6 Hours of Imola 2026: Toyota surprises Ferrari on home turf

6 Hours of Imola 2026: Toyota verrast Ferrari op eigen bodem

After the postponement of the Qatar 1812 km, the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season finally began at the legendary Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. Expectations were high. Ferrari was racing at home, had impressed during qualifying, and hoped to start the season perfectly in front of their home crowd.

However, things turned out differently.

After six hours of racing, it was not Ferrari, but Toyota that celebrated the victory. Thanks to a rock-solid strategy, flawless execution, and excellent tire management, the Japanese manufacturer made history by securing its fiftieth victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship – precisely during the brand's hundredth WEC race.

Ferrari starts strong with pole position

For the thousands of Tifosi along the track, the weekend started excellently. Ferrari quickly proved to be the fastest brand during practice sessions and carried that form into qualifying.

The #51 Ferrari 499P, driven by Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi, took pole position, seemingly securing the ideal starting position for the season's first race. Toyota followed closely, while Alpine, BMW, and Cadillac also showed that the Hypercar class is closer than ever.

What stood out beforehand:

  • Ferrari took pole position in front of its home crowd.
  • Toyota was immediately within striking distance.
  • Alpine once again impressed with strong qualifying.
  • The differences between the Hypercars were remarkably small.

Everything indicated that Ferrari was the favorite for the victory, but endurance racing is rarely decided on Saturday.

The race: strategy more important than pure speed

At the start, Ferrari maintained the lead and controlled the pace of the race. The 499P once again showed why it has been so successful in recent seasons. However, Toyota consistently remained within striking distance.

While Ferrari seemed slightly faster over a single lap, Toyota played the strategic game perfectly. The team opted for different fuel and pit stop strategies multiple times and adhered completely to their predefined plan.

Ultimately, this proved to be the key to success.

The opening hours in brief:

  • Ferrari controlled the race from pole position.
  • Toyota consistently stayed close.
  • Alpine was long in contention for a podium spot.
  • The first hours were remarkably clean, without major incidents.

Precisely for this reason, strategy and tire management became increasingly prominent.

Toyota strikes at the decisive moment

Mid-race, the momentum slowly shifted in Toyota's favor. By cleverly utilizing the various pit stop cycles, the #8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid managed to get closer and closer to Ferrari.

As the race entered its decisive phase, it became clear that Toyota had managed tires and fuel slightly more efficiently. This allowed Sébastien Buemi to build a lead in the final stages that Ferrari ultimately could not close.

The difference at the finish was over thirteen seconds, but the race was much more exciting than that gap suggests.

Ferrari narrowly misses out on victory

For Ferrari, the predominant feeling was that more could have been achieved. The speed was undoubtedly there, but Toyota simply made fewer mistakes and executed its strategy better.

The reigning world champions with the #51 Ferrari ultimately had to settle for second place.

Behind them, the #7 Toyota also had a strong race to the podium, giving the Japanese manufacturer an excellent start to the new season.

The top of the Hypercar class:

  • P1: Toyota #8
  • P2: Ferrari #51
  • P3: Toyota #7
  • P4: Alpine #35

Toyota thus proved that even with the updated GR010 Hybrid, it can immediately compete for victories.

Excitement also in the LMGT3 class

It wasn't just the Hypercars providing excitement. In the LMGT3 category, too, the battle for victory raged until the final minutes.

The #69 BMW of Team WRT capitalized on problems for the leading McLaren in the final hour, thus taking the victory. Corvette finished just a few tenths of a second behind in second, while Porsche completed the podium.

This again underscores how competitive the GT class has become.

What does this race mean for the season?

Although Imola was only the first race of the season, the weekend immediately provided some interesting insights.

Key conclusions:

  • Toyota is once again a serious title contender.
  • Ferrari possesses excellent speed but missed strategic opportunities.
  • Alpine confirms the upward trend of recent months.
  • The Hypercar class seems more competitive than ever.

With multiple manufacturers finishing within seconds of each other, 2026 again promises to be a season where details make all the difference.

Next stop: Spa-Francorchamps

After Imola, the FIA World Endurance Championship travels to one of the absolute highlights of the season: the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

The legendary Belgian circuit is known for iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Raidillon, and Blanchimont. For the teams, Spa is the last major test before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, meaning almost every manufacturer arrives here with maximum effort.

For CarBrick, this race is extra special. We will be present at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps ourselves to experience the atmosphere up close. During the race weekend, we will share photos, videos, and updates directly from the circuit. Additionally, we'll take you behind the scenes and keep you informed about everything happening in the paddock and on the track.

Are you also attending Spa? Let us know! Perhaps we'll meet among the thousands of endurance fans who travel every year to one of the most beautiful circuits in the world.

With the first race behind us and Spa as the next stop, the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship promises to only get better.

Conclusion: Toyota sets the tone immediately

The 6 Hours of Imola once again proved why endurance racing is so special. While Ferrari seemed fastest for a long time, it was ultimately Toyota that took the victory thanks to a perfect strategy and flawless execution.

For Ferrari, a strong result remained, but also the realization that the competition this season is stronger than ever. With Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans just around the corner, the FIA World Endurance Championship promises to be a spectacle once again.

The first race of the season is certainly a promising start to what could be a fantastic endurance year.