What Is 2024 6 Hours of Imola

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024 6 Hours of Imola was an endurance sports car race held on April 21, 2024, at the Imola Circuit in Italy, serving as the second round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. It featured multiple classes of prototypes and GT cars competing over six hours under FIA and ACO regulations.

Key Facts

The 2024 6 Hours of Imola took place on April 21, 2024, at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy.
It was the second round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, following the 1000 Miles of Sebring.
The race covered approximately 1,200 kilometers, with teams completing around 230 laps depending on class.
Toyota Gazoo Racing won the Hypercar class with the #7 GR010 Hybrid driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López.
The event marked the return of the 6 Hours of Imola to the WEC calendar after a 14-year absence since 2010.

Overview

The 2024 6 Hours of Imola was a pivotal endurance racing event in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar, held at the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. This race marked the second stop of the 2024 WEC season, drawing top manufacturers, privateer teams, and global motorsport fans to one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.

As a six-hour endurance race, it tested driver stamina, team strategy, and vehicle reliability under dynamic track conditions. The event featured three primary classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3, each with distinct technical regulations and competitive dynamics.

Event Date: The race officially began on April 21, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM local time after a full weekend of practice and qualifying sessions.
Circuit Length: The Imola Circuit spans 4.909 kilometers per lap, and the winning car completed approximately 230 laps during the race duration.
Hypercar Class:Toyota Gazoo Racing claimed victory in the top class with the #7 GR010 Hybrid, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López.
LMGT3 Class: The Ferrari AF Corse team secured a 1-2 finish in the LMGT3 category, with the #51 Ferrari 296 GT3 taking the class win.
Historical Note: This marked the first WEC race at Imola since 2010, making it a significant return after a 14-year absence from the championship.

Race Format & Structure

The 6 Hours of Imola followed the standardized FIA WEC endurance format, blending high-speed racing with strategic pit cycles, driver changes, and fuel management. Each team fielded multiple drivers, with mandatory driver stints regulated to ensure fairness and safety over the six-hour period.

Endurance Duration: The race lasted exactly six hours, ending at 6:00 PM local time regardless of lap count, emphasizing consistency over pure speed.
Driver Rotation: Each car required at least two drivers, with a minimum driving time per driver enforced to prevent overuse and enhance safety.
Pit Stops: Teams made 6–8 pit stops on average, combining refueling, tire changes, and driver swaps under strict FIA time regulations.
Class Competition: The race featured three classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3, each with different performance envelopes and technical specs.
Weather Impact: Light rain during the second hour caused several teams to switch to wet-weather tires, altering strategy and creating overtaking opportunities.
Safety Cars: The race saw three full-course cautions, including one for a multi-car incident at the Acque Minerali corner on lap 47.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics across the top three finishing teams in the Hypercar class:

h>Drivers

Team	Car Model	Laps Completed	Finishing Position
Toyota Gazoo Racing	GR010 Hybrid	Conway, Kobayashi, López	228	1st
Toyota Gazoo Racing	GR010 Hybrid	Buemi, Hartley, Nakajima	227	2nd
AF Corse	490 M Hybrid	Fisichella, Rovera, Calado	225	3rd
Proton Competition	963 RSR	Lietz, Campbell, Juncadella	223	4th
Porsche Penske Motorsport	963	Estre, Vanthoor, Lotterer	221	5th

The data highlights the narrow margins in endurance racing, where a single lap difference can separate victory from second place. Toyota’s dominance was evident, but Ferrari’s strong pace in the final hours demonstrated competitive balance. Porsche struggled with cooling issues, impacting their final standing despite early pace.

Why It Matters

The 2024 6 Hours of Imola had significant implications for the WEC season and the broader landscape of endurance motorsport. Its return to Imola revitalized European interest and showcased the FIA’s commitment to rotating historic circuits into the calendar.

Manufacturer Rivalry: The race intensified the Toyota vs. Ferrari vs. Porsche battle, setting the stage for the rest of the 2024 championship.
Technical Development: Teams used Imola to test new hybrid systems and aerodynamic packages ahead of Le Mans.
Fan Engagement: Over 80,000 spectators attended in person, with millions more watching globally via live broadcast.
Driver Standings: The results reshuffled the Hypercar driver rankings, with the #7 Toyota trio taking the championship lead.
Sustainability Focus: The event featured 100% sustainable fuels in all WEC categories, aligning with FIA’s 2030 environmental goals.
Historic Venue: Imola’s return honors motorsport heritage and strengthens WEC’s European footprint.

With its blend of competition, innovation, and tradition, the 2024 6 Hours of Imola proved to be more than just a race—it was a milestone in modern endurance racing.