Toyota opened its 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign with a commanding victory in the race at Imola. The No. 8 crew of Brendon Hartley, Ryō Hirakawa and Sébastien Buemi combined precision and strategy to defeat Ferrari on home soil.
At first, Ferrari controlled the race. Antonio Giovinazzi converted pole into an early lead, while the sister car ensured a strong formation at the front. However, Toyota quickly shifted the narrative by extending tyre stints and limiting pit stop losses.
As the race developed, Toyota’s disciplined approach began to pay off. Consequently, Hirakawa maintained track position and gradually built an advantage that Ferrari could not overturn.
Turning point shifts momentum to Toyota
The decisive moment arrived during the third hour. Ferrari opted for tyre changes, yet Toyota stayed out longer and protected track position. Shortly afterwards, a virtual safety car allowed Toyota to switch tyres at minimal cost.
As a result, Toyota seized control. Ferrari attempted an undercut, but a slight delay in the pit lane proved costly. Meanwhile, the No. 7 Toyota disrupted Ferrari’s strategy further by briefly moving ahead through an alternative tyre approach. Therefore, Toyota entered the final phase with a firm grip on the race.
Final stages confirm Toyota dominance
In the closing stages, Buemi controlled the pace and managed the gap expertly. Although Ferrari pushed hard, the expected rain never arrived to change the outcome.
Ultimately, Toyota secured victory by 13.352 seconds, marking its 50th WEC win and a milestone 100th race. Ferrari finished second, while the No. 7 Toyota completed the podium.
2026 FIA WEC: 6 Hours of Imola: Race: Hypercar Results (Provisional)
- Toyota Gazoo Racing #8 – 213 laps – 6:00:10.939
- Ferrari AF Corse #51 – 213 laps – +13.352
- Toyota Gazoo Racing #7 – 213 laps – +41.187
- Alpine Endurance Team #35 – 213 laps – +59.385
- BMW M Team WRT #20 – 213 laps – +1:00.543
- Ferrari AF Corse #50 – 213 laps – +1:00.901
- BMW M Team WRT #15 – 213 laps – +1:01.506
- Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA #38 – 213 laps – +1:01.995
- Aston Martin THOR Team #007 – 212 laps – +1 lap
- AF Corse #83 – 212 laps – +1 lap
- Alpine Endurance Team #36 – 212 laps – +1 lap
- Peugeot TotalEnergies #94 – 212 laps – +1 lap
- Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA #12 – 212 laps – +1 lap
- Aston Martin THOR Team #009 – 212 laps – +1 lap
- Genesis Magma Racing #17 – 211 laps – +2 laps
- Peugeot TotalEnergies #93 – 210 laps – +3 laps
- Genesis Magma Racing #19 – 189 laps – +24 laps
LMGT3 delivers late-race drama
While Hypercar centred on strategy, LMGT3 delivered a dramatic conclusion. Garage 59 initially led with confidence after starting from pole and controlling much of the race.
However, the final hour changed everything. The leading McLaren suddenly lost power on the main straight, forcing it out of contention. Consequently, Team WRT BMW capitalised instantly.
Dan Harper moved into the lead and then faced intense pressure from the TF Sport Corvette. Despite relentless attacks, the Corvette fell just 0.265 seconds short at the finish.
Consistency rewards WRT BMW
The No. 69 BMW crew of Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson and Dan Harper executed a composed and consistent race. Earlier, McIntosh had already demonstrated strong pace by climbing through the field.
Moreover, the team managed tyre wear effectively and remained within striking distance throughout. Therefore, when the opportunity arose, they converted it into victory.
Behind them, TF Sport secured second, while Manthey Porsche completed the podium after a determined recovery drive.
2026 FIA WEC: 6 Hours of Imola: Race: LMGT3 Results (Provisional)
- Team WRT #69 – 194 laps – 6:01:51.257
- TF Sport #33 – 194 laps – +0.265
- The Bend Manthey #92 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Manthey DK Engineering #91 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Team WRT #32 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Vista AF Corse #21 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Garage 59 #58 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Proton Competition #88 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Heart of Racing Team #23 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Proton Competition #77 – 193 laps – +1 lap
- Vista AF Corse #54 – 192 laps – +2 laps
- Iron Lynx #79 – 192 laps – +2 laps
- Garage 59 #10 – 179 laps – +15 laps
- Akkodis ASP Team #78 – 171 laps – +23 laps
- Iron Lynx #61 – 166 laps – +28 laps
- Racing Team Turkey by TF #34 – 162 laps – +32 laps
- Heart of Racing Team #27 – 146 laps – +48 laps
- Akkodis ASP Team #87 – 32 laps – +162 laps
A statement start to the 2026 season
In conclusion, Imola delivered a race defined by precision, timing and resilience. Toyota combined strategy and execution to overcome Ferrari’s early dominance, while WRT BMW capitalised on late drama to secure LMGT3 victory.
Looking ahead, the championship promises intense competition. If this opener sets the tone, fans can expect a season filled with tactical battles and unpredictable outcomes.
