Ferrari targets strong start at Imola as WEC 2026 season begins
On the eve of the 6 Hours of Imola, which marks the opening round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season, Ferrari is preparing to defend the titles it secured last year. Following a private test and last Tuesday’s official Prologue, the drivers approach the home race weekend with optimism, while remaining fully aware that rival manufacturers will arrive equally determined to challenge for victory.
Antonello Coletta: “No one was chasing outright performance during the Prologue”
Thursday is traditionally dedicated to media duties, and Ferrari’s Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, Antonello Coletta, began by reflecting on the team’s preparations: “The Prologue day unfolded according to plan, allowing us to complete the scheduled programme. Most of the running took place in wet or damp track conditions, which also enabled us to test the new Wet tyres.
“Of course, it is pleasing to have ended both sessions with the 499P cars occupying the top three positions, but we are fully aware that neither we nor our competitors were focusing on outright performance during the Prologue. Instead, the priority was on car setup and understanding the package.
“For the first time, the FIA WEC season begins in Italy with a 6-hour race held at a circuit so deeply connected to Ferrari’s history. This gives us great satisfaction, and we will do everything possible to make the Tifosi proud, as we expect a large crowd to support the Prancing Horse in the grandstands at Imola.”
Ferdinando Cannizzo satisfied with data gathered during testing
From a technical standpoint, Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Endurance Race Cars, provided further insight into Ferrari’s work during the Prologue: “We completed an intensive and highly productive programme, collecting valuable data on the behaviour of the 499P across a range of conditions. This included both single-lap performance and long-run simulations, as well as checks on reliability and team procedures.
“The variable weather conditions, with sessions held in both rain and on damp asphalt, allowed us to evaluate performance with wet tyres as well. This provided useful indications in scenarios that are representative of race conditions. At the end of the two extended sessions, we are satisfied with the work completed.
“However, it remains difficult to draw reliable conclusions about our rivals. The level of competition in the FIA WEC is extremely high, and while the journey is only just beginning, we approach the season with determination, awareness, and a strong desire to continue improving race after race.”
Pier Guidi and Giovinazzi motivated ahead of home race
Echoing the views of Ferrari management, reigning World Champions Alessandro Pier Guidi and Antonio Giovinazzi expressed their enthusiasm ahead of the Imola weekend.
Alessandro Pier Guidi: “During the Prologue we experienced changing weather conditions, which was a positive factor as it allowed us to test the wet tyres as well. As always, the first test day should not be judged purely by lap times or classification, since each team follows a different programme, making direct comparisons impossible.
“That said, we are certainly pleased with the work carried out on our 499P cars. We are really looking forward to getting back on track at Imola, in front of the Italian fans, and as always we will aim to give our maximum to deliver a memorable weekend for the Tifosi.”
Antonio Giovinazzi: “After Tuesday’s Prologue, where we ran without any issues and in very different conditions – including dry, wet, and damp track – we gathered a large amount of data to analyse ahead of the race weekend.
“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the 499P. Starting the season in Italy, at such a historic and special track for Ferrari like Imola, gives us an extra boost to perform at our best. We know the competition is extremely strong and that the 6-hour race will not be easy, but we approach it with maximum determination and confidence.”
James Calado: “More setup work needed, but Prologue objectives achieved”
Joining Pier Guidi and Giovinazzi is experienced driver James Calado, a long-time teammate of Pier Guidi since their GTE Pro days: “The Prologue went quite well overall. We encountered variable weather conditions and completed many laps, which helped us evaluate the car ahead of Friday’s Free Practice 1 session.
“On our side, there is still some work to do in order to further refine the setup of the 499P, but everything we set out to achieve during the Prologue was successfully completed.”
Fuoco, Molina and Nielsen aim to bounce back after 2025 Imola result
Despite limited success at Imola last year, the trio of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen are determined to respond strongly, building on their third-place finish in the 2025 drivers’ standings.
Antonio Fuoco: “The feedback we obtained during the Prologue is positive, so we take that into the 6 Hours of Imola weekend. This race is undoubtedly a special event for Ferrari and for all of us.
“This year, the FIA WEC season begins at this circuit, where the 499P has always shown strong performance. The race will be demanding, just like the entire season, because being reigning world champions does not provide any advantage. Nevertheless, our goal is to be among the protagonists and deliver a strong performance in front of our fans.”
Miguel Molina: “We are ready to begin the new season in a unique setting like Imola. We hope to start in the best possible way after completing solid work during Tuesday’s Prologue, where we gathered a lot of data to analyse before Free Practice 1.
“There is confidence within the team after last season’s success, which ended with world titles, but at the same time we are fully aware that everyone starts from zero again and that the level of competition is extremely high.”
Nicklas Nielsen: “Imola is a track I really enjoy, and one where our 499P has always proven to be competitive. Racing in front of the Italian fans is always a special emotion for Ferrari drivers.
“For these reasons, we hope to deliver a strong result in the 6-hour race, following what was undoubtedly a positive Prologue where we managed to complete our planned programme.”
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