The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari witnessed a masterclass in precision today as Antonio Giovinazzi secured a dramatic pole position for the 2026 6 Hours of Imola. In what is being hailed as the closest Hyperpole shootout in WEC history, the top four cars were blanketed by a mere 0.073 seconds.
The Battle for the Front Row
For much of the session, it appeared that Toyota Gazoo Racing had the measure of the field. Ryล Hirakawa, piloting the heavily updated #8 Toyota TR010 Hybrid, surged to the top of the timing screens as the clock ticked toward zero.
However, Giovinazzi, driving the #51 Ferrari 499P, found a final burst of pace on his last flying lap. Feeding off the energy of thousands of tifosi lining the grandstands, the Italian crossed the line with a 1:30.127, eclipsing Hirakawa by just 0.011 seconds.
Ferrariโs Strength in Numbers
The Prancing Horseโs dominance at their home circuit was further solidified by a strong showing across the factory team:
- P3 for the #50: Antonio Fuoco, who topped the initial qualifying segment, will start third after finishing only 0.040s behind his teammate.
- Peugeot Spices the Mix: In a surprise performance, Malthe Jakobsen placed the #94 Peugeot 9X8 in fourth, completing a front two rows dominated by European manufacturers.
- Privateer Presence: The #83 AF Corse Ferrari, featuring Robert Kubica, secured P8, ensuring three Maranello-built Hypercars start within the top ten.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
While qualifying pace is one thing, the 6-hour endurance battle tomorrow will test the 499Pโs tire management in much warmer temperatures than seen during the 2025 event. With track position being notoriously difficult to gain at the narrow Imola circuit, this pole is a critical strategic advantage for the reigning World Champions.
The 6 Hours of Imola is scheduled to lights-out at 1:00 PM local time (CEST) tomorrow, Sunday, April 19.
Sidebar: LMGT3 Highlights
It wasn’t just a big day for Ferrari; the LMGT3 class saw a stunning debut for Garage 59. Rookie sensation Tom Fleming put the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo on pole, outqualifying the Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F by two-tenths of a second.
