The 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) kicked off with electrifying excitement at the Lusail Circuit in Qatar, as Ferrari secured pole position after a fiercely contested qualifying session. The opening race of the season, featuring 36 cars and 108 drivers, spans 1,812 kilometers, covering the circuit’s 5.38 kilometers over 336 laps.
Antonio Giovinazzi, piloting the #51 Ferrari 499P, showcased remarkable skill and speed, laying down the fastest lap of 1:38.359. This stunning performance came during the final seconds of the qualifying session, allowing the Italian driver to snatch pole from the competition. Just inches behind was the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, which clocked 1:38.495, trailing by only 0.136 seconds, proving how tight the competition was. Giovinazzi's flying lap was celebrated widely, prompting the FIA World Endurance Championship to tweet, "FERRARI POLE! 🚀" followed by the hashtag #WEC.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as another Ferrari, the #50 499P, rounded out the front row by securing the third position with just slightly slower lap times. Following them were two Cadillac factory prototypes, showcasing their performance capabilities. Notably, the reigning champions Toyota and Porsche had disappointing showings, with Toyota’s best, the #7 GR010, managing only seventh place and Porsche’s #5 963 lagging behind at eleventh.
On the other side of the circuit, the LMGT3 category showcased its own share of drama, where the McLaren team delivered exceptional qualifying efforts. The remarkable #95 720S GT3 will start from the premier position, matched alongside its teammate, the #59 McLaren. The second line will feature the #78 Lexus and #54 Ferrari, setting the stage for close racing action among these supercars.
The countdown for the race has begun, with fans eagerly anticipating the start scheduled for Friday, February 28, at 2:00 PM local time. The race promises not only high speeds but also thrilling strategy as teams will navigate through the magnificent desert terrain of Qatar under the enduring eyes of motorsport enthusiasts around the globe.
The combination of cutting-edge automotive technology, strategic driving, and the pressure of competing under lights will be on full display as teams race for glory at the stunning Lusail Circuit. With Ferrari's strong start and the close competition with teams like Cadillac and BMW, this season rightly promises to be one of the best yet.
Fans will likely witness reminiscent moments similar to the last season’s peak competition, amplifying the narrative of rivalry, determination, and sportsmanship. Will Ferrari maintain its advantage, or will the other teams rise to the challenge as the season progresses? Only the drivers and their machines will reveal the outcome on the circuit.