- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,204
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Motorsport photo
Ferrari says the decision to keep Balance of Performance data secret in the 2026 World Endurance Championship will take away a key element of the 'race narrative'.
Earlier this week, it emerged that the WEC will no longer publish BoP figures in 2026, with any information kept private between the teams and the series.
Previously, the championship released a detailed table ahead of each round, outlining the exact weight and power output for each hypercar.
BoP, by nature, is a contentious topic - and the series' job has been complicated by the need to balance cars built to two different regulations - LMDh and LMH.
Teams, manufacturers and drivers were already prohibited from commenting on BoP under the sporting regulations.
Asked what he felt about the FIA’s controversial decision to withhold sharing BoP data with the public, Ferrari's head of endurance and customer racing Antonello Coletta said: "As you know, we’re not allowed to discuss the BoP issue, but I prefer to speak frankly: there’s a rule, and rules must be followed.
"Clearly, we’d all like to know more and more about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the races. Unfortunately, that’s something that will be missing from the narrative [of the race]."
The new WEC campaign kicks off in Italy this weekend following the postponement of the Qatar 1812km round, which was originally scheduled at the end of March.
Reigning champion Ferrari faces immense pressure on home soil, with plenty still to learn about the updated 499P, which features revised aerodynamics under new homologation rules as well as new Michelin tyres.
These are factors that prompt Coletta to urge calm within Ferrari, but he remains convinced that the Maranello-based team remains strong.
"Starting the fourth season as reigning champions and following the best season ever in Ferrari’s history is a source of great pride," he said. "At one time, none of the titles we hold today existed; it’s a privilege, and we know that Ferrari is obligated to win - it’s up to us to do everything possible to make that happen.
"Results don’t come by chance, but thanks to a structure built methodically and the work of every single person. We worked hard at it; by the end of 2024, we understood how to make the most of the tyres, and in 2025, we got off to a great start.
Antonello Coletta, Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti
You must be registered for see images attach
Antonello Coletta, Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti
"Today, I don’t know if we’re the favourites; we’re starting from scratch because all the cars have been homologated again, we don’t know the performance levels of the field, and we have to respect the competition.
"We’re starting over with our heads down and the obligation to perform well; holding the title of world champions is a source of immense pride for all of us. If we look at the statements from other manufacturers, most are focused on wanting to beat Ferrari, so I believe that’s the best response to what we’re doing."
Ferrari dominated the Prologue tests, but those times should be read with a pinch of salt, as many other cars were certainly holding back their performance.
"It was a session with fluctuating conditions, and everyone ran their own tests," Coletta said. "We’re pleased to be up front, and if we look at the various sector times, I think it’s clear that some teams have hidden their true pace well. We know that Sunday night’s result will be what counts, so comments on the lap times will come later.
"I’m sure it won’t be easy to stay in the top three; some rivals will be very fast in both qualifying and the race, but hiding more or less well is part of the game.
"We need to understand the new tyres so we can bring them up to temperature and manage them for as long as possible in the best way during each stint. A few more test sessions would have been helpful, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to sit here and complain; we have to be determined and quick to adapt them to the car."
Once again, Coletta emphasised that it is important to focus on the job at hand because, as defending champions, the responsibilities are even greater.
"We have to try to stay where we’ve gotten to; it’s incredibly hard to win, and it’s even harder to do it again. Every day we have to keep our feet on the ground and work with focus because you never stop learning.
"This applies to me and all my colleagues; it’s better, however, to have the problem of continuing to win than the problem of failing to do so. We’re starting in front of our home crowd, with pressure to manage rather than endure; we know the responsibility of representing one of the world’s most important brands, and with so many people cheering for us, we must start off on the right foot and not let them down."
Photos from Imola - Friday
#35 Alpine Endurance Team Alpine A424: Antonio Felix Da Costa, Ferdinand Habsburg, Charles Milesi
You must be registered for see images attach
#35 Alpine Endurance Team Alpine A424: Antonio Felix Da Costa, Ferdinand Habsburg, Charles Milesi
Jakob Ebrey / LAT Images via Getty Images
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Kamui Kobayashi
You must be registered for see images attach
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Kamui Kobayashi
FIAWEC - DPPI
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P
You must be registered for see images attach
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P
Ferrari
#93 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8: Paul Di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nick Cassidy
You must be registered for see images attach
#93 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8: Paul Di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nick Cassidy
FIAWEC - DPPI
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
You must be registered for see images attach
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
Jakob Ebrey / LAT Images via Getty Images
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi
You must be registered for see images attach
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi
Paul Foster
#009 Aston Martin Thor Team Aston Martin Valkyrie: Alex Riberas, Marco Sorensen
You must be registered for see images attach
#009 Aston Martin Thor Team Aston Martin Valkyrie: Alex Riberas, Marco Sorensen
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#10 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Antares Au, Thomas Fleming, Marvin Kirchhofer
You must be registered for see images attach
#10 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Antares Au, Thomas Fleming, Marvin Kirchhofer
Paul Foster
#38 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series.R: Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais
You must be registered for see images attach
#38 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series.R: Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais
Paul Foster
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica
Ferrari
#92 The Bend Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R: Yasser Shahin, Riccardo Pera, Richard Lietz
You must be registered for see images attach
#92 The Bend Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R: Yasser Shahin, Riccardo Pera, Richard Lietz
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#20 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Rene Rast, Robin Frijns
You must be registered for see images attach
#20 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Rene Rast, Robin Frijns
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
#10 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Antares Au, Thomas Fleming, Marvin Kirchhofer
You must be registered for see images attach
#10 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Antares Au, Thomas Fleming, Marvin Kirchhofer
FIA WEC / DPPI
#93 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8: Paul Di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nick Cassidy
You must be registered for see images attach
#93 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8: Paul Di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nick Cassidy
FIA WEC / DPPI
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
You must be registered for see images attach
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
FIA WEC / DPPI
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Sébastien Buemi
You must be registered for see images attach
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Sébastien Buemi
FIAWEC - DPPI
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Philip Hanson
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Philip Hanson
Ferrari
#009 Aston Martin Thor Team Aston Martin Valkyrie: Alex Riberas, Marco Sorensen
You must be registered for see images attach
#009 Aston Martin Thor Team Aston Martin Valkyrie: Alex Riberas, Marco Sorensen
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Jamie Chadwick, Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001
You must be registered for see images attach
Jamie Chadwick, Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001
FIAWEC - DPPI
#79 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3: Johannes Zelger, Matteo Cressoni, Lin Hodenius
You must be registered for see images attach
#79 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3: Johannes Zelger, Matteo Cressoni, Lin Hodenius
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#50 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen
You must be registered for see images attach
#50 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen
Jakob Ebrey / LAT Images via Getty Images
#15 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Raffaele Marciello, Kevin Magnussen
You must be registered for see images attach
#15 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Raffaele Marciello, Kevin Magnussen
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#12 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series.R: Norman Nato, Will Stevens
You must be registered for see images attach
#12 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series.R: Norman Nato, Will Stevens
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
#50 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen
You must be registered for see images attach
#50 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#17 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Andre Lotterer
You must be registered for see images attach
#17 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Andre Lotterer
FIAWEC - DPPI
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P
You must be registered for see images attach
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P
Ferrari
#34 Racing Team Turkey by TF Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R: Peter Dempsey, Salih Yoluc, Charlie Eastwood
You must be registered for see images attach
#34 Racing Team Turkey by TF Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R: Peter Dempsey, Salih Yoluc, Charlie Eastwood
FIAWEC - DPPI
#32 Team WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO: Darren Leung, Sean Gelael, Augusto Farfus
You must be registered for see images attach
#32 Team WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO: Darren Leung, Sean Gelael, Augusto Farfus
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
You must be registered for see images attach
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
Jakob Ebrey / LAT Images via Getty Images
#50 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen
You must be registered for see images attach
#50 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#10 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Antares Au, Thomas Fleming, Marvin Kirchhofer
You must be registered for see images attach
#10 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Antares Au, Thomas Fleming, Marvin Kirchhofer
FIA WEC / DPPI
#17 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Andre Lotterer, Pipo Derani, Mathys Jaubert
You must be registered for see images attach
#17 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Andre Lotterer, Pipo Derani, Mathys Jaubert
FIA WEC / DPPI
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#32 Team WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO: Sean Gelael
You must be registered for see images attach
#32 Team WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO: Sean Gelael
FIAWEC - DPPI
#33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R: Jonny Edgar
You must be registered for see images attach
#33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R: Jonny Edgar
FIAWEC - DPPI
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Yifei Ye
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Yifei Ye
Ferrari
#93 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8: Nick Cassidy
You must be registered for see images attach
#93 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8: Nick Cassidy
FIAWEC - DPPI
Jacky Ickx, Genesis Magma Racing
You must be registered for see images attach
Jacky Ickx, Genesis Magma Racing
FIAWEC - DPPI
#91 Manthey Dk Engineering Porsche 911 GT3 R: James Cottingham, Timur Boguslavskiy, Ayhancan Guven
You must be registered for see images attach
#91 Manthey Dk Engineering Porsche 911 GT3 R: James Cottingham, Timur Boguslavskiy, Ayhancan Guven
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#69 Team WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO: Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson, Daniel Harper
You must be registered for see images attach
#69 Team WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO: Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson, Daniel Harper
Paul Foster
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#92 The Bend Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R: Yasser Shahin, Riccardo Pera, Richard Lietz
You must be registered for see images attach
#92 The Bend Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R: Yasser Shahin, Riccardo Pera, Richard Lietz
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
#33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R: Blake McDonald, Jonny Edgar, Nicky Catsburg
You must be registered for see images attach
#33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R: Blake McDonald, Jonny Edgar, Nicky Catsburg
FIA WEC / DPPI
#17 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Andre Lotterer, Pipo Derani, Mathys Jaubert
You must be registered for see images attach
#17 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Andre Lotterer, Pipo Derani, Mathys Jaubert
Paul Foster
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
You must be registered for see images attach
#83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, Philip Hanson
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#79 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3: Johannes Zelger, Matteo Cressoni, Lin Hodenius
You must be registered for see images attach
#79 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3: Johannes Zelger, Matteo Cressoni, Lin Hodenius
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
#19 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Mathieu Jaminet, Paul-Loup Chatin, Daniel Juncadella
You must be registered for see images attach
#19 Genesis Magma Racing Genesis GMR-001: Mathieu Jaminet, Paul-Loup Chatin, Daniel Juncadella
Sam Bagnall / Getty Images
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
You must be registered for see images attach
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries
FIA WEC / DPPI
#58 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Alexander West, Finn Gehrsitz, Benjamin Goethe
You must be registered for see images attach
#58 Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO: Alexander West, Finn Gehrsitz, Benjamin Goethe
Jakob Ebrey / LAT Images via Getty Images
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi
You must be registered for see images attach
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi
FIA WEC / DPPI
Read Also:
You must be registered for see images attach
Robin Frijns admits BMW’s struggles in WEC: “We don’t fully understand the car yet”
You must be registered for see images attach
Peugeot in 2026: Maiden WEC victory at last or another transitional year? To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Continue reading...
