2025 WEC: 6 Hours of Imola Race Preview
Ferrari looks to defend championship lead on home turf as rivals aim to bounce back
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) returns to Italy this weekend for the highly anticipated 2025 6 Hours of Imola, marking the second round of the season and promising a thrilling competition.
The race takes place at the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, close to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello. The green flag drops at 13:00 local time on Sunday, 20 April.
Race Weekend Schedule (Central European Summer Time)
Friday, 18 April
Free Practice 1: 11:15
Free Practice 2: 16:00
Saturday, 19 April
Free Practice 3: 10:40
LMGT3 Qualifying: 14:30
LMGT3 Hyperpole: 14:50
Hypercar Qualifying: 15:10
Hypercar Hyperpole: 15:30
Sunday, 20 April
Race Start: 13:00
Hypercar Class: Ferrari Leads the Charge
Ferrari, leading the championship, heads into its home race with a strong determination to correct the misjudged pit calls from last year's race in the rain at Imola. The Italian squad's resilience and commitment are sure to make this race a compelling one.
Toyota arrives as the defending Imola winners. The No. 7 GR010 Hybrid of Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries triumphed in tricky 2024 conditions. Kobayashi called it a "special win" and aims for a repeat performance.
Porsche needs a strong result. Its factory cars finished 10th and 11th in Qatar. The 963 was handed an 11kg weight break and a slight power reduction under the latest Balance of Performance (BoP) changes. These adjustments, which aim to equalise the performance of different cars, are expected to help Porsche compete at the front of the grid.
BMW's M Hybrid V8 sees a 5kg weight increase and an 8 kw power boost. With drivers like Raffaele Marciello and Kevin Magnussen, BMW showed potential in Qatar and will look to maintain that momentum.
Aston Martin continues to develop its non-hybrid Valkyrie AMR-LMH. Drivers Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble will focus on learning and data collection as they grow into the Hypercar field.
LMGT3: Corvette Leads, Porsche and Iron Dames Eye Upset
TF Sport's No. 33 Corvette Z06 GT3.R tops the standings after a Qatar win. Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating combined for a late surge, with Juncadella's final stint proving decisive.
The Iron Dames return in the No. 85 Porsche 911 GT3 R, fielding Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and new recruit Célia Martin. The team remains a fan favourite and aims to challenge for the podium.
Weather and Strategy
Rain is possible during free practice, with drier but cloudy conditions expected for qualifying and the race. Teams will need to manage tyre strategy and pit timing carefully. Recent BoP updates may significantly affect performance across the grid.
Championship Leaders
Hypercar: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen (Ferrari No. 50)
LMGT3: Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, Ben Keating (TF Sport Corvette No. 33)
As WEC shifts to its European rounds, Imola could prove pivotal. With hometown pride, BoP changes and unpredictable weather, the stage is set for an intense battle across both classes.