The 2025 Qatar 1812km Endurance Race kicked off the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season this past week, attracting attention from motorsport enthusiasts and teams worldwide at the Lusail International Circuit. This high-stakes event, featuring elite manufacturers like TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, and Ferrari, promises intense competition throughout its eight-race format.
Beginning on February 28, the season opener is highlighted by the participation of all eight manufacturers, including Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, and Porsche, each vying for victory. Over the first two days of practice, teams were eager to gauge their performance against their rivals, bringing palpable excitement to the circuit.
On the first day of practice, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA made headlines by delivering the fastest time overall. Under cooler conditions, driver Alex Lynn's performance was remarkable, with his lap time of 1m39.601s leading the pack. Lynn stated, "I think we’re in a good spot. Both Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA cars are in a good window, so the rest of the event is going to be about executing and delivering on what we know we can do." This shows confidence building within the team as they head closer to the final event.
Following Cadillac's strong showing, Ferrari also demonstrated its competitive edge, with Antonio Fuoco and James Calado clocking impressive times. Calado ended the first practice session second fastest, just behind Lynn. The tandem showcased Ferrari's well-prepared 499P Hypercars, which are expected to contend strongly throughout the season.
On the other hand, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, aiming to reclaim both the manufacturers' and drivers' titles, had mixed results during their practice sessions. Sébastien Buemi, driving the #8 GR010 HYBRID, finished the first practice session sixth, reflecting some adjustments needed as the team continues to improve their racing strategy. Buemi remarked, “It was the first day of race week for us and it went well without any issues. After the Prologue, the wind has changed completely, so we needed to adapt to this.”
The practice sessions took place during varying weather conditions, which added complexity to each team’s strategy. The track was affected by wind changes, leading to sand blow onto the racing surface, which all teams had to navigate. Mike Conway, another TOYOTA driver, noted the challenges: “When the wind changes direction here, the sand moves around, and the track changes a lot.”
Cadillac’s Alex Lynn managed to top the timing sheets during the second practice session, showcasing their continued improvement. This led to anticipation for the upcoming qualifying rounds, with competitors eager to secure their spots for the race. Lynn commented on the day's performance and confidence: “Both Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA cars are in a good window.”
Aston Martin also prepared for its much-anticipated debut of the Valkyrie Hypercar, logging over 116 laps and showcasing considerable potential during practice. Meanwhile, teams like Porsche observed from mid-pack, unlike their podium finish achievements from the previous year.
The day also featured rising stars from the Formula 4 Middle East Championship and Formula Regional Middle East Championship, with three Qatari drivers showcasing their talents on home soil. Their performances added to the event's overall excitement and depth.
Fans attending the Qatar 1812km Endurance Race were treated to various experiences, including the Lusail Classic Free Practice session, which featured iconic racing machinery. The event culminated with the Lusail Classic Parade, drawing crowds of racing aficionados eager to see vintage cars both on and off the track.
For spectators unable to experience the thrill firsthand during the practice, additional activities are scheduled, including meet-and-greet opportunities with drivers and pit lane walks. Tickets remain available for the full event, with general admission priced at QR200 for adults, and children under 12 admitted free with paying adults.
With qualifying set to take place later today and the race itself starting at 2 PM local time (midday CET) on February 28, teams are focused on final preparations and strategies. The competition appears to be fierce, with the season's challenges set to commence. The combination of experienced drivers, cutting-edge technology, and unpredictable weather conditions creates the ideal setup for one of the most bewitching events on the motorsport calendar.
The excitement surrounding the Qatar 1812km Endurance Race embodies the spirit of endurance racing as fans and teams await the race day with bated breath. Each manufacturer is ready to make their mark as they gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable season opener.