6h Sao Paulo: What the drivers are saying about the upcoming WEC race

The time has come: the FIA WEC is set to hold its fourth event of the 2026 season this coming weekend (10–12 July). The World Championship is heading to Brazil for the occasion. The WEC previously raced on the 4.309-kilometre Interlagos circuit from 2012 to 2014, but then took a break. It made its comeback in 2024. Following 2025, the 2026 race will also take place at the circuit known as the ‘Autódromo José Carlos Pace’. Thirty-five cars have been entered for this year’s race. Leading the field are 17 Hypercars. Generally speaking, the WEC drivers are very optimistic about the event. Here are a few comments.

Théo Pourchaire – Peugeot 9X8 #94

“I’m ready for São Paulo. I’m yet to get to know this circuit properly, even though I was already working as a development driver for the Peugeot TotalEnergies team last year. Back then, I had the opportunity to explore the circuit on foot and work with the team. This year we’re preparing as well as we can, particularly in the simulator. It’s a lovely circuit, but one that can hold a few surprises. We achieved a good result last year, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to do the same again this year – though in the WEC, nothing is guaranteed.”

Nyck de Vries – Toyota TR010 Hybrid #7

“The mood across the whole team remains extremely positive following Le Mans, so we’re all looking forward to racing again. With the further-developed car, we’re definitely hoping for a much better race in São Paulo than last year, which was really tough for us. As always, it won’t be an easy task, but we’re ready and raring to go.”

Sébastien Bourdais – Cadillac V-Series.R #38

“We’re heading back to the place where the team enjoyed its best race weekend last year – with a one-two finish after securing pole position. We’re all looking forward to returning there and seeing if we can achieve another strong result. The circuit is demanding to drive. Tyre wear is considerable there, and the high altitude means the car slides more than on other circuits due to the lower downforce. So it’s always a bit of a challenge to find the right operating window and get the most out of the tyres – but we definitely managed that last year. We’ve got a competitive package again this year and are showing strong pace in every race. So far, though, the results haven’t quite gone our way.”

Sebastian Priaulx – #77 Ford Mustang LMGT3

“This will be my first time racing in São Paulo and I’m looking forward to visiting a new country I’ve never been to before. Hopefully we’ll fare a bit better than in the previous races – we’ve laid the groundwork for success and have enormous potential; so it’s just a matter of making sure we’re as well prepared as possible. The circuit should suit our car well, and I’m simply looking forward to getting back out on track in the Mustang and seeing what we can achieve.”

Ben Keating – Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R

“What I’m most looking forward to about Brazil is not having to drive five stints in a row! I don’t expect my elbow to be causing me too much pain, but carrying the success ballast – as a result of our championship lead and our victory at Le Mans – will certainly make itself felt. That’s a price we’re happy to pay, though. I reckon we’ll need a bit of luck to finish in the points, but I have every confidence in TF Sport that we’ll manage it. I’m also really looking forward to sharing the car with Nico again. It’s been almost three years since we shared a Corvette in the WEC, and I couldn’t wish for a better stand-in for Nicky than Nico.”