The third-to-last round of the 2026 WEC season takes place this weekend at Fuji Speedway, Japan. Three weeks after the race in Austin, Texas, teams and drivers are gearing up for another six-hour endurance battle at the iconic circuit. For Toyota, this race is more than just another event. They are eager to bounce back from their disastrous retirement in the USA, which handed Ferrari their first win of the season. Moreover, Toyota wants to deliver a perfect result for their loyal Japanese fans by winning at home.
Championship Battle Wide Open
A victory at Fuji would mean a lot for Toyota. Not only would it extend their lead in the manufacturers' standings, but it could also propel them to the top of the drivers' championship, provided the #7 car of Conway, Kobayashi, and De Vries takes the win. However, the Hypercar class competition remains fierce. BMW, who underperformed in Austin, is determined to bounce back. Meanwhile, Ferrari, fresh from their win, will aim for a double podium at Fuji.
Fuji is the last race outside Europe before the season heads to Barcelona and Monza. Those two European circuits replace the usual Qatar and Bahrain season finale. With only three races left, every point is crucial. The pressure to perform is immense, especially for teams still in championship contention.
Live Broadcast Schedule and Time Zone Challenge
Interestingly, the WEC race at Fuji coincides with the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, due to time zone differences and the F1 race being held on Saturday, fans in Europe and the Americas will find it easier to follow the WEC race. For Italian fans, they will have to wake up very early to catch the action at Fuji. Free Practice 1 and 2 will not be broadcast live, with only live timing available on the official WEC website. Free Practice 3, qualifying, and the race will be streamed live on Discovery+ and FIAWEC+. The race can also be watched on Eurosport 1, Sky Sport, and HBO Max.
Full Schedule: 6 Hours of Fuji 2026 (Italian Time)
Friday, 25 September
03:15 – Free Practice 1 (live timing only on FIAWEC+)
07:30 – Free Practice 2 (live timing only on FIAWEC+)
Saturday, 26 September
02:20 – Free Practice 3 (live on Discovery+ and FIAWEC+)
06:50 – Qualifying (live on Discovery+ and FIAWEC+)
Sunday, 27 September
03:30 – Race (live on Eurosport 1, Sky Sport, Discovery+, HBO Max, and FIAWEC+)
For Toyota, Fuji is the perfect stage to bounce back. Their #7 car will carry the hopes of the home crowd. If they win, Toyota will not only strengthen their position in the manufacturers' standings but also seize the lead in the drivers' championship. Of course, BMW and Ferrari will not sit idly by. Both have strong motivations to halt Toyota's home dominance. BMW wants to prove that their poor performance in Austin was just a blip, while Ferrari aims to show that their Austin win was no fluke. The six-hour race at Fuji will test endurance, strategy, and speed. Who will come out on top? We'll find out soon.
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