The FIA World Endurance Championship returns to action after a two-month summer break with the Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of the Americas, marking the fifth round of the season. Toyota and BMW are locked in a fierce battle at the top of the manufacturers" standings, but Ferrari remains within striking distance as the championship heads into its decisive second half.
Across the previous four races between Imola and Sao Paulo, only Toyota and BMW have claimed victories in the premier Hypercar class. Toyota leads the manufacturers" championship with 132 points following wins at Imola and Le Mans, closely followed by BMW with 127 points after triumphs at Spa and Sao Paulo.
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SubscribeDespite freezing development on the current car ahead of a major 2027 update, Ferrari sits third in the standings with 88 points, trailing Toyota by 44 markers. The Maranello outfit has captured three podium finishes so far and believes the 499P still possesses the pace to challenge the front-runners.
In the drivers" championship, the Ferrari crew of Alessandro Pier Guidi, Antonio Giovinazzi, and James Calado trail the joint leaders by just 18 points. If AF Corse optimizes its execution and maximizes race opportunities, the Italian team could deliver a serious challenge to Toyota and BMW in Texas.
Endurance Championship Heats Up Across Classes
Cadillac and Jota head into the Austin weekend eager to improve their positions after a frustrating first half of the season. General Motors treats this event as its home race, raising the pressure on the V-Series R squad to deliver a breakthrough victory on home soil.
Meanwhile, the LMGT3 class features intense competition with Jonny Edgar leading the standings aboard the Corvette TF Sport machine. Porsche Manthey and BMW WRT remain closely tied in pursuit, while Ferrari's leading 296 GT3 entry looks for its first podium finish of the year.
Other manufacturers such as Lexus, McLaren, and Aston Martin are also seeking a strong turnaround following mixed results in previous rounds. Teams will need to master the varying technical demands of the Circuit of the Americas, from its slow technical sections to the lengthy straightaway.
As the endurance paddock settles into Texas, teams prepare for a crucial weekend that will shape the final stretch toward the season finale in Monza. Every point will be heavily contested as championship contenders fight to secure vital momentum.