The program for the 6 Hours of Imola 2026

After a 162-day wait, the World Championship ofEndurance (WEC) finally launches its 2026 campaign at the 6 Hours of Imola. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Classic Ferrari for sale becomes the epicenter of this revival by hosting, for the first time, the Prologue as well as the opening round. This late launch results from the postponement of the Qatar meeting (originally scheduled for March 26-28) to October 22-24, a direct consequence of the geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

The action kicks off this Tuesday, April 14th, with the Prologue, an eight-hour dress rehearsal. On home soil, Ferrari naturally assumes the mantle of favorite to defend its title. The memory of the Maranello-based manufacturer's last performance at Imola is still fresh: the reigning world champions, Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, triumphed there at the wheel of the No. 51 499P. On this technical 4,909 km circuit, the drivers will have to master fast corners and sharp braking zones.

The French contingent on the front line

On the French side, emotions will run high at AlpineThe brand with the arrowed A is embarking on its final dance in the WEC, following the announcement of the end of its Endurance program. For this last hurrah, the crew relies on a talented quartet: Charles Milesi, Frédéric Makowiecki, Jules Gounon, and Victor Martins. Meanwhile, Peugeot hopes to capitalize on the progress shown last year. With Loïc duval et Theo PourchaireThe Lion is now openly aiming for the top.

For ToyotaCrowned champion in 2024 but struggling in 2025, it's time for a comeback. The Japanese manufacturer is fielding a heavily revised GR010 Hybrid to reclaim the top spot. The paddock will also be watching the highly anticipated debut of Genesis. The Korean brand is launching its Hypercar program at Imola with several French drivers, including Mathys Jaubert, Mathieu Jaminet, and Paul-Loup Chatin.

Among the contenders, BMW arrives with a slight competitive advantage: it's the only Hypercar on the grid to have already raced in 2026. The objective is clear: to break through the glass ceiling of fifth place in the championship. For Cadillac, victorious once last year, confirmation of their potential will come from the introduction of a new aerodynamic package, which will notably benefit Frenchman Norman Nato.

The LMGT3 category is showing exemplary stability with the return of all nine teams entered in 2025. Also noteworthy is the full-time return of Esteban Masson to Akkodis ASP Team, following a successful stint last year. The Ford camp will also be a source of interest: the former driver of F1 Logan sargeant will take the wheel of the Mustang, thus preparing the ground for the arrival of the blue oval firm in the top category in 2027. A transition strategy shared by McLaren, whose season operated by Garage 59 will be closely watched before a planned move to Hypercar next year.

📊 The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Italy) in figures

© FIA WEC

• First race : 2024
• Duration : 6 hours
• Length : 4,909 km
• turns : 21 (12 on the left / 9 on the right)

WEC – 6 Hours of Imola 2026
TV program and broadcast

Friday, April 17
10:15 : Free Trials 1
15:15 : Free Trials 2

Saturday, April 18
10:30 : Free Trials 3
14:30 : LMGT3 Qualifying
14:50 : Hyperpole LMGT3
15:10 : Hypercar Qualifying
15:30 : Hyperpole Hypercar

Sunday, April 19
13:00 : Race

On which channel(s) can I follow the race?

The 6 Hours of Imola can be followed on the FIA ​​WEC+ platform, on Eurosport 2 and La Chaîne L'Équipe channels, and also with live commentary on AUTOhebdo.fr.

Friday, April 17
10h15 - Free Practice 1 (FIA WEC+)
15h15 - Free Practice 2 (FIA WEC+)
Saturday, April 18
10h30 - Free Practice 3 (Eurosport 360 & FIA WEC+)
14h30 - Qualifying (Eurosport 360 & FIA WEC+)
Sunday, April 19
13h - Race (Eurosport 2, La Chaîne L'Équipe and FIA WEC+ and live commentary on AUTOhebdo.fr)

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