Penalty Costs Sean Gelael Podium Shot at WEC Imola Opener

Sport

Penalty Costs Sean Gelael Podium Shot at WEC Imola Opener

21 Apr 2026 05:59 WIB
Voice of Indonesia

Key Points

Sean Gelael’s Team WRT 32 lost a potential podium at WEC Imola after a five-second unsafe release penaalty during a pit stop.
Despite dropping out of the top 10, a late recovery drive secured fifth place as the team looks ahead to the next round in Belgium.

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A pit-lane penalty dashed Indonesia’s hopes of an early podium in the FIA World Endurance Championship 2026 season opener, where Sean Gelael showed strong pace for Team WRT 32 at the Imola Circuit on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

Sean climbed from seventh to briefly reach the top three in the LMGT3 class. However, the podium opportunity vanished following a five-second penalty during a pit stop.

The BMW No. 32 was released too early, interfering with Proton Competition 88 in the pit lane, and was judged to have committed an unsafe release violation.

The penalty, served at the next pit stop, significantly impacted the team’s standing, dropping them from the front pack to outside the top 10.

Farfus, who drove the final stint, attempted a recovery amid light rain conditions and managed to bring the team back up to finish fifth.

“This result is our best effort,” Sean Gelael said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Monday, April 20, as quoted by Antara, adding that the team also took satisfaction from another WRT car securing victory.

In the race, Team WRT 69 claimed the LMGT3 class win, while Toyota emerged victorious in the Hypercar category.

The next round of the championship will take place at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on May 9. ***