical Regulations for 2026

The WEC implements new technical rules for Hypercar competition. All newly approved cars must feature a mandatory Energy Recovery System (ERS). Aerodynamic regulations now limit rear wing flex to 2.5 millimeters under 100 Newton load. The series has harmonized wing mounting specifications and vertical supports while enforcing stricter front skid rigidity standards.

Officials have relaxed the framework for EVO jokers, which are performance developments teams can introduce during the season. A success handicap system may apply to both Hypercar and LMGT3 classes, except at Le Mans. The WEC Committee determines calculation methods, and officials can convert lap time handicaps into mass or power restrictions.

Tire Developments

Michelin introduces a new tire range for Hypercar and GTP categories. The manufacturer works toward incorporating 40 percent renewable and recycled materials by 2030, with a goal of reaching 100 percent by 2050. The new tire design features a unique construction optimized for endurance racing demands.

Circuit History

Interlagos opened on May 12, 1940, drawing inspiration from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Roosevelt Raceway, Brooklands, and Montlhéry. The circuit hosted its first Formula 1 race in 1973. The WEC previously visited Interlagos from 2012 to 2014 before returning in 2024.

The track underwent major modifications in 1990, shortening from 7.873 kilometers to 4.325 kilometers. Officials extended the pit lane in 1979 to improve safety and logistics. Further pit lane entrance modifications occurred in 2007 and 2014. New pit facilities and grandstands were added during 2014 and 2015.

What Makes This Race Special

The name Interlagos translates to "between lakes" in Portuguese, referencing the circuit's location between two large artificial lakes. Weather conditions at Interlagos change rapidly, with rain frequently affecting strategy and race outcomes. The combination of elevation changes, high-speed sections, and technical corners creates varied challenges for teams.

The anti-clockwise direction places unique stresses on drivers and cars compared to typical circuits. Drivers must adapt their techniques for predominantly right-to-left cornering forces. The circuit's layout rewards cars with strong mechanical grip and efficient aerodynamics across different speed ranges.

This WEC round in São Paulo offers manufacturers and teams a critical proving ground. The six-hour format tests reliability, tire management, and strategic planning. Hypercar and LMGT3 competitors face distinct challenges as they race simultaneously on the same track, adding complexity to traffic management and race craft.