Imagery courtesy of Alpine Endurance Team via X
After a 10 year hiatus, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) returns to Brazil for the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo held at the legendary Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos. The race weekend runs from 11th – 13th of July 2025 marking a nostalgic and high stakes comeback for one of endurance racing’s most iconic venues.
Length: 4.309 km
Turns: 15 (8 left, 7 right)
Direction: Anti-clockwise adding physical strain for drivers
Signature corners: Senna S, Ferradura, Bico de Pato and Juncao
Elevation change: Over 40 meters across the lap
Weather: Infamously unpredictable – rain showers can strike mid-race, reshuffling strategies
In 2012, Toyota scored its first hybrid WEC victory at Interlagos with the TSO30 hybrid marking a turning point in its endurance racing journey. In 2014, the team clinched the WEC Manufacturers’ Championships at this very track with the #8 TS040 hybrid finishing second to secure the title. The 2025 edition sees Toyota return with the GR010 hybrid aiming to recapture past glory while fending off fierce competition from Porsche, Ferrari and Cadillac.
With multiple manufacturers in contention, the race promises wheel to wheel battles and strategic. The new GT class adds depth and unpredictability to the field. Brazilian fans are known for their passion – expect a carnival of noise, colour and energy.
Imagery courtesy of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) via X
After a gritty second place finish at Le Mans, Toyota now sits 12 points behind Porsche in the Hyper Manufacturers’ Championship. With four rounds remaining, including Sao Paulo, Fuji, Austin and Bahrain, the title fight is wide open.
Toyota: 95 points
Porsche: 84 points
Ferrari: Leading with 172 points, but Toyota and Porsche remain locked in a fierce battle for second-place
The #7 GR010 hybrid is piloted by Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries and returning Mike Conway – a trio that won the 6 Hours of Imola and finished third in the drivers’ standings last season. The #8 GR010 hybrid features Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, a proven lineup with two world titles and a Le Mans win under their belts. Both crews are pushing hard to reclaim momentum after a mixed start to the season with the #8 car aiming to rebound from a tough Le Mans outing.
Toyota is fighting to defend its manufacturers’ crown having won the title six years in a row. But Porsche, fresh off a strong Le Mans showing and a growing presence in the hypercar class is pushing for a power shift in endurance. Toyota’s GR010 hybrid remains a benchmark in hybrid endurance tech. Porsche’s 963 prototype has shown superior fuel efficiency and race pace, especially at Le Mans.
FIA WEC roars back into Brazil from the 12th – 14th of July marking its first visit to Interlagos in a decade. Weekend unfolds as follows:
Friday 12th of July: Two 90 minute free practice sessions
Saturday 13th of July: Final practice and hyper pole qualifying
Sunday 14th of July: Race start at 1130 local time with 19 hypercars and 18 LMGT3 entries battling over six hours
Interlagos is a 4.309 km anti-clockwise circuit with 15 corners and over 40 meters of elevation change. That means tyre degradation is high, especially through traction heavy zones like Bico de Pato and Juncao. Traffic management is critical – LMGT3 cars can bottleneck hypercars in tight sections, especially under mixed weather. Pit stop timing will be decisive with undercuts and early tyre switches potentially flipping the race order. Expect teams to gamble on tyre compounds and react quickly to changing grip levels, especially if Brazil’s famously unpredictable weather strikes mid-race.
Interlagos isn’t just a racetrack – it’s a cultural cauldron. The fan zone spans 26,000 featuring live music, Le Mans Ferris Wheel and interactive gaming zones. Collaborations with local artists adding a uniquely Brazilian flair. A crowd of over 70,000 fans known for the passion and volume turning every lap into celebration.
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