The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) heads to the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for Round 2 of the 2026 campaign, with anticipation building ahead of the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on 7–9 May.
Following a dramatic curtain-raiser, the Belgian venue now provides the next major test for teams and drivers aiming to establish early momentum in the title fight.
Rivalries rekindled after Imola
The season opener at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari set the tone with a fierce contest between Ferrari and Toyota Gazoo Racing. Toyota ultimately edged the battle, continuing its legacy as the most successful manufacturer in the series.
As the championship moves to Spa, Toyota arrives with confidence and an upgraded GR010 Hybrid. Nevertheless, Ferrari will aim to respond immediately, while Alpine looks ready to capitalise after a promising showing last time out.
Strengthened Hypercar field
The Hypercar grid gains further depth ahead of the Belgian round. BMW returns to full strength, as Dries Vanthoor and Sheldon van der Linde rejoin Team WRT on home soil. Their presence should boost BMW’s chances of climbing further up the order.
Meanwhile, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA seeks redemption after a disrupted outing at Imola. The squad reinforces its line-up with Louis Delétraz, who returns to WEC competition, while Jack Aitken prepares for his first full-time appearance in the championship. These additions could prove decisive in a tightly contested field.
LMGT3 storylines to watch
Attention also turns to the LMGT3 category, where driver changes add further intrigue. Eduardo Barrichello returns to the Heart of Racing Team line-up, bringing experience back to the Aston Martin entry.
At the same time, Blake McDonald continues to deputise for Ben Keating at TF Sport, as the team adapts to ongoing changes. These shifts may influence the competitive balance across the class.
Key timings for the weekend
Track action begins on 7 May with two Free Practice sessions, followed by a final Practice on the morning of 8 May. Later that day, Qualifying and Hyperpole sessions will determine the starting grid for both LMGT3 and Hypercar categories.
The six-hour race itself gets underway on 9 May at 14:00, promising a strategic and high-intensity contest around one of motorsport’s most challenging circuits.
As the championship gathers pace, Spa-Francorchamps stands as a pivotal early-season battleground. Toyota aims to extend its advantage, Ferrari looks to strike back, and a host of challengers arrive with strengthened line-ups and growing confidence.
Consequently, the stage is set for another compelling chapter in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship, where every lap will shape the unfolding title fight.
