FIA WEC Imola: Key Highlights and Technical Insights
AF Corse Celebrates World Cup Title
AF Corse’s #83 Ferrari 499P is adorned with rainbow bands to commemorate its 2025 FIA World Cup for Hypercar Teams victory. With only one entry for the Hypercar division this season, drivers Robert Kubica, Ye Yifei, and Phil Hanson will focus entirely on the drivers’ championship.
Iron Lynx Seizes New Regulations
The #79 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 from Iron Lynx is the first car to benefit from recent regulatory changes, allowing it to meet the minimum drive time requirement with only one of its silver-rated drivers participating for at least 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the second silver driver must complete a minimum of 45 minutes.
Sean Gelael’s Return to WRT
Returning to WRT, Sean Gelael partners with Darren Leung and BMW factory driver Augusto Farfus in the #32 BMW M4 LMGT3 Evo. “Our collaboration last year exceeded expectations,” said Gelael, who aims for stronger performances following recent regulations favoring BMW’s heavier, front-engine design.
Dan Harper’s FIA WEC Debut
BMW M factory driver Dan Harper makes his WEC debut in the #69 BMW M4 LMGT3 Evo alongside Anthony McIntosh and Parker Thompson. Following a successful Asian Le Mans Series campaign, Harper is optimistic about their competitiveness in this season’s championship.
Nick Cassidy Adapts to Peugeot 9X8
Newcomer Nick Cassidy expresses confidence in the Peugeot 9X8 after extensive winter testing. “The 24-hour test was crucial for my comfort with the car in various conditions,” he stated, feeling well-prepared for the Imola event.
Lotterer’s Return with Genesis
André Lotterer returns to WEC racing with Genesis Magma Racing’s #17 GMR-001. He appreciates the ORECA chassis’s clarity and directness compared to his previous experiences with the Porsche 963.
Antonio Felix Da Costa’s Comeback
Returning to the Hypercar grid, Da Costa races the #35 A424 for Alpine. Despite the team’s impending exit from the series, he remains focused on improving performance, noting his teammate Charles Milesi’s impressive speed during practice.
Giammarco Levorato’s Strong Line-up
Entering his third season with Proton Competition, Giammarco Levorato welcomes Ford Racing’s Logan Sargeant to the #88 Mustang LMGT3 Evo. Levorato expresses enthusiasm about the partnership, noting the benefits of combining experiences from different racing backgrounds.
Qualifying Results for Legends of Le Mans
Michel Frey secured pole position in the inaugural Legends of Le Mans qualifying session, clocking a 1:35.205 in the #5 Lola B07/18. Christian Albrecht and Steve Brooks followed closely, while François Perrodo dominated LMP2 with a time of 1:38.355.
This season promises heightened competition and strategic interest as teams and drivers navigate new regulations and challenging track conditions. With key performances already shaping the landscape, the ongoing FIA WEC will require adaptability and skill from all competitors.
Images courtesy of BMW Motorsport, FIA WEC, and Proton Competition
