Toyota Dominates at the 6 Hours of Barcelona, Clinches WEC Title
Barcelona, October 2026 — Toyota Racing secured its fifth World Endurance Championship (WEC) World Manufacturers Championship at the 6 Hours of Barcelona, following a commanding 1-2 finish. This victory adds to Toyota’s legacy, including three LMP1 and Hypercar World Championships during the series’ quieter years.
Sebastien Buemi marked his 100th WEC race with a record-breaking 29th overall win, while Brendon Hartley celebrated his 26th, alongside reaching 50 starts in the category. Both drivers now look towards the next race in Monza, where only Toyota drivers can win the Drivers’ World Championship title.
In LMGT3, the #92 The Bend Manthey Porsche team, consisting of Richard Lietz, Riccardo Pera, and Yasser Shahin, showcased a dominant performance, enhancing their chances for the class championship in the final race. However, the #33 TF Sport Corvette, driven by Jonny Edgar, continues to hold a significant 18-point lead over rivals, including the #92 Porsche and #34 Racing Team Turkey.
Strong Attendance and Fan Reception
The race, a substitute for the canceled season opener in Qatar, attracted over 55,000 fans, who remained engaged despite initially challenging weather conditions, celebrating both the victories and the efforts of all participants.
Ford’s Difficulties
The Proton Competition Ford team faced setbacks, as both #88 and #87 Mustang GT3s encountered fuel issues, resulting in their disqualification. The race concluded with dramatic scenes as marshals pushed the #87 Mustang to the Parc Ferme after halting just short of the finish line.
Rookie Experience
Alex Quinn made his Hypercar debut in the #93 Peugeot 9X8, finishing 12th. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “We made a huge amount of progress throughout the weekend.”
Insights from Competitors
Miguel Molina of Ferrari acknowledged Toyota’s pace, stating, “They showed it in Le Mans and again here,” emphasizing the challenges facing his team. On the other hand, BMW’s Sheldon van der Linde reflected on his team’s struggle, attributing their performance drop to prior issues during testing and the need for perfect execution.
Looking Forward
As teams prepare for Monza, Toyota’s consistent performance raises questions about its rivals’ ability to challenge. Upcoming upgrades for Ferrari’s 499P are highly anticipated as the team seeks to regain competitiveness in approaching seasons.
Both Toyota and Ferrari look to the next meeting with renewed focus, while BMW aims to rectify their recent missteps in pursuit of the championship.
