Endurance at its finest: WEC marks 100th Championship race with historic Fuji celebration
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) was launched in 2012, reviving global endurance racing under unified regulations. It began with LMP1 and GTE classes, evolving into today’s Hypercar as well as LMGT3 formats with a focus on sustainability, manufacturer diversity plus technological innovation. Over 13 seasons, WEC has visited five continents, hosted iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and welcomed 13 manufacturers including Toyota, Porsche, Ferrari Peugeot as well as Cadillac.
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Fuji Speedway is a historic venue with deep ties to endurance racing and Toyota’s motorsport legacy. The 2025 6 Hours of Fuji will mark WEC’s 100th race, celebrated with fan festivals, charity auctions and cultural showcases including a French flair along with helicopter tours. Fuji’s placement late in the season makes it a strategic battleground for championship momentum, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.
Le Mans legends like Tom Kristensen, Andre Lotterer and Brendon Hartley helped define the early LMP1 era. The Hypercar era ushered in new heroes such as Ryo Hirakawa, James Calado and Kevin Estre with Ferrari’s 2023 Le Mans win marking a historic comeback. Manufacturers like Toyota Gazoo Racing, Porsche and Peugeot have pushed hybrid as well as aero innovation while privateers like Glickenhaus along with Jota added depth to the grid.
Frederic Lequien, CEO of WEC, said: “Reaching 100 races is a testament to the passion, resilience and global appeal of endurance racing. Fuji is the perfect place to celebrate this milestone.”
A spokesperson for Toyota Gazoo Racing, said: “Fuji is home. To mark the 100th race here, in front of our fans, is incredibly special.”
A spokesperson for Ferrari AF Corse, said: “WEC’s evolution mirrors our own journey – from GT dominance to Hypercar glory. The century mark is just the beginning.”
The 2025 6 Hours of Fuji marks WEC’s 100th race, celebrating with high-profile activations. A start ceremony featuring world renowned Chenelle and rugby legends Aaron Smith as honorary starter. Cultural showcases including a French flair, helicopter tours and charity auctions tied to local causes. Commemorative branding across the paddock and fan zones highlighting WEC’s journey since 2012.
Fuji Speed way embraced its role as a motorsport hub with interactive exhibits honouring Japanese legends like Kazuki Nakajima and Kamui Kobayashi. Fan festivals along the circuit’s perimeter featuring karting, sim racing and meet-and-greets with drivers. Strong local turnout with fans celebrating Toyota’s homecoming and the Hypercar era’s impact on Japanese motorsport culture.
Since 2012, WEC has transformed from LMP1/GTE formats to today’s Hypercar and LMGT3 classes emphasising hybrid innovations with manufacturers like Toyota, Ferrari as well as Porsche pushing electrification along with aero development. Sustainability goals, including DHL’s shift to ocean freight, HVO powered trucks and sustainable maritime fuels. A truly global reach, now spanning eight races across four continents with record breaking attendance (e.g., 332,000 at Le Mans 2025).
WEC’s next chapter includes, new manufacturers joining the Hypercar grid like BMW, Lamborghini and Alpine’s expanded program. Calendar expansion with potential new rounds in Asia and the Middle East with continued presence in Brazil, the US in addition to Qatar.
Lequien, said: “The 100th race is a celebration of endurance racing’s past and a launchpad for its future. We’re just getting started.”
A push for greater fan accessibility, including enhanced streaming, regional commentary and immersive digital content.
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