The 2026 campaign of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is set to roar into life as Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA prepares to take on one of the most iconic circuits in global motorsport—Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. Known widely as Imola, this historic venue will host the season-opening round, the 6 Hours of Imola, on April 19, marking the official start of what promises to be a fiercely competitive endurance racing season.
A New Season Begins with High Expectations
Before the green flag drops for the race, teams will participate in the official Prologue on April 14. This crucial pre-season test consists of two sessions held within a single day, offering teams valuable track time to fine-tune their setups, evaluate performance upgrades, and adapt to circuit conditions. For Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, the Prologue represents more than just preparation—it is a chance to validate months of development work carried out during the off-season.
The anticipation surrounding the 2026 WEC season is particularly strong for Cadillac Racing and its partner team JOTA. After a breakthrough 2025 campaign that delivered the brand’s first-ever WEC victory, expectations are higher than ever. The team enters Imola with momentum, confidence, and a clear objective: to build on last year’s success and establish itself as a consistent front-runner in the Hypercar category.
Building on a Breakthrough 2025 Season
The 2025 season marked a turning point for Cadillac in endurance racing. Over the course of eight races, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA demonstrated remarkable consistency and competitiveness. The team secured its maiden WEC victory in Brazil, a milestone achievement that underscored the effectiveness of its engineering, driver lineup, and race strategy.
In addition to that historic win, the team claimed three pole positions throughout the season, highlighting its pace in qualifying trim. Consistency was another defining trait, with key drivers scoring points in every race. This level of performance ultimately resulted in a fifth-place finish in the Hypercar Drivers’ Championship—an impressive accomplishment given the depth and quality of competition in the category.
Such results have set a strong foundation for 2026. The lessons learned from last season, combined with further technical refinements and improved team cohesion, position Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA as a serious contender heading into the new championship.
Driver Lineups: Continuity and Strategic Adjustments
For the 2026 season opener at Imola, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA will field two cars—the No. 12 and No. 38 Cadillac V-Series.R machines—each boasting a blend of experience, speed, and technical understanding.
In the No. 12 car, Norman Nato and Will Stevens return to the cockpit. The duo has already proven their ability to deliver strong performances under pressure. Alongside Alex Lynn, they formed a formidable trio in 2025, consistently finishing in the points and contributing to the team’s overall success.
However, Lynn will be absent for the opening rounds at Imola and Spa due to a planned medical procedure to address an ongoing neck issue. His temporary absence presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the team to adapt and maintain its competitive edge.
In the No. 38 car, the experienced pairing of Earl Bamber and Sébastien Bourdais returns. The duo enjoyed a strong 2025 season, securing three front-row qualifying results and earning a podium finish. Their experience and racecraft will be crucial, particularly on a demanding circuit like Imola.
Joining them later in the season will be Jack Aitken, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP endurance champion. Aitken is set to join from the Spa round onward as part of a dual racing program with Cadillac. However, he will not be present at Imola, as he is competing in an IMSA event at Long Beach during the same weekend.
Engineering Excellence: The Cadillac V-Series.R
At the heart of Cadillac’s Hypercar effort lies the Cadillac V-Series.R, a machine designed to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. Powered by a purpose-built 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine, the car combines raw power with advanced aerodynamics and hybrid technology.
During the off-season, the team focused heavily on refining the car’s performance, including updates to its aerodynamic package. Early indications suggest that these improvements are delivering positive results. Drivers have reported strong performance in simulator sessions, as well as encouraging feedback during recent on-track testing.
Productive Testing in Qatar
Preparation for the Imola race has included an intensive testing program, highlighted by a two-day session in Qatar. Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA completed nearly 450 laps—equivalent to approximately 2,500 kilometers—during the test, demonstrating both reliability and endurance.
This extensive running allowed engineers and drivers to gather valuable data, fine-tune setups, and evaluate the car’s behavior under various conditions. Reliability, a critical factor in endurance racing, appeared to be a strong point, giving the team additional confidence heading into the season opener.
The Challenge of Imola
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari presents a unique set of challenges for drivers and teams alike. Measuring 4.909 kilometers (3.050 miles) and featuring 21 turns, the circuit is known for its narrow layout, high-speed sections, and technical complexity.
Overtaking at Imola is notoriously difficult due to the limited number of passing opportunities and the track’s tight, twisty nature. Traffic management will be a critical factor, especially in multi-class racing where Hypercars must navigate slower GT traffic.
Qualifying performance is therefore expected to play a pivotal role. Securing a strong starting position could significantly influence race strategy and overall results, making every session—from practice to Hyperpole—vitally important.
Race Weekend Schedule
The race weekend at Imola is structured to provide teams with ample preparation time while building excitement toward the main event. Following the Prologue on April 14, the action continues with two Free Practice sessions on April 17.
A third Free Practice session will take place on Saturday, followed by Qualifying and the Hyperpole session—a high-intensity, 10-minute shootout that determines the final grid positions for the Hypercar class.
The 6 Hours of Imola race itself is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. local time (7 a.m. ET) on Sunday, April 19. As the opening round of the championship, it will set the tone for the rest of the season and provide an early indication of each team’s competitiveness.
Driver Perspectives: Confidence and Determination
The drivers of Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA have expressed a mix of excitement and determination ahead of the season opener.
Norman Nato emphasized his eagerness to return to racing after the off-season, highlighting the importance of simulator work and the opportunity presented by the Prologue to assess progress. He also noted the unique atmosphere at Imola, where passionate fans create an electric environment.
Will Stevens echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the long gap since the last race in Bahrain. He pointed to the team’s efforts during the winter to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement, as well as the positive outcomes from the Qatar test.
Earl Bamber highlighted the extensive work carried out by the team during the off-season and expressed optimism based on Cadillac’s strong performances in IMSA competition. He also stressed the importance of qualifying at Imola, given the track’s characteristics.
Sébastien Bourdais shared his enthusiasm for the start of the season, noting the benefits of both simulator preparation and on-track testing. He expressed confidence in the updated aerodynamic package and emphasized the value of additional track time during the Prologue
As the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship gets underway, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA stands poised to build on its growing legacy. With a proven car, a talented driver lineup, and a clear commitment to excellence, the team enters the season with both confidence and ambition.
The 6 Hours of Imola will not only mark the beginning of a new chapter but also serve as a critical benchmark for the team’s progress. Success at this historic circuit could provide a strong foundation for the challenges that lie ahead in the global endurance racing calendar.
For fans and competitors alike, all eyes will be on Imola as Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA aims to turn promise into performance and continue its ascent in the world of endurance racing.
Source Link:https://news.gm.com/
