Fuji 6 Hours: WEC Title Battles Resume in Japan
Toyota seeks redemption on home soil as Ferrari and rivals vie for top honors in the sixth round of the 2026 season.
Key points
- The WEC Fuji 6 Hours takes place from 25 to 27 September 2026, serving as the sixth round of the season.
- Toyota aims to redeem its late-race issues in Austin, while Ferrari seeks to capitalize on its recent momentum.
- The race starts at 11:00 local time on Sunday, with live TV coverage beginning with Saturday's third practice session.
The asphalt at Fuji Speedway cools under the late September sun, but the air crackles with anticipation. Three weeks after the dust settled in Austin, the World Endurance Championship returns to action for the sixth round of the 2026 season. The schedule runs from 25 to 27 September, marking a pivotal moment where the championship narrative tightens around the Japanese hills.
Ferrari’s recent performance in Texas has injected fresh energy into its title campaign, while Toyota faces the pressure of a home crowd after a late-race stumble in the United States. The stakes are high for the Japanese manufacturer, which aims to defend its Le Mans 24 Hours victory and secure the world title with its TR010 Hybrid. The scene is set for a clash of engineering and willpower on the winding track.
Rivals target redemption in Japan
BMW and Cadillac enter the weekend seeking to bounce back from recent setbacks, with the German marque’s Team WRT-run M Hybrid V8s particularly eager to prove their mettle. Alpine’s journey to the Far East carries a different weight, as speculation swirls about potential buyers for its programme. Rumors suggest the A424 LMDh cars could continue racing next year under a new manufacturer identity, adding a layer of uncertainty to their performance.
In the LMGT3 class, the battle remains wide open. While TF Sport Corvette and the #92 Manthey Porsche crew suffered disappointment in Austin, AF Corse Ferrari’s #21 car saw its hopes revived. Mattia Drudi claimed his first WEC victory in Texas aboard the Heart of Racing Aston Martin, proving that no contender is safe. Ford-Proton Competition and Mercedes-Iron Lynx also delivered impressive displays, keeping the title fight unpredictable.
Weekend schedule details for Fuji
Track action begins on Friday, 25 September, with two free practice sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Teams use this time to prepare for the Hyperpole sessions and the main race. The first session runs from 10:15 to 11:45 local time, followed by the second from 14:30 to 16:00. These early laps allow drivers to acclimate to the unique flow of the Fuji circuit.
Saturday, 26 September, features a final 60-minute practice session from 09:30 to 10:30. Qualifying for the LMGT3 class follows at 14:00, with its Hyperpole segment immediately after at 14:20. The Hypercar class takes to the track for qualifying at 14:40, concluding with its Hyperpole session from 15:00 to 15:10. The precision of these short windows determines the starting grid order.
Broadcast options for global viewers
The race starts at 11:00 local time on Sunday, 27 September, a time that translates to an early morning for European audiences given the nine-hour time difference. As reported by Motorsport.com, the entire World Endurance Championship is available on Eurosport in most parts of Europe, while North American viewers can tune in via MotorTrend and HBO+. The championship has also launched a new FIAWEC+ platform, offering live timing and additional content.
Live television coverage begins with the third free practice session on Saturday. The first two practice sessions on Friday will not be broadcast live on TV but can be followed through official timing services. This approach allows fans to monitor real-time data and lap times as teams fine-tune their setups ahead of the decisive weekend.
