The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) heads to the United States this weekend (5–7 September) for round six of the 2025 campaign, as the paddock sets up camp at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the Lone Star Le Mans – the series’ annual Texan showdown.

Eighteen Hypercars and an equal number of LMGT3 machines will take on the six-hour race on Sunday evening European time. Ferrari is aiming to repeat its dramatic victory from last year in Austin. In 2024, the privateer yellow #83 Ferrari 499P of Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman and Yifei Ye edged the factory Toyota by just 1.780 seconds. This is the second-smallest winning margin in WEC history today.

A Unique American Challenge

COTA has long been a stern test for teams and drivers alike. The anti-clockwise 5.513-kilometre layout combines a steep climb into Turn 1, a flowing first sector, long straights and a demanding final sequence of slow corners.

With 20 turns in total, a 40.5-metre elevation change and searing track temperatures, the circuit places extreme strain on both tyres and brakes. Last year’s event saw Hypercars clocking top speeds of 316 km/h. Ferrari’s Antonio Giovinazzi set the lap record in 2024 with a blistering 1:50.390.

Ferrari strong, Cadillac confident

Ferrari arrives as the defending winner and title favourite, but the competition has rarely been fiercer. Porsche continues to look menacing, while Toyota, a mainstay of the WEC since 2012, is still chasing its first victory in Austin. Cadillac, buoyed by its milestone maiden win at Interlagos in July, will be desperate to shine on home soil.

Behind the frontrunners, Aston Martin, Alpine, BMW and Peugeot will battle for valuable points. The LMGT3 category promises its own drama, with nine manufacturers represented. The current championship standings see Ferrari in first (175 points), Cadillac in second (120 points) and Porsche closely behind in third (111 points).

History in the making

Since debuting in 2013, COTA has staged some of the WEC’s most memorable contests. The special Lone Star Le Mans name was introduced in 2014 and pays tribute to Texas’ iconic single-star flag. This weekend marks the championship’s eighth visit to Austin, and with 36 cars on the grid, another classic looks likely.

With the title fight intensifying and the Texan sun set to test every aspect of car, tyre and driver, the 99th race in WEC history could well produce another unforgettable showdown.

Schedule (CEST)

Friday, 5 September
18:30–20:00 – Free Practice 1
23:00–00:30 – Free Practice 2

Saturday, 6 September
18:00–19:00 – Free Practice 3
22:00–23:10 – Qualifying & Hyperpole

Sunday, 7 September
20:00–02:00 – 6 Hours of Austin (Lone Star Le Mans)