WEC - ROLEX 6 Hours of São Paulo

The ROLEX 6 Hours of São Paulo returns to the Autódromo José Carlos Pace at Interlagos for the 2026 season. This race represents the only South American round in the FIA World Endurance Championship calendar. The circuit at Interlagos has hosted the WEC since the championship's inaugural visit in 2012, establishing itself as a challenging venue for endurance racing.

Circuit Information

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace spans 4.309 kilometers and features 15 turns across its layout. The circuit runs counter-clockwise, which makes it unique among most permanent road courses. The track surface includes significant elevation changes and a hilly profile that tests both drivers and machinery.

Interlagos sits between two artificial lakes, Guarapiranga and Billings, which explains its name meaning "between lakes." The circuit opened in 1940 and received its current name in 1985 to honor Brazilian Formula 1 driver José Carlos Pace. The facility holds an FIA Grade 1 license and can accommodate 60,000 spectators.

Hypercars reach speeds around 305 km/h on the circuit. Drivers spend approximately 50% of each lap at full throttle and make about 38 gear shifts per lap. The pit lane at Interlagos extends to a notable length and underwent major renovations in 2014. Weather conditions at the circuit can change quickly, ranging from clear conditions to heavy rain.

Competition Categories

Hypercar Class

The premier Hypercar category showcases the fastest prototypes in endurance racing. Each manufacturer must enter at least two cars to qualify for manufacturer points. Eight manufacturers competed in the previous season with 18 Hypercars total. Expected participants include Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, Alpine, Cadillac, and BMW.

The 2026 season brings important regulation changes for Hypercars. All newly homologated vehicles must include an energy recovery system. This requirement phases out new non-hybrid prototypes, with the Aston Martin Valkyrie expected to be the final non-hybrid LMH car competing at the top level.

Aerodynamic regulations now limit rear wing flex to 2.5mm under a 100N load, down from the previous 5mm allowance. This change standardizes rules between LMH and LMDh cars. The homologation cycle for current Hypercars extends through the end of the 2029 season.

LMGT3 Class

The LMGT3 category replaced the previous LMGTE class and uses the FIA GT3 platform with specific adaptations for endurance racing. The 2026 grid includes 18 cars from nine manufacturers, with each brand fielding two entries. Confirmed manufacturers include Aston Martin through Heart of Racing, BMW with Team WRT, Ford via Proton Competition, and Ferrari with Vista AF Corse.

LMGT3 regulations mandate a minimum vehicle weight of 1280kg. Goodyear supplies all tires for this category. Each car must include at least one Bronze-rated driver in its crew of two or three drivers. Silver or Bronze-rated drivers must complete a minimum of 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving time during the six-hour race.

A success ballast system applies to LMGT3 cars at all WEC races except the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This system adjusts performance based on previous results to maintain competitive balance throughout the season.

Technical Specifications

The WEC uses Excellium Racing 100, a renewable fuel from TotalEnergies. This bioethanol-based fuel comes from wine residues and achieves at least 65% greenhouse gas emissions savings compared to fossil fuels. All competitors use this same fuel specification.

A success handicap system may apply to both Hypercar and LMGT3 cars, excluding Le Mans. This system converts lap time handicaps into adjustments in vehicle mass or power output. The approach helps maintain close competition across the season.

Performance upgrade rules, known as EVO Jokers, have been relaxed for 2026. Manufacturers can receive additional extensions if they demonstrate a significant performance deficit. Current Hypercars receive two additional Jokers for 2028 and 2029.

Race History at Interlagos

The FIA World Endurance Championship first visited Interlagos in 2012 for the inaugural 6 Hours of São Paulo. The race continued as a calendar fixture through 2014. Toyota Racing won the first edition in 2012, followed by Audi Sport Team Joest in 2013, and Porsche in 2014.

The event took a break from the calendar due to circuit renovations and scheduling factors. The WEC returned to Interlagos in the recent season with a contract extending through at least 2028. Every WEC race held at this circuit has been won by a car starting from the front row of the grid.

The circuit itself has served as the primary venue for the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix since 1973. This long history with international motorsport has established Interlagos as a favorite among drivers and teams.

Event Experience

The ROLEX 6 Hours of São Paulo takes place over three days. Free practice sessions occur on Friday, allowing teams to optimize their setups for the circuit conditions. Saturday features qualifying sessions for both LMGT3 and Hypercar categories, which determine the starting grid positions for Sunday's main race.

The six-hour endurance race runs on Sunday. Spectators with grandstand tickets can purchase additional access to the Pit Walk, offering close views of the teams and cars. Autograph sessions typically take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Interlagos represents the shortest track on the current WEC calendar. The compact layout and elevation changes create a demanding challenge for all competitors. The circuit's design favors cars with strong mechanical grip and responsive handling characteristics.

Notable Features

The trophy awarded to winners of the 6 Hours of São Paulo was designed by Brazilian artist Yutaka Toyota. This distinctive award reflects the race's connection to Brazilian culture and motorsport heritage.

Weather plays a significant role at Interlagos. Teams must plan strategies that account for potential rain at any point during the race. The unpredictable conditions often influence race outcomes and test team adaptability.

The circuit's counter-clockwise direction and bumpy surface make it physically demanding for drivers. The combination of hard braking zones, elevation changes, and technical corners requires sustained concentration throughout the six-hour duration. This combination of factors makes the ROLEX 6 Hours of São Paulo a true test of endurance racing skill for both drivers and teams competing in the WEC championship.