WEC

Toyota's sleight of hand against Ferrari at Imola, decisive for the victory

The 2026 World Endurance Championship season has finally kicked off on Ferrari's home turf. At Imola, Toyota pulled off a surprise victory against its Italian rival, securing a commanding and controlled win.

Published 21/04/2026 à 09:45

Valentin GLO

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Toyota's sleight of hand against Ferrari at Imola, decisive for the victory

© Paulo Maria / DPPI

The Tifosi saw nothing but red at home. Having come in large numbers to support their beloved team, the Italian fans nevertheless had no chance to celebrate a victory. A car red did cross the finish line first, but it bore a logo Toyota, and not the Prancing Horse. With a thoroughly revised chassis, a new livery, and even a new identity – Toyota Racing, without the Gazoo designation – the Japanese manufacturer has thus gained the upper hand over its rivals.

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Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

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2 Comment (s)

A

Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)

21/04/2026 at 06:16 a.m.

He might have a strategy behind all this… We'll see ‼️ after Francorchamps. 😎👀 alainkf1@pt.lu

Yves-Henri RANDIER

21/04/2026 at 11:45 a.m.

Was this a Toyota sleight of hand against Ferrari at Imola? Or was it Ferrari's deliberate attempt to avoid a fierce battle for victory in Italy, knowing that the Balance of Performance (BoP) would be revised after Spa and therefore before Le Mans?

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