Motorsport Beyond F1: Le Mans, WRC, MotoGP, Formula E — 2026-09-10
Ferrari secured a dramatic victory at the Lone Star Le Mans after Toyota suffered a late-race retirement, reshaping the WEC championship battle. Meanwhile, Nicolò Bulega confirmed his move to MotoGP with VR46 for 2027, and Scott McLaughlin dominated the IndyCar season finale at Laguna Seca.
Motorsport Beyond F1: Le Mans, WRC, MotoGP, Formula E — 2026-09-10
Top developments
Ferrari Triumphs as Toyota Retires at Lone Star Le Mans
On September 6, Ferrari claimed victory in the World Endurance Championship’s Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of the Americas, marking a strategic masterclass over rival manufacturers. The race concluded in heartbreak for Toyota, which was leading until a late-race issue forced a retirement just 12 minutes from the finish. This result significantly alters the momentum in the Hypercar category, with Ferrari’s #50 car taking its first win of the season while Toyota’s title hopes face renewed scrutiny.
Bulega Confirms MotoGP Move with VR46 for 2027
In a major manufacturer and rider market shift, Nicolò Bulega has officially signed with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team to compete in MotoGP starting in 2027. The announcement, confirmed on September 9, marks the end of his tenure with Aruba.it Racing in World Superbike, where he has been a dominant force. Bulega will ride a Ducati, becoming one of the few Italian riders on factory-spec machinery in the premier class, signaling VR46’s continued integration with Ducati’s development path.
McLaughlin Dominates IndyCar Finale; Palou Clinches Title
Scott McLaughlin ended his winless streak dating back to 2024 by dominating the IndyCar season finale at Laguna Seca on September 7, leading 87 of 95 laps. While Alex Palou had already secured the championship title the previous week, McLaughlin’s victory capped a strong resurgence for Team Penske. The final standings confirmed Honda’s dominance in the manufacturers' championship, while the driver market saw significant moves, including Robert Shwartzman’s confirmed move to Peugeot in WEC for 2027.
Shwartzman Joins Peugeot for WEC 2027 Campaign
Robert Shwartzman will join Peugeot’s World Endurance Championship program for the 2027 season, transitioning from his brief IndyCar stint to endurance racing. The move, announced on September 8, sees Shwartzman return to the WEC grid after previously driving for AF Corse’s private Ferrari entry. This signing highlights Peugeot’s strategy to blend young talent with experienced endurance racers as they aim to challenge Ferrari and Toyota in the Hypercar class.
Local view
Italy (Gazzetta dello Sport / MotoriNoLimits): Italian media heavily covered Nicolò Bulega’s departure from Superbike to join VR46, framing it as a "dream come true" for the rider and a significant boost for the Italian presence in MotoGP. Gazzetta.it emphasized that Bulega will be the only Italian rider on a Ducati prototype in 2027, highlighting national pride in the VR46 project.
Japan (Autosport Web / Motor Magazine): Japanese outlets focused intensely on Toyota’s late-race retirement at COTA. Autosport Web described the loss as a "nightmare" occurring just 12 minutes from victory, noting that Toyota’s failure to convert pole position and race leadership into a win leaves the championship battle "chaotic." Coverage highlighted the technical resilience of the Ferrari #50, which survived penalties to take the win.
Context & numbers
- WEC Championship Standings: Following Round 5, the Hypercar championship standings have tightened. Ferrari’s win reduces the gap to the leaders, while Toyota’s zero-point finish from this round complicates their defense.
- IndyCar Season Finale Stats: Scott McLaughlin led 87 of 95 laps at Laguna Seca, achieving one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 season. Alex Palou finished the season as champion, with the runner-up spot decided in the final laps.
- MotoGP Points Gap: Ahead of the San Marino GP, Marc Márquez sits second in the championship, only 19 points behind leader Jorge Martín, setting up a critical weekend at Misano.
On the radar
- MotoGP San Marino GP: The paddock moves to Misano this weekend (September 11-13), with Márquez aiming to close the gap to Martín. The track is a stronghold for Ducati, having won there eight times since 2007.
- Super GT Round 6: Attention shifts to SUGO for the next round of Japan’s premier GT series, with qualifying sessions scheduled for the coming weekend.
- FIA Sporting Calendar Updates: The FIA has approved the final 2026 sporting calendars, confirming upcoming dates for WRC and other championships, which may impact team logistics and testing schedules.
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