The excitement is palpable at the Autodromo del Santerno as the 6 Hours of Imola unfolds, marking the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship 2025. Under cloudy skies, the race kicked off with a thrilling display of speed and strategy from the 36 cars competing in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. The Ferrari 499P cars, driven by James Calado and Phil Hanson, took an early lead, showcasing the team’s dominance following their impressive triple victory in Qatar. The duo successfully defended their positions against fierce competition from BMW and Toyota, setting the stage for an exhilarating race.
As the race progressed, Nicklas Nielsen in the Ferrari #50, who started from the back of the grid after his qualifying time was disqualified, made a remarkable comeback. By lap 26, he had climbed to 11th place and continued to impress, eventually reaching seventh after the first round of pit stops. His performance has been a highlight, thrilling the Tifosi who have filled the stands with their passionate support.
However, the race was not without its challenges. A collision between Célia Martin and Ben Keating's Corvette at the 'Tamburello' corner caused a spin and led to a brief Full Course Yellow as track officials cleared the debris. This incident caught several teams off guard, resulting in Drive Through penalties for Cadillac #12, Alpine #35, and Ford #88. Meanwhile, the Peugeot #94 received a 10-second penalty for a separate incident involving Earl Bamber.
As the race continued, Ferrari maintained a comfortable lead, at one point stretching their advantage to over 20 seconds ahead of their HYPERCAR rivals. The tension mounted as Nielsen overtook René Rast in the BMW #20, securing sixth place by lap 47, intensifying the battle for the top positions.
The atmosphere in the paddock has been electric, with fans enjoying a vibrant Fan Zone that rivals last year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix setup. The Goodyear blimp floated overhead, adding a nostalgic touch to the day filled with excitement and enthusiasm. The presence of fans has been a testament to the event's significance, with many arriving early to soak in the atmosphere.
Valentino Rossi and Antonio Giovinazzi both secured pole positions in their respective categories during the previous day's qualifying sessions, further energizing the crowd. "Qualifying in front of your home fans is always a fantastic feeling," Giovinazzi expressed. Rossi echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the special nature of racing at Imola, a track that holds deep significance for many drivers and fans alike.
As the race approached the halfway mark, a significant incident unfolded when Yasser Shahin collided with Ian James at the 'Rivazza' corner, sending James's Aston Martin #27 crashing into the wall. This led to the deployment of the Safety Car, allowing teams to regroup and strategize for the remainder of the race. The restart on lap 60 saw Ferrari’s Calado and Hanson quickly resume their pace, with the BMW #15 maintaining third position while the Toyota teams began to feel the pressure from the charging Nielsen.
In the LMGT3 class, the BMW #46 from Team WRT, driven by Ahmad Al Harthy and Valentino Rossi, had a strong start, battling closely with the Ferrari #21 from AF Corse. The competition was fierce, with Lexus also lurking in the background, ready to capitalize on any mistakes. The stakes were high as teams navigated their strategies, hoping to gain an advantage as the race wore on.
The event has not only been a showcase of racing talent but also a celebration of motorsport culture, with fans enjoying various attractions in the Fan Zone, including the popular 'Dinner in the Sky' and a panoramic wheel. Mayor Marco Panieri remarked on the day’s success, noting the full grandstands and the festive atmosphere that permeated the venue. "It’s a sign of a system that works," he stated, praising the efforts of everyone involved in organizing the event.
As the race continues, the tension builds with each passing lap. The drivers are pushing their limits, and the teams are strategizing for the final hours ahead. With Ferrari leading the pack, the question remains: can they maintain their advantage against the relentless pursuit of BMW, Toyota, and the rest of the competition? The 6 Hours of Imola promises to deliver more thrilling moments as the clock ticks down.
