17/04/2026

‘With the BoP hidden, part of the race story will be missing’

Ferrari says the decision to keep Balance of Performance data secret in the 2026 World Endurance Championship will take away a key element of the ‘race narrative’.

Earlier this week, it emerged that the WEC will no longer publish BoP figures in 2026, with any information kept private between the teams and the series.

Previously, the championship released a detailed table ahead of each round, outlining the exact weight and power output for each hypercar.

BoP, by nature, is a contentious topic — and the series’ job has been complicated by the need to balance cars built to two different regulations — LMDh and LMH.

Teams, manufacturers and drivers were already prohibited from commenting on BoP under the sporting regulations.

Asked what he felt about the FIA’s controversial decision to withhold sharing BoP data with the public, Ferrari’s head of endurance and customer racing Antonello Coletta said: «As you know, we’re not allowed to discuss the BoP issue, but I prefer to speak frankly: there’s a rule, and rules must be followed.

«Clearly, we’d all like to know more and more about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the races. Unfortunately, that’s something that will be missing from the narrative [of the race].»

The new WEC campaign kicks off in Italy this weekend following the postponement of the Qatar 1812km round, which was originally scheduled at the end of March.

Reigning champion Ferrari faces immense pressure on home soil, with plenty still to learn about the updated 499P, which features revised aerodynamics under new homologation rules as well as new Michelin tyres.

These are factors that prompt Coletta to urge calm within Ferrari, but he remains convinced that the Maranello-based team remains strong.

«Starting the fourth season as reigning champions and following the best season ever in Ferrari’s history is a source of great pride,» he said. «At one time, none of the titles we hold today existed; it’s a privilege, and we know that Ferrari is obligated to win — it’s up to us to do everything possible to make that happen.

«Results don’t come by chance, but thanks to a structure built methodically and the work of every single person. We worked hard at it; by the end of 2024, we understood how to make the most of the tyres, and in 2025, we got off to a great start.

Antonello Coletta, Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti

Photo by: Davide Cavazza

«Today, I don’t know if we’re the favourites; we’re starting from scratch because all the cars have been homologated again, we don’t know the performance levels of the field, and we have to respect the competition.

«We’re starting over with our heads down and the obligation to perform well; holding the title of world champions is a source of immense pride for all of us. If we look at the statements from other manufacturers, most are focused on wanting to beat Ferrari, so I believe that’s the best response to what we’re doing.»

Ferrari dominated the Prologue tests, but those times should be read with a pinch of salt, as many other cars were certainly holding back their performance.

«It was a session with fluctuating conditions, and everyone ran their own tests,» Coletta said. «We’re pleased to be up front, and if we look at the various sector times, I think it’s clear that some teams have hidden their true pace well. We know that Sunday night’s result will be what counts, so comments on the lap times will come later.

«I’m sure it won’t be easy to stay in the top three; some rivals will be very fast in both qualifying and the race, but hiding more or less well is part of the game.

«We need to understand the new tyres so we can bring them up to temperature and manage them for as long as possible in the best way during each stint. A few more test sessions would have been helpful, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to sit here and complain; we have to be determined and quick to adapt them to the car.»

Once again, Coletta emphasised that it is important to focus on the job at hand because, as defending champions, the responsibilities are even greater.

«We have to try to stay where we’ve gotten to; it’s incredibly hard to win, and it’s even harder to do it again. Every day we have to keep our feet on the ground and work with focus because you never stop learning.

«This applies to me and all my colleagues; it’s better, however, to have the problem of continuing to win than the problem of failing to do so. We’re starting in front of our home crowd, with pressure to manage rather than endure; we know the responsibility of representing one of the world’s most important brands, and with so many people cheering for us, we must start off on the right foot and not let them down.»