The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has unveiled the official entry list for the 6 Hours of Imola, scheduled for 17–19 April, 2026. As a result, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a spectacular opening round of the 2026 season.
A total of 35 entries will take to the grid, including 17 cars in the premier Hypercar category and 18 in the fiercely contested LMGT3 class. Moreover, the field features 14 major manufacturers: Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Genesis, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota. Consequently, the championship begins with one of the most diverse and competitive grids in endurance racing history.
Ferrari targets home glory again at 2026 WEC 6 Hours of Imola
Ferrari enters the event as both reigning world champion and overwhelming fan favourite. The Italian marque secured both the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles in Bahrain last November, marking its first global endurance crown since 1972.
Racing at the iconic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, located close to its Maranello base, Ferrari will once again enjoy passionate home support.
Twelve months ago, Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi claimed victory in the #51 499P after converting pole position into a dominant win. Now, the trio aims to launch their title defence with another strong performance on home soil.
However, despite Ferrari’s recent success, the competition in Hypercar remains intense.
Rivals close in on the Prancing Horse
Among Ferrari’s strongest challengers, Toyota arrives with renewed determination. As the most successful manufacturer in WEC history, Toyota endured a relatively subdued 2025 campaign. Therefore, the team has introduced a significantly updated GR010 Hybrid in pursuit of a return to winning ways. Notably, Imola will mark Toyota’s 100th race in the championship, and the Japanese giant could secure its milestone 50th victory.
Elsewhere, BMW M Team WRT, Aston Martin THOR Team and Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA all field competitive entries, although several squads will run reduced two-driver line-ups for this round.
Meanwhile, Genesis Magma Racing prepares for a landmark debut season. For the Korean marque, simply reaching the finish will represent an important first step at the highest level of endurance racing.
Driver changes add intrigue in LMGT3
The LMGT3 category also features notable line-up changes heading into Imola.
Eduardo Barrichello will miss the event due to prior commitments. Consequently, rising Belgian talent Kobe Pauwels steps in for the #23 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin. Pauwels recently earned recognition as the latest winner of the Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy initiative, making this opportunity particularly significant.
In addition, Ben Keating will sit out after suffering a broken elbow during training. As a result, fellow American Blake McDonald will replace him in the #33 Corvette alongside Nicky Catsburg and Jonny Edgar.
Therefore, these late changes could influence the competitive balance within the LMGT3 field.
Final preparations underway ahead of 2026 WEC opener in Imola
Before racing begins, teams will complete final preparations during the traditional Prologue test on 14 April. This crucial session allows crews to fine-tune setups and evaluate performance ahead of the race weekend.
Track action will officially commence on Friday, 17 April, building towards the six-hour endurance contest that will open the 2026 campaign.
With a packed grid, multiple manufacturers and evolving driver line-ups, the 6 Hours of Imola promises to deliver an enthralling start to the season. Ferrari may hold the advantage of experience and home support, yet its rivals—led by Toyota and a host of ambitious challengers—stand ready to contest every position.
Ultimately, the stage is set for a fiercely competitive battle that could define the early momentum in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.
