2026 | WEC | 6 Hours of Imola | Qualifying & Hyperpole | LMGT3 | Fleming shines on Imola debut as Garage 59 announces arrival

Tom Fleming made an unforgettable impression in his first FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) appearance, kicking off 2026 by storming to LMGT3 pole at Imola. Driving for Garage 59, the 23-year-old Brit dominated the Hyperpole shootout with a commanding lap that left his rivals chasing shadows.

From the outset, Fleming controlled the session. He consistently set the fastest sector times, building a gap that others struggled to close. Although competitors improved toward the end, none matched his benchmark of 1:41.181.

A breakthrough moment for Garage 59 in Qualifying at 2026 WEC 6 Hours of Imola

The result marked a significant milestone for Garage 59, which entered the championship with strong intent. Fleming, sharing the #10 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Marvin Kirchhöfer and Antares Au, delivered on that promise in spectacular fashion.

Reflecting on the session, Fleming said, “We were a bit up-and-down throughout free practice, but Antares put a really good lap in to get us into Hyperpole and then I ‘pulled the pin’, as they say. The car felt really good and I gave it everything I could – we left nothing on the table.

“McLaren and Garage 59 worked extremely hard over the winter and have done an outstanding job to give us the best possible car, and I’m so grateful for that. The paddock here is something different, and it’s really good to see sportscar racing in such a healthy position. To be on pole for my first race is pretty surreal, to say the least!”

Behind Fleming, Akkodis ASP Team secured an impressive second and third. Hadrien David came closest to the pole time in the #78 Lexus RC F GT3, finishing just 0.226 seconds adrift. Meanwhile, Clemens Schmid recovered from a gravel excursion at Rivazza to secure third in the sister car.

Next, Team WRT placed both its BMW M4 GT3 entries in the top five. Parker Thompson and Sean Gelael ensured a strong showing for the team, underlining BMW’s competitive pace.

Drama unfolds in Qualifying and Hyperpole

Earlier in qualifying, the #34 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R GT3 from Racing Team Turkey by TF topped the timesheets. However, the Hyperpole session brought added drama. A late red flag interrupted the action after Salih Yoluç spun into the gravel at Piratella.

Despite that setback, the Corvette had already shown remarkable speed, thanks in part to Peter Dempsey, who impressed on his return to full-time competition.

Momentum builds ahead of race day

As a result of this thrilling session, anticipation now builds for the 6 Hours of Imola. Fleming’s pole lap not only signals his potential but also highlights the strength of Garage 59’s preparation.

Moreover, the tightly packed field suggests a fiercely competitive race ahead. With multiple manufacturers in contention and minimal gaps separating the frontrunners, the stage is set for an intense battle when the race begins.

Ultimately, Fleming has laid down a clear marker. Now, he must convert that pace into race success under the demanding conditions of endurance competition.

2026 WEC 6 Hours of Imola: LMGT3: Classification

Qualifying

1. Chevrolet Corvette C8.R GT3 #34 – Racing Team Turkey by TF – 1:41.642
2. BMW M4 GT3 #69 – Team WRT – +0.673
3. BMW M4 GT3 #32 – Team WRT – +0.786
4. Mercedes-AMG GT3 #61 – Iron Lynx – +1.168
5. Lexus RC F GT3 #78 – Akkodis ASP Team – +1.173
6. Ford Mustang GT3 #88 – Proton Competition – +1.270
7. Ferrari 296 GT3 #21 – Vista AF Corse – +1.298
8. Lexus RC F GT3 #87 – Akkodis ASP Team – +1.367
9. McLaren 720S GT3 Evo #10 – Garage 59 – +1.396
10. Porsche 911 GT3 R #91 – Manthey DK Engineering – +1.439
11. Porsche 911 GT3 R #92 – The Bend Manthey – +1.451
12. Aston Martin Vantage GT3 #27 – Heart of Racing Team – +1.464
13. Ford Mustang GT3 #77 – Proton Competition – +1.599
14. Chevrolet Corvette C8.R GT3 #33 – TF Sport – +1.639
15. Aston Martin Vantage GT3 #23 – Heart of Racing Team – +1.694
16. McLaren 720S GT3 Evo #58 – Garage 59 – +1.722
17. Mercedes-AMG GT3 #79 – Iron Lynx – +1.880
18. Ferrari 296 GT3 #54 – Vista AF Corse – +2.357

Hyperpole

1. McLaren 720S GT3 Evo #10 – Garage 59 – 1:41.181
2. Lexus RC F GT3 #78 – Akkodis ASP Team – +0.226
3. Lexus RC F GT3 #87 – Akkodis ASP Team – +0.364
4. BMW M4 GT3 #69 – Team WRT – +0.410
5. BMW M4 GT3 #32 – Team WRT – +0.631
6. Mercedes-AMG GT3 #61 – Iron Lynx – +0.911
7. Ferrari 296 GT3 #21 – Vista AF Corse – +1.049
8. Porsche 911 GT3 R #91 – Manthey DK Engineering – +1.084
9. Ford Mustang GT3 #88 – Proton Competition – +1.254
10. Chevrolet Corvette C8.R GT3 #34 – Racing Team Turkey by TF – No time set