Peugeot took command of proceedings at Fuji as the FIA World Endurance Championship kicked off its 100th race weekend. In a Hypercar field that once again proved tightly matched, the French manufacturer underlined the form that carried them to a podium in Austin just weeks ago.
Loïc Duval opened the account strongly in FP1, setting a 1:30.152 lap aboard the #94 Peugeot 9X8 to eclipse the sister car of Jean-Éric Vergne, which completed a one-two for the marque. The Aston Martin Valkyries (#009 and #007) slotted in directly behind, confirming steady progress for the British operation.
Among the Porsche Penske entries, the #5 stood out. Julien Andlauer and Mathieu Jaminet guided it to the fifth-fastest time, edging out Toyota’s favored #8 machine of Hartley, Buemi, and Hirakawa. The reigning champions are chasing a remarkable tenth triumph at Fuji. Alpine and Ferrari also featured inside the top ten, with all major manufacturers covered by just a few tenths.
FP2 saw the momentum continue for Peugeot. Mikkel Jensen delivered the day’s benchmark, a 1:29.495 in the #93 9X8. Porsche Penske remained firmly in contention, Aston Martin’s pace stayed convincing, while Toyota and Alpine maintained credible podium prospects. By contrast, Ferrari’s #50 could manage only eighth, and last year’s Fuji winners in the #6 Porsche ended the day in tenth.
LMGT3: Lexus Dominates Home Turf
The LMGT3 field brought its own drama, with Lexus exploiting home advantage to full effect. In FP1, Ben Barnicoat stopped the clocks at 1:41.257 in the #78 Akkodis ASP Lexus, narrowly shading the TF Sport Corvette (#81) by just 0.033 seconds.
United Autosports continued its strong McLaren run with third, while Ferrari, BMW, and Ford formed the chasing group. With five different marques in the top five, the balance and diversity of the category stood out once again. Vista AF Corse — demoted after its COTA podium — returned to prominence, signaling clear intent to set the record straight.
FP2 again belonged to Lexus, this time through Clemens Schmid in the #87 machine, whose 1:41.431 lap narrowly edged United’s #59 McLaren and the stablemate #78 Lexus. Manthey EMA’s Porsche, still leading the points race, slotted into fourth. Ferrari (#21), Ford Mustang, and Aston Martin ensured a robust spread in the upper order.
Balance of Performance Outlook
If practice has proven anything, it is that Fuji will once again hinge on fine margins. Peugeot has established itself as an early favorite, but Porsche, Aston Martin, and Toyota remain poised to capitalize. The Balance of Performance could play the decisive role when points are on the line.
LMGT3, in particular, looks razor-thin, with gaps measured in hundredths of a second. Lexus appears well placed to secure a triumphant home win, while Peugeot faces the challenge of converting practice dominance into race-day results.
As the WEC approaches its penultimate round of 2025, the stage is set for a gripping contest. Full timing sheets from FP1 and FP2 have been linked accordingly.
Images © FIA WEC Press-Images (Julien Delfosse / DPPI)