Ferrari Secures Home Victory at 2025 Imola 6 Hours
Ferrari delivered a masterclass performance at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) 6 Hours of Imola, thrilling the home crowd with a dominant win in the Hypercar category. The #51 Ferrari 499P, piloted by Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi, crossed the finish line nearly nine seconds ahead of the competition, continuing Ferrari’s stellar start to the WEC season after their earlier triumph in Qatar.
From pole position, Ferrari controlled the race despite multiple safety car periods and strategic shake-ups caused by virtual safety cars. Giovinazzi’s crucial move past the #6 Porsche 963 LMDh with two hours remaining sealed their authority, ensuring that the 2023 Le Mans-winning crew remained largely unchallenged.
BMW and Alpine Complete the Hypercar Podium
The #20 BMW Hybrid V8 driven by Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, and Rene Rast battled back from a collision with Toyota to secure second place, marking a strong result for BMW after an eventful race.
Meanwhile, Alpine celebrated a historic achievement with the A424 LMDh as Mick Schumacher, Jules Gounon, and Frederic Makowiecki powered the #36 car to third place, securing their second consecutive WEC podium.
Toyota’s #8 GR010 Hybrid, with Brendon Hartley, Sebastien Buemi, and Ryo Hirakawa, finished fifth after struggling with penalties and strategy setbacks. Porsche, despite high hopes, endured a tough race with their best-placed factory 963 LMDh finishing only eighth.
Porsche Edges Rossi’s BMW for LMGT3 Victory
In the fiercely competitive LMGT3 class, the #92 Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R, driven by Richard Lietz, Riccardo Pera, and Ryan Hardwick, narrowly defeated the #46 WRT BMW M4 GT3 team of Kelvin van der Linde, Valentino Rossi, and Ahmad Al Harthy.
Rossi, who had earlier thrilled fans with pole position, looked set for a maiden WEC win until a drive-through penalty for contact with a Ferrari dashed the #46 team’s chances. Despite an all-out charge to the line, van der Linde finished just three-tenths behind Lietz.
Third place went to the #78 Lexus RC F GT3, piloted by Arnold Robin, Finn Gehrsitz, and Ben Barnicoat, completing a thrilling LMGT3 podium.
A Strategic and Dramatic Weekend at Imola
The 6 Hours of Imola was a strategic chess match shaped by multiple safety cars and pit stop gambles. Ferrari’s dominant performance solidified their championship ambitions, while BMW and Alpine showcased their growing prowess in Hypercar. Meanwhile, the LMGT3 battle highlighted the drama and competitiveness that the WEC’s new era is bringing to fans worldwide.
As the 2025 WEC season heats up, Ferrari stands tall at the top, but fierce battles across both Hypercar and LMGT3 promise more twists and turns ahead.
