6h Austin: Reactions to the upcoming FIA WEC round

The time has come: the FIA WEC is set to stage the fifth round of the 2026 season from 4 to 6 September. The World Championship is heading to Texas for the occasion. The 5.513-kilometre Circuit of the Americas in Austin has an exciting layout and is quite popular with the drivers. 35 cars have been entered for the event. Leading the field are 17 Hypercars. Generally speaking, the WEC paddock is very optimistic about the Austin event. Here are a few comments.

Mike Conway – Toyota TR010 Hybrid

“It’s been a long break since the last race, so we’re all raring to get back behind the wheel – especially at the Circuit of the Americas. It’s a track that’s great fun to drive and offers a bit of everything: high-speed corners as well as a technically demanding final sector. We’ll need to work intensively on the car’s set-up early in the week to ensure we’re well-positioned throughout the lap and also in race trim.”

Norman Nato – Cadillac V-Series.R

“COTA is a wonderful place and a great circuit. I’m really delighted that Ricky Taylor is joining us. He brings a wealth of experience, knows the car inside out and is fresh from a victory in the IMSA series. So I have no doubt that he’ll be a great addition to the team. Our primary goal remains to win races. We achieved an excellent result in Brazil and want to build on that after the summer break.”

Stoffel Vandoorne – Peugeot 9X8

“I’m looking forward to racing again after the summer break. I have very fond memories of the 2025 Lone Star Le Mans race, when the number 94 car secured a podium finish together with Loïc and Malthe. The conditions were particularly challenging, as it rained heavily throughout the race. It’s one of the most demanding events on the calendar, both for the drivers and for the tyres. I hope we can put in a similarly strong performance this year as well.”

Logan Sargeant – Ford Mustang LMGT3

“Fortunately, Brazil marked a huge turning point for us. It was great to come to São Paulo and really be in the mix at the front. We’re on the right track, and the aim for COTA is to build on the progress we’ve made recently and hopefully secure a podium finish. I can count on a lot of support from home, and that’s great to see. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of fans at our home race.”