The legendary Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, a classic “old-school” circuit nestled in Italy’s picturesque Emilia-Romagna region, is poised to host the second round of the fiercely competitive World Endurance Championship.
Inaugurated in 1953, this narrow and undulating 4.909km, 21-turn layout presents a unique challenge to the Hypercar field, pushing them to top speeds around 310km/h with over 50% of the lap spent at full throttle. Having joined the WEC calendar for the first time last year and drawing an impressive 75,000 passionate spectators, Imola is set for another thrilling endurance spectacle.
Ferrari Seeks Home Glory After Qatar Sweep:
The 2025 season kicked off with a dominant display from Ferrari at the Qatar Grand Prix, where their trio of stunning 499P Hypercars locked out the entire podium. The two factory entries sandwiched the privately-run AF Corse prototype, sending a clear message of their intent this season. The iconic Italian marque also tasted victory on European soil last time the FIA WEC ventured to the “Old Continent,” triumphing in the prestigious 2024 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, in such a tightly contested series, the Prancing Horse knows all too well that past success offers no guarantees.
Despite a dream start at Imola last year, where they locked out the top three on the starting grid to the delight of the fervent tifosi (Ferrari’s loyal supporters), Ferrari’s race unravelled due to changeable weather conditions, ultimately denying them a place on the rostrum despite leading for over half the race and setting the fastest lap.
Fueled by their stellar form and historic result in the Middle East, the Maranello-based home favorites, located less than 100km from Imola, are heading back to the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari with a burning desire for redemption.
“Racing in Italy is always something special for a driver at the wheel of a Ferrari,” acknowledged Qatar winner Nicklas Nielsen, who shares the #50 factory Hypercar with Antonio Fuoco – last season’s Imola pole-sitter – and Miguel Molina. “The atmosphere in 2024 was incredible, and I’m sure the tifosi won’t hold back with their support again this year. We arrive feeling optimistic, and as always, we’ll give our all to be among the front-runners and put a smile on the fans’ faces. We know the race will be demanding, but the team is working tirelessly to be fully prepared and to perform at our best, so we go into the event with confidence.”
Rivals Sharpen Their Swords for Imola Battle:
Ferrari’s rivals in the highly competitive 18-strong Hypercar category have been diligently working to close the gap since Qatar, ensuring a fierce battle for the top step at Imola. Cadillac showed strong pace in the Middle East before a dramatic collision between their two cars during a safety car restart cost them potential honors. BMW, with their striking M Hybrid V8, are also looking increasingly ready to secure their maiden FIA WEC victory.
Defending champions Toyota, the most successful manufacturer in the series’ history and last year’s Imola winner with their GR010 Hybrid, had a more subdued start to the season, managing only fifth and sixth in Qatar. Porsche, with their Penske Motorsport-run 963, also had a quiet opener, just scraping into the points in tenth place. The Imola race will be a crucial indicator of the progress made by Aston Martin and their stunning new Valkyrie AMR-LMH, following back-to-back top-ten finishes in IMSA competition.
LMGT3 Spotlight on Corvette, McLaren, and Rossi:
The 18-car LMGT3 field promises its own thrilling contest. An epic duel for victory in Qatar saw Corvette (TF Sport) narrowly defeat McLaren (United Autosports), with McLaren being the latest manufacturer to commit to a Hypercar future from 2027. Both teams will be eager to maintain their early momentum. However, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Team WRT’s star driver, Valentino Rossi. The nine-time motorcycling world champion will be competing on home soil, and a maiden WEC triumph in his #46 BMW M4 GT3 would send the Italian crowd into raptures, especially after BMW claimed a one-two finish in the LMGT3 category at Imola in 2024.
Sustainable Silverware Up for Grabs:
Adding an extra layer of significance to the event, the winners of the 6 Hours of Imola will each receive an FIA President’s Medal. This sustainably-crafted personal award, previously exclusive to Formula 1, is being adopted across other FIA World Championships for the first time this weekend. It symbolizes the FIA’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation, recognizing not only elite sporting achievement but also dedication and skill.
Key Event Information:
The on-track action at Imola kicks off with free practice on Friday, April 18th, following driver presentations, interviews, and autograph sessions in the city center on Thursday, April 17th. The crucial qualifying session, including the Hyperpole shootout for the top Hypercar contenders, will take place at 14:30 CET on Saturday, April 19th. The green flag for the 6 Hours of Imola will wave at 13:00 CET on Sunday, April 20th, promising a thrilling endurance battle on the historic Italian circuit.
The stage is set for an enthralling 6 Hours of Imola, with Ferrari aiming for a triumphant home race after their Qatar success, while a host of determined rivals are ready to challenge for victory on this iconic Italian circuit. The passionate tifosi will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere as the battle for endurance supremacy unfolds.