The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is back in action this weekend at the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, for the much-anticipated 6 Hours of Imola. Following the season opener at the 1812km of Qatar, this round promises to deliver thrilling racing as teams gear up to battle for supremacy on the storied track known as the "Monaco of WEC." With a strong showing from Ferrari in the previous race, the stakes are high as they aim to defend their championship lead in front of passionate home fans.
This year's event, taking place from April 18 to 20, 2025, marks the second round of the 2025 season. The race is set to kick off at 13:00 local time on Sunday, April 20, 2025, and promises to be a showcase of endurance racing at its finest. Ferrari enters the race with momentum, having achieved a remarkable triple podium finish in Qatar, and they will be looking to replicate that success in their home country.
As the teams prepare for the race weekend, they have been busy fine-tuning their machines during the practice sessions. The first two free practice sessions on Friday saw Ferrari's AF Corse team take the lead, with Robert Kubica clocking the fastest lap in the morning session at 1:32.065. His teammate, Antonio Fuoco, followed closely behind in the #50 Ferrari, setting the stage for a competitive weekend.
In the afternoon session, Antonio Giovinazzi further showcased Ferrari's dominance by posting the best time of 1:31.040 in the #51 Ferrari, solidifying their position as favorites heading into qualifying. The BMW team also showed strong pace, with Dries Vanthoor matching Giovinazzi's time, but Ferrari's earlier lap secured them the top spot.
Meanwhile, the LMGT3 class is heating up as well, with Valentino Rossi's BMW WRT #46 making headlines for its competitive performance. The BMW finished strong in both practice sessions, indicating that they could be serious contenders for the podium. However, they will face stiff competition from the likes of Lexus and AF Corse's Ferrari 296, who are also eager to make their mark.
As the teams gear up for qualifying on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the pressure will be on to secure a prime starting position. The qualifying format includes two sessions for each class, with the top-10 teams advancing to the Hyperpole session, where they will have the chance to set even faster times. This format is crucial as starting at the front on the tight and twisty Imola circuit can significantly impact race strategy.
The qualifying sessions will begin at 14:20, with the LMGT3 class first on track, followed by the Hypercar class. The excitement surrounding these qualifying sessions is palpable, as teams will be vying for the best possible grid positions ahead of the race.
Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and Discovery+, with Sky Sport also providing coverage of the race weekend. The broadcast will start at 12:30 on race day, leading into the main event at 13:00. With the combination of Ferrari's home advantage and the competitive field, the 6 Hours of Imola is shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle.
As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on the track as teams finalize their strategies and prepare for the challenges ahead. The unpredictability of endurance racing means anything can happen, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exhilarating race.
In summary, the 6 Hours of Imola is set to be a highlight of the WEC season, showcasing the best of endurance racing in front of a passionate Italian crowd. With Ferrari looking to defend their title and other teams eager to claim victory, the stage is set for an epic showdown.
