Kobe Pauwels stars on 2026 WEC debut at Imola, topping LMGT3 FP2 and impressing with Aston Martin after late call-up.

Pauwels thrilled after “great” start to debut weekend at 2026 WEC 6 Hours of Imola

Kobe Pauwels delivered a remarkable performance on his 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) debut at Imola. The young Belgian stepped into the spotlight with confidence and composure, ultimately topping the LMGT3 timesheets in FP2. Although his appearance came unexpectedly, Pauwels seized the opportunity and immediately proved his potential at the highest level of endurance…

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Alpine tops FP2 at 2026 WEC Imola as Hypercar battle tightens, while Aston Martin leads LMGT3 in a fiercely competitive session.
Photo Credit: FIA World Endurance Championship | DPPI

2026 | WEC | 6 Hours of Imola | Free Practice 2 | Alpine surges ahead as lap times tumble.

After Ferrari topped Free Practice 1 with a 1-2-3 in the Hypercar category, Free Practice 2 at Imola delivered a significant shift in the competitive order of the opening FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) weekend of 2026. As track conditions improved, lap times dropped rapidly, and new contenders emerged at the front in both Hypercar…

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Complete guide to 2026 FIA WEC: classes, teams, race format, points, tyres and calendar, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Photo Credit: FIA World Endurance Championship | DPPI

Everything you need to know about the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) represents the pinnacle of long-distance circuit racing. Established in 2012 by the FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the series combines cutting-edge technology, world-class drivers and demanding races that last anywhere from six hours to a full 24-hour marathon. Crucially, WEC continues to grow in popularity thanks…

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Comtoyou Aston Martin snatched victory in GTWC Europe Paul Ricard race after a late Safety Car denied Mercedes-AMG a dominant win.
Photo Credit: SRO/JEP

2026 GTWC Europe | Endurance Cup | Paul Ricard | Race | 007 Comtoyou Aston Martin snatches dramatic victory

Comtoyou Racing secured a sensational late race victory in the GTWC Europe 2026 season opener at Circuit Paul Ricard, as the No. 007 Aston Martin of Marco Sørensen, Nicki Thiim and Mattia Drudi overturned the odds in a dramatic closing stint. The trio capitalised on a late Safety Car to deny the dominant No. 48…

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#48 Mercedes-AMG takes first overall pole in GTWC Europe Qualifying Endurance, leading the grid into the 6h race at Paul Ricard
Photo Credit: SRO | JEP

2026 GTWC Europe | Endurance Cup | Circuit Paul Ricard | Qualifying | Mercedes-AMG MANN-FILTER #48 takes first overall pole of the season

Winward Racing secured pole position for the opening round of the 2026 GTWC Europe Endurance Cup at Circuit Paul Ricard for the second year in a row, as Lucas Auer, Luca Stolz and Maro Engel combined to narrowly edge out the competition in a remarkably close qualifying session. Despite Engel only placing 11th in the…

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Lance Stroll gears up for 2026 GTWC Europe debut at Paul Ricard, chasing experience, enjoyment, and a rare shot at victory.
Photo Credit: SRO/JEP

Stroll eyes opportunity beyond F1 with GTWC Europe debut set for 2026 opener at Circuit Paul Ricard

Lance Stroll will step outside his usual F1 environment this weekend to take on a fresh and demanding challenge in the 2026 GTWC Europe. At Circuit Paul Ricard, the Canadian will pilot an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO run by Comtoyou Racing in a six-hour endurance race. Unlike the highly structured and intense world…

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Kobe Pauwels will make his 2026 WEC debut at Imola with Aston Martin, replacing Eduardo Barrichello due to an IMSA clash.
Photo Credit: Aston Martin Academy

Aston Martin Academy graduate Kobe Pauwels to make WEC debut at 2026 opener in Imola

Kobe Pauwels will make his debut in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the season-opening 6 Hours of Imola. The Aston Martin Academy graduate steps in for Eduardo Barrichello, who faces a scheduling clash with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. As a result, Pauwels receives an early opportunity to showcase his talent on…

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Thiim discusses his DTM return with Aston Martin, learning from younger teammates and preparing with Comtoyou Racing.
Photo Credit: SRO/JEP

Exclusive: Thiim on youth, experience and his 2026 DTM return – “It keeps you humble”

A new chapter awaits Nicki Thiim as the Aston Martin factory driver prepares to return to the DTM grid in 2026, determined to rewrite a story that previously fell short of expectations. Thiim joins Comtoyou Racing as part of Aston Martin’s evolving DTM programme, with the manufacturer continuing to develop its GT3-based effort. The Belgian…

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Lance Stroll at the F1 2026 Japanese GP
Photo Credit: Aston Martin F1 Team

Stroll believes team has “a lot to work on” after F1 2026 Japanese GP

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll saw his F1 2026 Japanese GP end in the garage after a suspected water pressure issue. The Canadian driver was forced to retire after a direct instruction from the F1 Aston Martin pit wall. This concluded an afternoon defined by a thirty-lap intra-team squabble and a lack of pace. The suspected…

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Fernando Alonso getting ready for the 2026 F1 Japanese GP
Photo Credit: Aston Martin F1 Team

Alonso hopes finishing 2026 F1 Japanese GP motivates team to keep improving

The 2026 F1 Japanese GP was a home race for Aston Martin and their drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Their Honda engine has been making headlines since the beginning of the season – but not good ones. But for their home race, the engine supplier promised more reliability. And they kept their promise: Fernando…

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